SWMS template · Plumbing & Gas
General Plumbing — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for general plumbing work including installation of pipes, fittings, fixtures and sanitary drainage. Applicable to residential and commercial plumbing works to be performed by a licensed plumber in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.
Last reviewed
- Category
- Plumbing & Gas
- HRCW
- 1 category
- Job steps
- 4
- Hazards rated
- 7
- PPE items
- 5
General plumbing work on construction sites must be performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber in all Australian states and territories. Plumbing licensing is a state and territory regulatory matter — licences are issued by the relevant authority in each jurisdiction (for example, NSW Fair Trading, the Victorian Building Authority, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, or the South Australian Technical and Administrative Services). A licensed plumber or drainer must hold a current licence appropriate to the class of work being performed, and must certify the work through the relevant plumbing compliance framework in their state.
The primary technical standard for plumbing installations in Australia is AS/NZS 3500, which covers water services (Part 1), sanitary plumbing and drainage (Part 2), stormwater drainage (Part 3), and heated water services (Part 4). Compliance with AS/NZS 3500 and the relevant state's Plumbing Code of Australia (which forms part of the National Construction Code) is mandatory for all new plumbing work. Completed plumbing work must be inspected and certified per the relevant state plumbing inspection regime.
While general plumbing is not itself HRCW under regulation 291 of the model WHS Regulations, plumbing work frequently involves HRCW activities — excavation for underground drainage (depth exceeding 1.5 m), working at height for roof drainage and stormwater installation, and confined space entry for underground drainage structures. Each of these activities requires its own SWMS. Manual handling is the leading cause of injury in the plumbing trade — pipes, fittings, water heaters, and fixtures are heavy and awkward, and musculoskeletal injuries from carrying, lifting, and working in confined ceiling spaces account for a significant proportion of plumbing industry workers' compensation claims.
Customise this template with the specific scope of plumbing work, the AS/NZS 3500 parts applicable, the licence details of the licensed plumber supervising the work, and any HRCW activities that will be performed as part of the plumbing scope. This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Work on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety Boots (Steel Capped)
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves
- High Visibility Vest (on-site)
- P2 Dust Respirator (when cutting or grinding)
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Underground service location and trench excavation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striking underground services during excavation | Catastrophic | BYDA plans obtained. Service locator used. Trial holes hand-dug to confirm locations. No mechanical excavation within 300 mm of known services. | Low | Licensed Plumber / Site Supervisor |
| Trench collapse in excavations >1.5 m deep | Catastrophic | Refer to General Excavation SWMS for trenches >1.5 m deep. Shoring or battering as required. | Low | Contractor / Site Supervisor |
Step 2Pipe cutting, joining and installation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laceration from pipe cutting tools | Moderate | Use appropriate cutting tool for pipe material. Use cut-off saw with blade guard. Wear cut-resistant gloves. Deburr all cut ends. Secure pipe before cutting. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
| Solvent cement fumes causing respiratory or eye irritation | Moderate | Use solvent cement in well-ventilated areas. Avoid breathing fumes. Wear safety glasses. Store solvents per SDS. No naked flames nearby. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
Step 3Pressure testing of pipework
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe or fitting failure under pressure causing injury | High | Visually inspect all joints before pressurising. Increase pressure gradually to test pressure. Stand clear of pressurised system. Use calibrated test gauge. Release pressure before disconnecting test equipment. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
Step 4Working in roof space or subfloor
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat stress in roof space | High | Schedule roof space work for cooler times of day. Maximum 20-minute intervals in roof space. Keep water available. Ventilate roof space before entry. Buddy system — no lone workers in roof space. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
| Contact with live electrical wiring in roof or subfloor | Catastrophic | Use head torch. Identify and avoid electrical cables. Do not cut or move cables. Report any damaged wiring to electrician before continuing work. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
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.
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