Temporary Services Connection (Site) SWMS
SWMS template for temporary services connection (site). Covers Site water/gas/sewer hookup, temporary.. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed editable DOCX delivered within 24 hours of payment.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Temporary services connection work involves the installation, alteration and decommissioning of provisional water, gas and sewer connections on construction sites. This work is performed by licensed plumbers and gasfitters during early site establishment, throughout the construction phase, and during demobilisation. Typical activities include connecting site sheds to the water main via a standpipe, installing temporary backflow prevention devices (RPZD or DCV), running temporary sewer connections to amenities, hooking up temporary LPG cylinders or natural gas supply for site facilities, and disconnecting these services prior to handover.
Under the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the WHS Regulation 2017 (and its state equivalents), a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement before any High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) commences, as required by Regulation 299. Temporary services connection work routinely falls within multiple HRCW categories listed in Regulation 291, including work involving energised electrical installations and work near road or pedestrian traffic on a construction site.
This SWMS template has been reviewed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist and aligns with the Safe Work Australia Construction Work Code of Practice, the Plumbing Code of Australia, AS/NZS 3500 series (Plumbing and Drainage), and AS/NZS 5601 (Gas installations). It satisfies the documentation requirements imposed under Regulation 299–303 and provides the principal contractor with evidence that hazards have been identified, controls applied in line with the hierarchy of controls, and workers consulted in accordance with section 47 of the WHS Act.
Hazards identified
6 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Slip, trip and fall injuries causing fractures, sprains and head injuries; secondary impacts include pulling live electrical leads or pressurised hoses
Electrocution, arc flash burns, cardiac arrest and fatality; potential damage to live infrastructure causing wider site outage
Crush injuries or fatality from being struck by trucks, excavators or delivery vehicles; vehicle collisions caused by obscured sightlines
Fire, explosion, asphyxiation and thermal burns; potential ignition from nearby hot works or electrical sources
Gastrointestinal illness, hepatitis A, leptospirosis and skin infections from pathogen exposure
Musculoskeletal injuries including lower back strain, shoulder injuries and crush injuries from dropped cylinders
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Conduct a Dial Before You Dig (BYDA) search and obtain current service plans before any excavation; verify with cable locator and hand-dig within 500mm of identified services in line with AS 5488
- 2Elevate temporary water and electrical leads using cable stands or bunting where they cross walkways; install hose ramps rated for site traffic where crossing vehicle paths
- 3Implement a traffic management plan compliant with AS 1742.3, including spotters, witches hats, signage and physical barriers, before commencing connection work in trafficable zones
- 4Install an approved backflow prevention device (RPZD or DCV) on any temporary water connection in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1 and the local water authority's requirements; commission and tag the device
- 5Test and tag all temporary electrical leads and tools to AS/NZS 3760 and connect only via an RCD-protected portable outlet device; isolate and lock out before any plumbing work near electrical infrastructure
- 6Perform gas tightness testing using a manometer in accordance with AS/NZS 5601.1 before energising any temporary gas line; purge with inert procedure and use a gas detector during commissioning
- 7Restrain LPG cylinders upright in a ventilated, signed compound at least 3m from ignition sources, with dry chemical extinguisher mounted within 5m as required by AS/NZS 1596
- 8Wear full PPE including eye protection, cut-resistant gloves, P2 respirator (for sewer work), waterproof boots and hi-vis clothing; provide hand-washing facilities and disposable coveralls for sewer connection tasks
- 9Use mechanical aids (trolleys, cylinder dollies, two-person lifts) for items over 20kg; pre-plan lifts and avoid twisting postures in line with the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice
- 10Hold a pre-start toolbox talk each shift covering the day's connection scope, isolation points, emergency response and changes since the previous shift; document attendance on the sign-on register
- 11Verify plumber and gasfitter licences current under the relevant state Plumbing Licensing Authority before allowing work; gas work to be performed only by a licensed Type A gasfitter
Applicable Codes of Practice
Provides the approved means of preparing, reviewing and implementing SWMS for HRCW including temporary services on construction sites
Mandates installation, backflow prevention and commissioning requirements for temporary potable water connections
Specifies design, pressure testing and purging requirements for temporary gas service connections
Governs locating underground services and trench safety when exposing existing mains for temporary connection
Sets requirements for working near energised electrical infrastructure and use of RCDs on construction sites
Required where temporary services cross or impact site or public roadways
Applies to handling of pipework, meters and gas cylinders during installation
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Locating and tapping into existing water and sewer mains commonly requires excavation deeper than 1.5m at the connection point
Temporary services are routinely run alongside live site electrical infrastructure; excavation may also expose live underground cables
Standpipe connections and temporary services frequently traverse construction haul roads, site entry points and active vehicle traffic areas
Because this work falls within HRCW categories under WHS Regulation 291, a SWMS must be prepared before work commences (r299), provided to the principal contractor on request (r301), kept available for inspection, and reviewed if controls are inadequate or circumstances change (r302). Failure to comply attracts penalties of up to $6,000 for an individual or $30,000 for a body corporate per offence under the model regulations, and may constitute Category 1 or 2 offences under the WHS Act if a worker is exposed to risk of death or serious injury.
