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.

Plumbing & Gas

Drainage Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of sanitary drainage, stormwater drainage, and sewer connection systems for residential and commercial buildings in compliance with AS/NZS 3500.2 and relevant state plumbing regulations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hatSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestWaterproof glovesSafety glassesHearing protection (excavation and power tool use)P2 dust mask (when cutting concrete or clay pipes)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Excavation to a depth of more than 1.5 metres
•Work near energised underground services

Risk Assessment

1.Site Survey and Underground Service Location

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Undetected sewer or stormwater crossing causing pipe damage and contamination	High	Obtain a DBYD response and water authority drainage plans before commencing any work. Compare plans against the physical site layout; note any discrepancies. Use electromagnetic locating equipment to scan for metallic services and probe with a thin steel rod to locate non-metallic pipes near the proposed excavation line. Mark all detected services on the ground surface before excavation. Hand-dig within 300 mm of all marked service locations to physically identify the service depth and position.	Low	Licensed Plumber / Site Supervisor

2.Excavation for Drain Trenches

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Cave-in of trench walls injuring or burying a worker	Catastrophic	Assess soil conditions before excavation. For trenches in Class C or D soil (poorly graded or saturated) or any trench deeper than 1.5 m, engage a geotechnical engineer to determine required batter or shoring. Install trench shields or hydraulic shoring per the engineer's specification before workers enter. Conduct a hazard inspection of trench walls before each entry. Never allow workers to work in the trench during rainfall events that could saturate walls. Place spoil at least 1 m from the trench edge.	Moderate	Excavation Supervisor / Licensed Plumber
Struck by excavator bucket or moving plant	High	Establish a 5-metre exclusion zone around the excavator swing radius using high-visibility bunting. No workers may enter the exclusion zone while the excavator is operating. The excavator operator must spot the work area clear of personnel before swinging the boom. When workers need to work near the excavator (e.g. to inspect depth or position pipes), the operator must place the bucket on the ground, disengage the swing drive, and receive a clear verbal signal from the supervisor before workers approach.	Low	Excavator Operator / Site Supervisor

3.Pipe Bedding and Laying

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Back injury from manual handling of heavy concrete or clay pipes in trench	High	Concrete and clay pipes above 20 kg (typically DN100 and larger) must be lowered into the trench using a crane or excavator with a rated pipe hook attachment — never thrown or dropped. Workers in the trench to guide the pipe into position using ropes or guide bars, keeping hands away from the pipe spigot and socket during insertion. Minimise manual re-positioning in the trench using the mechanical plant where possible. Workers must not lift and carry pipes in a trench — roll or slide pipes on the bedding material.	Low	Licensed Plumber / Site Supervisor

4.Cutting and Jointing Pipes

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Silica dust inhalation from cutting concrete or clay pipes	High	Use a wet-cut saw with continuous water suppression when cutting concrete or clay pipes. Workers and bystanders within 4 metres of the cutting zone must wear a P2 disposable respirator during cutting. Never use an angle grinder on clay or concrete pipe without a dust shroud and vacuum capture. Conduct cutting operations in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Dampen cut faces before handling. Review silica dust risk assessment per Safe Work Australia guidance on crystalline silica.	Low	Licensed Plumber / All Workers
Solvent cement fume inhalation during PVC jointing	Moderate	Use solvent cement in well-ventilated areas — open trenches provide reasonable ventilation but deep or confined sections may require forced air supply. Apply solvent cement with the brush provided by the manufacturer and replace cap immediately after use. Solvent cement containers must not be left open. In confined trenches, limit exposure time and rotate workers to limit individual exposure below the WES. Workers to stand upwind of the application point where possible.	Low	Licensed Plumber

5.Camera Inspection, Testing, and Backfill

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Flooding of trench during hydraulic testing causing worker entrapment	High	No workers may be inside the trench during hydraulic testing of installed drainage. All workers must be on the surface and clear of the trench during pressurisation or when blocking the drain for a water test. If the test fails and the trench floods, depressurise or remove test plug before allowing workers back in. Pump out trench and re-inspect walls for erosion or softening before re-entry. Ensure a worker observer is stationed at the trench edge throughout the test.	Low	Licensed Plumber / 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: ___________________