Product Overview

Summary: This Water Drainage and Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for safely managing surface water, stormwater and site runoff in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses prevent slips, trips, structural damage, erosion and environmental harm while demonstrating due diligence under WHS and environmental legislation.

Uncontrolled water on a worksite or facility can quickly turn into a serious safety and operational issue. From flooded walkways and slippery warehouse floors to undermined excavations and damaged electrical infrastructure, poor drainage management exposes workers to avoidable hazards and businesses to costly downtime and potential regulatory action. This Water Drainage and Management SOP provides a structured, repeatable method for assessing water risks, planning drainage controls and managing rainfall events across a wide range of Australian workplaces.

The procedure guides you through pre-planning for wet weather, routine inspection of drains and pits, safe diversion of water around work areas, and the use of pumps, silt socks, bunds and temporary drainage. It also addresses contamination risks, sediment control and protection of neighbouring properties and public infrastructure, helping you align site practices with WHS duties and environmental expectations. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate a proactive approach to worker safety, asset protection and environmental stewardship, while giving supervisors and workers clear instructions on what to do before, during and after rain events.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slip, trip and fall incidents caused by pooling water, mud and algae growth in work areas.
• Ensure consistent, compliant practices for managing stormwater, site runoff and temporary drainage across all locations.
• Protect structures, pavements, excavations and underground services from water damage, erosion and instability.
• Minimise environmental harm by controlling sediment, contaminants and uncontrolled discharges to stormwater systems and waterways.
• Support WHS and environmental due diligence with documented, auditable procedures for wet weather and drainage management.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Civil and Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Maintenance Team Leaders
• Operations Managers
• Grounds and Landscaping Coordinators
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• Environmental and Sustainability Officers
• Local Government Works Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on wet, muddy or algae-covered surfaces
• Undermining of excavations, trenches, retaining walls and foundations due to uncontrolled water flow
• Electrical hazards from water ingress into switchboards, pits, cables and plant
• Vehicle skidding, bogging and loss of control on waterlogged or eroded access roads
• Structural damage to pavements, culverts, drains and hardstands from poor drainage
• Exposure to contaminated water, sewage, chemicals or biological hazards in pooled or stagnant water
• Environmental pollution from sediment-laden or contaminated runoff entering stormwater systems and waterways
• Blocked drains and pits leading to localised flooding of work areas, amenities and storage zones
• Manual handling and strain injuries from unsafe handling of pumps, hoses, grates and temporary barriers during wet weather response

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Legislative and Standards References
• 5.0 Site Water and Drainage Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Planning for Wet Weather and Storm Events
• 7.0 Permanent Drainage Infrastructure Requirements
• 8.0 Temporary Drainage, Diversion and Pumping Controls
• 9.0 Sediment, Contamination and Environmental Protection Measures
• 10.0 Safe Use of Pumps, Hoses, Grates and Ancillary Equipment
• 11.0 Inspection, Cleaning and Maintenance of Drains, Pits and Gutters
• 12.0 Managing Water Around Excavations, Trenches and Slopes
• 13.0 Managing Water in Buildings, Warehouses and Hardstand Areas
• 14.0 Emergency Response to Flooding and Blocked Drains
• 15.0 Communication, Training and Competency Requirements
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 Review and Revision of this Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Excavation Work Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage series
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (for separation of electrical equipment from water ingress)
• AS/NZS ISO 14001: Environmental management systems
• Environment Protection Acts and local council stormwater and sediment control requirements (state and territory specific)