Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) for Plumbing SWMS
Safe work method statement for trenchless horizontal directional drilling for plumbing service installation including service detection, drilling fluid management, and reinstatement.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) installs plumbing services trenchlessly via a steerable drill head and bentonite drilling fluid. Locating underground assets, managing drill fluid pressure, and pit reinstatement carry significant WHS risks. SWMS is required under WHS Regulation 2025 where excavation, services strikes, or confined entry are foreseeable.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Explosion, electrocution or fatality
Environmental contamination and slip injury
Worker crushing or burial
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Conduct DBYD search, electronic service location and potholing before drilling; mark all assets visibly.
- 2Monitor annular pressure continuously; halt drilling and contain frac-outs with bunding and absorbent materials.
- 3Batter, bench or shore pits >1.5m deep per AS 5047; maintain 600mm exclusion zone.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Service location, pit shoring and ground stability requirements.
Water service installation standards for HDD-laid mains.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template fully populated for HDD plumbing works
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)
- ✓Project hazard register aligned to drilling, fluid management and reinstatement phases
- ✓Worker sign-on and daily review register
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 (Cth model)
- WHS Regulation 2025 — Part 6.3 Excavation
- Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW)