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

Water Main Connection — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for connecting to water authority mains including tapping, valve installation, service connection, pressure testing, and backfill, performed in accordance with relevant water authority requirements and AS/NZS 3500.

Download this template

Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hatSteel-capped safety bootsHigh-visibility vestWaterproof glovesSafety glassesHearing protection (during excavation)

High Risk Construction Work Types

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

Risk Assessment

1.Underground Service Location and Excavation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Striking live underground services (electricity, gas, telecommunications)	Catastrophic	Before any excavation, obtain a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) response and review all service plans. Engage a cable and pipe locator operator to scan the excavation area with electromagnetic detection and GPR equipment. Mark all detected services on the ground surface with paint. Hand-dig (or use vacuum/hydrovac excavation) within 300 mm of marked services until each service is physically identified and visually confirmed. No mechanical excavation within 300 mm of a confirmed service line.	Moderate	Licensed Plumber / Excavation Supervisor
Trench wall collapse in loose or saturated ground	Catastrophic	For trenches deeper than 1.5 m, engage a geotechnical engineer to assess soil conditions and specify battering or shoring. Install trench boxes or sheet piling as directed before workers enter. Inspect trench walls each morning and after any rainfall — de-water standing water before entry. No workers below ground in unsupported trenches deeper than 1.5 m. Excavated spoil must be placed at least 1 m from the trench edge.	Moderate	Excavation Supervisor / Geotechnical Engineer

2.Water Main Isolation and Dewatering

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Uncontrolled high-pressure water release during tapping or valve installation	High	Contact the water authority to confirm main pressure at the connection point and arrange main isolation where possible. Use a water authority-approved tapping machine with pressure-rated saddle for live tapping. All workers to stand back from the tapping machine during initial cut-in, with the operator protected by the machine body. Have a standby pipe plug kit on site during all live main work. Check all tapping machine seals before use.	Moderate	Licensed Plumber / Water Authority Representative

3.Service Pipe Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Cross-contamination of potable water from contact with soil or contaminants	High	Keep pipe ends capped at all times during installation. Clean all pipe joints with clean water before assembly. Ensure minimum separations from sewer and drainage pipes are maintained per AS/NZS 3500.1 (minimum 300 mm horizontal, 150 mm vertical separation). After installation, disinfect the new service per AS/NZS 4020 using approved chlorination method before connecting to potable supply. Record chlorination concentrations and contact times on the works record.	Low	Licensed Plumber

4.Pressure Testing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Joint failure under test pressure causing flooding of excavation	Moderate	Pressurise in stages (25%, 50%, 100% of test pressure) with a 5-minute hold at each stage before proceeding. All workers must stand clear of joints during pressurisation. Inspect all joints visually during each hold period. If flooding of the trench begins during testing, depressurise immediately. Do not enter a flooded trench. Pump out water and reassess ground stability before allowing workers back into the trench.	Low	Licensed Plumber

5.Backfill and Reinstatement

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Pipe damage from mechanical compactor over newly installed service	Moderate	Place a minimum 200 mm layer of clean sand or approved bedding material over the pipe and compact by hand for the first 300 mm of cover above the pipe crown. Plate compactor may be used only after a minimum 300 mm of cover is achieved above the pipe. Maximum compactor plate size and pass speed must be consistent with pipe manufacturer's installation instructions. Layer backfill in maximum 200 mm lifts and compact to specified density. Mark service with a warning tape 300 mm above the pipe before placing topsoil or pavement reinstatement.	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: ___________________