Who this is for
- →Licensed plumbing contractors performing site establishment works on commercial and residential construction projects
- →Type A gasfitters connecting temporary LPG or natural gas supplies to site amenities and demountable buildings
- →Civil and hydraulic subcontractors responsible for temporary potable water and sewer hookups
- →Principal contractors and site managers requiring HRCW SWMS documentation from plumbing trades before site mobilisation
- →WHS managers and safety advisors auditing subcontractor compliance with WHS Regulation 299
- →Sole-trader plumbers tendering for builder work packages that require pre-mobilisation SWMS submission
What you receive
- ✓Fully editable Microsoft Word (DOCX) SWMS template, CIH-reviewed and ready to customise with project details
- ✓State-specific legislation schedule covering NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT WHS Regulations
- ✓Pre-populated hazard register aligned with the hierarchy of controls and tailored to temporary services connection work
- ✓Worker sign-on register and daily review log meeting the consultation requirements of WHS Act s47
- ✓Pre-start checklist covering BYDA, isolation verification, RCD testing and gas leak testing
- ✓SWMS review and amendment register to document control changes during the project
- ✓Emergency response section including gas leak, electrocution and sewer exposure procedures
- ✓Delivered by email within 24 hours of payment confirmation
Worked example
A plumbing subcontractor is engaged to establish temporary services for a 14-storey apartment build in inner Brisbane. On day one, the licensed plumber Daniel arrives onsite and reviews this SWMS with the two apprentices and the site supervisor before commencing. The team identifies that the standpipe connection at the kerb requires running a 32mm hose across the only site entry — triggering HRCW category 18 — and that excavation to expose the sewer junction will reach 1.7m, triggering category 3. Using the SWMS, Daniel implements the documented controls: BYDA plans are confirmed onsite, a cable locator sweep is performed, hand-digging is used within 500mm of marked services, hose ramps rated for 20-tonne loads are installed across the entry with witches hats and a spotter during deliveries, and an RPZD is fitted and commissioned on the standpipe before the site sheds are pressurised. When a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspector attends the site two weeks later under a routine construction blitz, the principal contractor produces the signed SWMS, sign-on register and daily reviews — demonstrating compliance with WHS Regulation 299–303 and avoiding an improvement notice.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model)
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW) / 2011 (Cth model) — Part 6.3 Construction Work
- Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (QLD) and equivalents in each state
- Gas Supply Act 1996 and state Gas Safety Acts
- Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and state equivalents
- Environment Protection Act 1970/2017 (state-based) for sewer and trade waste discharge
- Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) Volume Three of the NCC
- AS/NZS 3500 Series — Plumbing and Drainage
- AS/NZS 5601 — Gas Installations
Frequently asked questions
Is a SWMS legally required for temporary services connection on a construction site?
Yes. Where the work involves excavation deeper than 1.5m, work near energised electrical services, or work in a trafficable corridor, it is classified as High Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation 291. Regulation 299 requires a SWMS to be prepared before this work commences and kept available throughout the work.
Does this SWMS cover both water and gas connections?
Yes. The template addresses temporary potable water connections (including backflow prevention to AS/NZS 3500.1), temporary sewer hookups, and temporary LPG/natural gas connections to AS/NZS 5601.1. You can edit out any service stream that does not apply to your scope.
Is the document valid in all Australian states and territories?
The SWMS is built on the model WHS Act and Regulations adopted in NSW, QLD, ACT, NT, TAS, SA and WA, and includes a state-specific legislation schedule. Victoria operates under the OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017 — the document includes Victorian equivalents and references for use on Victorian sites.
How often does the SWMS need to be reviewed?
Under WHS Regulation 302, the SWMS must be reviewed and revised if a control measure is revised, if there is an indication a control is not effectively controlling the risk, before a change at the workplace, or if a new hazard or risk is identified. The included review register supports this requirement.
Can the document be customised to my company branding and project details?
Yes. The SWMS is delivered as a fully editable DOCX file. You can insert your company logo, ABN, project address, principal contractor details, worker names and any project-specific controls. The file is not locked or password protected.
Who is authorised to sign off this SWMS?
The SWMS must be authorised by the PCBU performing the work — typically the plumbing contractor's director or nominated supervisor. All workers performing the work must also sign the worker sign-on register to confirm they have been consulted on and understand the contents, satisfying section 47 of the WHS Act.