Product Overview

Summary: This Water Treatment and Conservation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for safely managing, treating and conserving water across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations protect worker health, safeguard the environment, and reduce operating costs while demonstrating compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Water treatment and conservation activities sit at the intersection of worker safety, environmental protection and cost control. Poorly managed systems can expose workers to hazardous chemicals, biological contaminants and confined spaces, while also risking non-compliance with Australian WHS and environmental legislation. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end-to-end approach to the safe treatment, reuse and conservation of water in industrial, commercial and infrastructure settings, including building services, manufacturing, food processing, utilities and remote sites.

The document breaks down complex technical requirements into clear, step-by-step instructions that can be followed by operators, supervisors and contractors alike. It covers safe chemical dosing and handling, management of storage tanks and pipework, control of Legionella and other microbiological risks, monitoring of water quality, and practical strategies to reduce water consumption and discharge volumes. By implementing this SOP, organisations gain a defensible, auditable system for managing water treatment risks, reducing wastage, and aligning site practices with Australian Standards, environmental licences and WHS due diligence requirements.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe handling, storage and dosing of water treatment chemicals to protect workers and contractors.
• Reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, including Legionella, through consistent monitoring and control measures.
• Optimise water use and reduce consumption, helping to lower utility costs and support sustainability targets.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS, public health and environmental obligations through documented, repeatable procedures.
• Standardise water treatment and conservation practices across multiple sites, improving reliability and reducing downtime.

Who is this for?

• Operations Managers
• Facility Managers
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Water Treatment Plant Operators
• HSE Coordinators
• Quality and Compliance Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Engineering Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous water treatment chemicals (corrosives, oxidisers, biocides)
• Inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella and other pathogenic microorganisms
• Skin and eye contact with irritant or corrosive solutions
• Slips, trips and falls around wet areas, tanks and treatment equipment
• Confined space hazards associated with tanks, pits and sumps
• Manual handling injuries from moving chemical drums, bags and equipment
• Environmental contamination from uncontrolled discharges or spills
• Electrical hazards around pumps, dosing systems and wet plant areas
• Burns or scalds from hot water systems and steam-related equipment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 System Overview and Process Description
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Water Treatment Activities
• 7.0 Required PPE, Safety Equipment and Signage
• 8.0 Chemical Handling, Storage and Dosing Procedures
• 9.0 Operation of Water Treatment Plant and Associated Equipment
• 10.0 Microbial Control and Legionella Risk Management
• 11.0 Water Quality Monitoring, Sampling and Recordkeeping
• 12.0 Water Conservation Strategies and Best Practice Measures
• 13.0 Spill Management, Wastewater Disposal and Environmental Protection
• 14.0 Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space Entry Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency Response Procedures (Exposure, Spills, System Failure)
• 16.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Calibration Requirements
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Contractor Management
• 18.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3666.1: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control – Design, installation and commissioning
• AS/NZS 3666.2: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control – Operation and maintenance
• AS/NZS 4020: Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water
• AS 4343: Pressure equipment – Hazard levels (where pressure vessels or pressurised systems are involved)
• Environment Protection Acts and regulations applicable in relevant state or territory (e.g. NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997)
• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) – National Health and Medical Research Council (where potable water is involved)