Routine Backflow Annual Test — Residential SWMS

Residential backflow annual testing covers the periodic field testing, servicing and certification of testable backflow prevention devices at residential properties — the containment devices that protect the drinking water supply where a residential property has a connection that presents a backflow hazard, such as an irrigation system, a rainwater connection or a fire service. Where a residential property has a testable backflow device, it must be field tested at the required interval by an accredited tester, because a failed device no longer protects the supply. This document is written on the basis that residential backflow testing is carried out by a licensed plumber accredited in backflow testing, with the device field tested, serviced and certified.

Residential backflow devices are field tested and maintained to AS/NZS 2845.3, with the devices installed to AS/NZS 3500.1 and complying with AS/NZS 2845.1. A testable containment device at a residential property — for example protecting against a backflow hazard from an irrigation system, rainwater connection or other hazard — must be field tested at the required interval by an accredited backflow tester, with the result recorded and the device registered with the network utility where required. This document coordinates the field-testing, servicing, contamination and certification controls so the residential device continues to protect the drinking water supply.

Hazards identified

9 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

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

1. 1Administrative: field test the residential backflow prevention device to AS/NZS 2845.3 by an accredited backflow tester, confirming the device performs, and service or repair it where it fails.
2. 2Engineering: where the device fails, service, repair or replace it so it performs to AS/NZS 2845.1, maintaining the protection matched to the hazard.
3. 3Administrative: control contamination during testing and servicing so the supply is not contaminated when the device is opened, and flush where required.
4. 4Administrative: manage the water discharge and pressure release during testing, directing relief discharge safely.
5. 5Administrative: where the device is in a meter box or pit, apply the access controls and atmospheric testing where it meets the confined space definition.
6. 6Administrative: record the test result accurately, certify the device, register it with the network utility where required, and schedule the next test at the required interval.
7. 7Engineering: reassemble the device correctly after servicing and confirm it performs before it is returned to service.
8. 8Administrative: ensure the work is carried out and certified by an appropriately licensed plumber under the relevant state or territory plumbing licensing scheme, with the backflow, testing or other endorsement required and a compliance or test 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 competencies and any backflow, confined space or testing endorsements 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, 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 accredited in backflow testing is engaged to carry out the annual field testing of the testable backflow device at a residential property with an irrigation system. The device is field tested to AS/NZS 2845.3, confirming it performs and protects against the backflow hazard from the irrigation connection. Where the device fails, it is serviced, repaired or replaced so it performs to AS/NZS 2845.1, maintaining the protection. Contamination is controlled during testing and servicing so the supply is not contaminated, with flushing where required. The water discharge and pressure release during testing are managed, directing the relief discharge safely. The device is in a meter box, so the access controls apply. The test result is recorded accurately, the device certified and registered with the network utility, and the next test scheduled. The device is reassembled correctly and confirmed to perform before return to service. 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 provisions where applicable, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• The relevant plumbing and drainage standards AS/NZS 3500 (Parts 0–5), AS/NZS 1547 for on-site wastewater, the AS 4032 and AS 1357 valve standards, AS/NZS 2845.3 for backflow field testing, and AS 1851 for fire-system service, are called up by the state and territory plumbing and building safety legislation, together with the requirements of the relevant network utility.
• Plumbing work is licensed under each state and territory's plumbing licensing scheme, with backflow and testing accreditation required for that work, and compliance or test 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 and confined space provisions applying in place of the model instruments.

Frequently asked questions