Temporary Services Connection (Site) SWMS

Temporary services connection covers the installation of temporary water, sanitary and drainage services — providing temporary plumbing on construction sites, at events, and during works where the permanent services are not yet available or are out of service. It combines the plumbing with the temporary nature of the installation: the protection of the drinking water supply through the temporary connection, the temporary connections and their integrity, the environment in which they are installed, and the removal of the temporary services. This document is written on the basis that temporary services connection is carried out by a licensed plumber with the water-supply-protection, connection-integrity and site controls in place.

Temporary services connection is carried out to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500, with the temporary water supply protected by backflow prevention because temporary connections present backflow hazards, the temporary connections made with integrity so they do not leak or fail, and the sanitary and drainage temporary services managed. The drinking water protection, the connection integrity, the environment, and the temporary nature are the considerations. This document coordinates the water-supply-protection, connection-integrity and site controls so the temporary services are 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 on the temporary water supply connection to the drinking water supply, because temporary connections present backflow hazards, and use approved materials.
2. 2Engineering: make the temporary connections with integrity so they do not leak or fail, securing the temporary pipework and connections.
3. 3Administrative: manage trip and site hazards from the temporary services and pipework, routing and protecting them so they do not create hazards.
4. 4Administrative: manage the biological hazard of temporary sanitary and drainage services with hygiene controls, and protect the temporary water supply from contamination.
5. 5Engineering: where excavation is involved, locate and protect services first and control the excavation, and manage the stored water and pressure of the temporary system.
6. 6Administrative: where on a construction site or at an event, apply the site or event controls, and carry out the work to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500.
7. 7Administrative: remove the temporary services safely on completion and make the connections safe.
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 install temporary water, sanitary and drainage services on a construction site. Backflow protection is provided and confirmed on the temporary water supply connection to the drinking water supply, because temporary connections present backflow hazards, with approved materials. The temporary connections are made with integrity so they do not leak or fail, with the temporary pipework and connections secured. Trip and site hazards from the temporary services are managed by routing and protecting the pipework. The biological hazard of temporary sanitary and drainage is managed with hygiene controls, and the temporary water supply protected from contamination. Where excavation is involved, services are located and protected first and the excavation controlled, and the stored water and pressure managed. The construction site controls are applied, and the work carried out to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500. On completion the temporary services are removed safely and the connections made safe. 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