Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Confined Spaces

Pipe and Culvert Entry — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for entry into pipes, culverts, and stormwater infrastructure for inspection, cleaning, and minor repair works, addressing atmospheric, flooding, and entrapment hazards.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Half-face or full-face air-purifying respirator (PAPR or SAR)Safety harness with confined space retrieval lanyardWaterproof overallsGumboots or steel-capped waterproof bootsNitrile glovesSafety helmet (low-profile where required)Intrinsically safe head torchHigh-visibility vest

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work in confined spaces
•Work involving risk of drowning

Risk Assessment

1.Site Preparation and Upstream Flow Control

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Flooding or entrapment from upstream flow surges	Catastrophic	Before entry, check weather conditions and storm forecasts. Contact the asset owner to identify and, where possible, close upstream isolation gates. Deploy temporary inflatable plugs upstream of the entry point to block flow. Assign a designated flow spotter with two-way radio to monitor upstream inlet conditions throughout the task. Define a safe flow trigger level — if water rises above ankle depth at the entry invert, immediately recall all entrants via radio. Do not allow entry if weather radar shows rainfall in the catchment.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Flow Spotter

2.Atmospheric Testing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Low oxygen or toxic gas accumulation in enclosed pipe section	Catastrophic	Insert the gas monitor probe the full length of the accessible pipe section before any entry. Test for O2 (acceptable 19.5–23.5%), LEL (<5%), CO (<25 ppm), and H2S (<1 ppm). If any reading is outside acceptable limits, introduce forced mechanical ventilation via a portable axial blower for a minimum of 15 minutes, then re-test. Continuous monitoring must be maintained by attaching monitor to entrant throughout work. Record all readings on the confined space entry permit.	Low	Entry Supervisor / Entrant

3.Entry and Crawling Through Pipe

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Physical entrapment due to reduced bore, debris blockages, or pipe damage	High	Inspect the pipe using a CCTV camera prior to human entry to identify internal obstructions, collapsed sections, and bore reductions. Do not permit human entry into any pipe section less than 750 mm in diameter. Entrant must wear a properly fitted rescue harness; never proceed beyond the length of the retrieval rope. Standby person must have direct visual or radio contact at all times. Pre-agree a communication protocol (e.g. one tug = stop, two tugs = come back) and test before entry.	Moderate	Entry Supervisor / Standby Person
Musculoskeletal injury from prolonged crawling posture	Moderate	Limit continuous time in the crawling position to 15 minutes, followed by a minimum 30-minute break outside the pipe. Provide knee pads and elbow pads rated for wet, hard surfaces. Carry only essential tools — use a drag bag or tow line to move equipment rather than carrying items while crawling. Conduct a pre-task stretch and warm-up before entry. Report any pain or discomfort immediately to the supervisor.	Low	Entrant / Site Supervisor

4.Minor Repair Work Inside Pipe

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Chemical exposure from pipe repair resins or epoxy coatings	High	Review SDS for all repair materials before use. Ensure forced ventilation is maintained at a rate sufficient to keep solvent vapour concentrations below 10% of the OEL during application of resins or coatings. Entrant wears SAR rather than APF when applying chemicals inside confined space. No more than one entrant inside the pipe during chemical application. Remove all chemical containers and waste from the pipe before exit.	Moderate	Entrant / Entry Supervisor

5.Exit and Site Reinstatement

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker trapped due to equipment or tool left blocking egress route	High	Maintain a tool and equipment register for every item taken into the pipe; reconcile the register at exit. Entrant must confirm all tools accounted for before crawling to exit. Standby person checks entry log against tools retrieved. Reinstate all upstream isolation plugs or gates to their original configuration and confirm with asset owner. Complete confined space entry permit closure and remove all signage.	Low	Entrant / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________