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

Sewer and Drainage Work — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for entry into sewers, drainage structures, and wet wells, addressing biological hazards, toxic gases, and flooding risks in accordance with Australian WHS Regulations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Supplied-air respirator or SCBAFull-body chemical-resistant coveralls (Type 4 minimum)Safety harness and tripod retrieval systemKnee-high chemical-resistant gumbootsNitrile or chemical-resistant glovesSafety helmetIntrinsically safe torchEye protection (chemical splash goggles)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work in confined spaces
•Work involving hazardous atmospheres
•Work near live sewerage

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-Entry Site Assessment and Traffic Management

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers struck by vehicles while working on or near roadways	Catastrophic	Establish a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) approved by the relevant road authority before work begins. Deploy advance warning signs (minimum 150 m from worksite), bollards, and water-filled barriers to protect the work zone. Assign a designated traffic controller holding a current Traffic Controller Certificate. Workers wear Class 2 high-visibility vests. Stop work if traffic control devices are disturbed and restore before continuing.	Moderate	Traffic Controller / Site Supervisor
Undetected inflow surge from storm events	Catastrophic	Check Bureau of Meteorology forecast; do not commence entry if probability of rainfall exceeding 10mm within the working period is greater than 20%. Contact the relevant water authority/council to verify upstream valve positions. Place flow monitoring equipment upstream. Establish a trigger flow rate above which all workers must immediately exit. Assign a spotter to monitor upstream conditions throughout the task.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Entry Supervisor

2.Atmospheric Testing and Ventilation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) poisoning causing rapid incapacitation	Catastrophic	Test H2S concentration at the entry point and at 1 m depth intervals using a calibrated 4-gas monitor before entry. Acceptable limit: <1 ppm for unprotected entry. Introduce forced-air mechanical ventilation (minimum 10 air changes per hour) for at least 15 minutes before entry and continuously during work. All entrants wear supplied-air respirators rated for H2S. Activate continuous monitoring alarm set at 1 ppm. Standby person and entry supervisor must not remove their own PPE during the task.	Moderate	Entry Supervisor / Standby Person
Methane accumulation causing explosion	Catastrophic	Measure LEL at entry point and all work locations. Acceptable limit: <5% LEL. Use only intrinsically safe (Ex-rated) equipment, tools, and lighting inside the sewer. No open flame, spark-generating tools, or mobile phones inside the structure. If LEL exceeds 5%, immediately evacuate and increase ventilation. Re-test before re-entry. Document all readings in the confined space entry permit.	Low	Entry Supervisor / Entrant

3.Entry and Movement in Sewer

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Drowning or submersion due to sudden flow increase	Catastrophic	Entrant wears a full-body safety harness rated to EN 361 and is connected to a tripod-mounted retrieval winch at the entry point. Establish a maximum permissible flow depth (e.g. no deeper than 300 mm above sole of boot). Standby person maintains continuous visual or radio contact. If flow increases beyond safe threshold or entrant requests exit, immediately initiate retrieval. Never allow entrant to proceed beyond retrieval range.	Moderate	Standby Person / Entry Supervisor
Biological contamination causing infection (Weil's disease, hepatitis)	High	All workers must have current hepatitis A and B vaccinations documented on file before sewer entry is permitted. Workers wear impermeable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection throughout. No eating, drinking, or smoking at the worksite. On exit, workers remove and bag contaminated PPE, wash hands and face thoroughly with antiseptic solution, and shower as soon as possible. Any cuts or abrasions must be reported and dressed before entry. Workers are informed of symptoms of Weil's disease and advised to see a doctor if symptoms develop within 14 days.	Low	All Workers / Site Supervisor

4.Inspection and Repair Work Inside Sewer

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Manual handling injuries from working in confined, wet, and awkward positions	Moderate	Reduce manual tasks through pre-task planning: prefabricate or pre-cut materials outside the confined space, use lightweight materials where possible, and minimise tool weights. Workers rotate tasks every 20 minutes to reduce repetitive strain. Supervisor conducts a manual task risk assessment before entry if any component weighing more than 10 kg is to be handled. Document and report all discomfort or pain symptoms immediately.	Low	Workers / Site Supervisor

5.Emergency Rescue Procedures

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Entrant incapacitated by gas exposure before retrieval can occur	Catastrophic	Rescue plan must be documented, briefed to all workers, and posted at the entry point before entry begins. Standby person wears SCBA continuously when entrant is inside. Initiate non-entry rescue (retrieval winch) as primary method — standby person never enters without a second standby person present and full SCBA donned. Emergency services (000) are called simultaneously with retrieval initiation. First aid kit and AED must be staged within 10 metres of entry point.	Moderate	Standby Person / Entry 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: ___________________