Dishwasher & Washing Machine Connection SWMS

Appliance connection plumbing covers the connection of water-using and gas appliances to the plumbing and gas services — connecting dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators with water, and gas appliances to the water, drainage and gas connections. It combines the plumbing with the appliance connection, and the hazards include the protection of the drinking water supply through the appliance connection, any gas connection with its leak and combustion hazards, the water and drainage connection, and the electrical aspect where the appliance is electrical. This document is written on the basis that appliance connection is carried out by a licensed plumber and, for gas, a licensed gasfitter, with the backflow, gas, water and electrical-coordination controls in place.

Appliance connection is carried out to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500, with backflow protection to AS/NZS 3500.1 because appliances present backflow hazards to the drinking water supply, any gas connection to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 with leak testing and combustion, and the water and drainage connection with approved materials. The drinking water protection, the gas connection, the water and drainage, and the electrical coordination are the considerations. This document coordinates the backflow, gas, water and electrical-coordination controls so the appliance is connected safely.

Hazards identified

9 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Engineering: provide and confirm backflow protection matched to the hazard on the appliance connection to the drinking water supply to AS/NZS 3500.1, because appliances present backflow hazards, and use approved materials.
2. 2Administrative: where the appliance is gas, carry out the gas connection to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 with leak testing, combustion testing and ventilation, by a licensed gasfitter.
3. 3Engineering: make the water and drainage connection with integrity so it does not leak, with approved materials, and isolate the water before the connection.
4. 4Administrative: coordinate the electrical aspect where the appliance is electrical, with electrical work by a licensed electrician, and not energise an appliance unsafely.
5. 5Engineering: manage the stored water, pressure and energy, and hot water and scalding at the connection.
6. 6Engineering: use correct technique to move and position the appliance, and confirm the connection and commissioning so the appliance is leak-free and safe.
7. 7Administrative: test the connection for leaks and correct operation before completion.
8. 8Administrative: ensure the work is carried out and certified by an appropriately licensed plumber, drainer or gasfitter under the relevant state or territory plumbing and gasfitting licensing scheme, with the relevant competencies and a compliance certificate issued where required.
9. 9Administrative: all workers must hold a valid White Card (General Construction Induction Training, CPCCWHS1001) where the work is construction work, with the plumbing, gasfitting, confined space and any other competencies required for the work.
10. 10Administrative: conduct a pre-start toolbox talk covering the day's work, identified hazards, isolations, required PPE and emergency procedures, and record attendance in the consultation section.
11. 11Administrative: consult workers and any health and safety representatives on the work and its risks, record the consultation, and keep this document available at the workplace.
12. 12PPE: eye protection to AS/NZS 1337.1, hearing protection where required, gloves appropriate to the task, high-visibility clothing, and Class I or Class II safety footwear with protective toecap to AS/NZS 2210.3.
13. 13Administrative: review and update this SWMS whenever the work scope changes, after any incident or near miss, when a worker or health and safety representative raises a concern, when new hazards are identified, or at minimum every 12 months.

Applicable Codes of Practice

Worked example

A licensed plumber is engaged to connect a dishwasher and a gas cooktop to the services. Backflow protection matched to the hazard is provided and confirmed on the appliance connection to the drinking water supply to AS/NZS 3500.1, because appliances present backflow hazards, with approved materials. The gas cooktop connection is carried out to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 with leak testing, combustion testing and ventilation, by a licensed gasfitter. The water and drainage connection is made with integrity so it does not leak, with approved materials, and the water isolated before the connection. The electrical aspect is coordinated, with electrical work by a licensed electrician, and the appliance not energised unsafely. The stored water, pressure and energy, and hot water and scalding, are managed. Correct technique is used to move and position the appliances. The connection and commissioning are confirmed so the appliances are leak-free and safe, and the connection tested for leaks and correct operation before completion. The records are retained.

Related legislation

• Model Work Health and Safety Act — primary duty of care; the duty to consult workers; the reckless-conduct offence; and notifiable-incident provisions, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations — Section 291 high risk construction work and the SWMS preparation and review duties, and the confined space, excavation, demolition and electrical provisions where applicable, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• The relevant plumbing and drainage standards AS/NZS 3500 (Parts 0–5), AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 for gas, the pressure piping and pressure equipment standards, the AS 4032 valve standards, and the hazardous chemicals, demolition and asbestos requirements, are called up by the relevant legislation, together with the relevant network utility, insurer and site requirements.
• Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work is licensed under each state and territory's plumbing and gasfitting licensing scheme, with the relevant competencies for the specialist work, and compliance certification required for notifiable work; electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician.
• Victoria operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, with the high risk construction work, confined space, excavation and demolition provisions applying in place of the model instruments.

Frequently asked questions