Wall & Floor Chasing for Embedded Pipework SWMS
A Safe Work Method Statement for wall & floor chasing for embedded pipework covering all key hazards, controls and regulatory requirements.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Wall and floor chasing for embedded pipework involves cutting linear channels into masonry, concrete, brick, plasterboard or screed substrates to recess copper, PEX, multilayer or DWV pipework before patching and finishing. The work is typically performed using electric wall chasers with twin diamond blades, angle grinders fitted with diamond cup wheels, rotary hammers in chisel mode, or floor saws — all of which generate respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, high noise levels, hand-arm vibration and mechanical hazards. Embedded services work also introduces the risk of striking concealed live electrical cables, gas lines or existing pressurised water services hidden behind the substrate.
Under the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the WHS Regulation 2025, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must identify hazards, assess risks and implement the hierarchy of controls (Part 3.1, regs 32–38). Chasing work specifically engages reg 49 (airborne contaminant exposure standards), reg 50 (monitoring airborne contaminants), regs 56–58 (hazardous chemicals — silica), regs 529CA–529CD (crystalline silica processes and silica risk control plans), reg 56 (noise) and Schedule 14 (hand-arm vibration). The workplace exposure standard for RCS is 0.05 mg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA.
A SWMS is legally required where chasing forms part of construction work that meets the High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) definition under reg 291 — including work involving structural alterations, work near energised electrical installations, or work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant. Even where HRCW is not triggered, reg 38 mandates documented risk control for crystalline silica processes. This SWMS satisfies reg 299 documentation requirements and supports duties under the Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Respirable Crystalline Silica from Engineered Stone in the Workplace and the Construction Work Code of Practice.
Hazards identified
10 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, chronic kidney disease — exceeding the 0.05 mg/m³ WES is a regulatory breach
Electrocution, arc flash burns, cardiac arrest, fatality
Gas release, fire, explosion, asphyxiation in confined cavities
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), vibration white finger, permanent neurological damage
Noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus — exceedance of the 85 dB(A) 8-hour exposure standard under reg 56
Lacerations, amputation of fingers, severe facial and torso injuries
Eye injuries, penetrating wounds, blindness
Musculoskeletal disorders, back strain, shoulder injuries
Falls, fractures, soft tissue injuries
Localised collapse, cracking, compromised structural integrity, third-party injury
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Conduct cable and service location scanning using a calibrated multi-detector (e.g. Bosch D-tect or equivalent) and isolate/lock-out the relevant circuits at the switchboard before commencing — verify dead with a tested voltage indicator in accordance with AS/NZS 4836
- 2Obtain as-built drawings and confirm chase depth and orientation complies with AS 3700 (masonry) and AS 3600 (concrete) — never chase post-tensioned slabs or load-bearing elements without engineer sign-off
- 3Use wall chasers and grinders fitted with on-tool dust extraction shrouds connected to an H-class HEPA vacuum (AS/NZS 60335.2.69) or wet-cutting water suppression to control RCS at source — dry cutting without extraction is prohibited
- 4Implement a Silica Risk Control Plan in accordance with WHS Regulation reg 529CD where chasing engineered or natural stone, and conduct air monitoring under reg 50 to verify exposures remain below 0.05 mg/m³
- 5Provide P2 (minimum) or P3 powered air-purifying respirators fit-tested under AS/NZS 1715 to all operators and persons within the exclusion zone
- 6Establish a 3-metre exclusion zone around active chasing work using barriers and signage — restrict access to the operator and trained assistant only
- 7Limit continuous tool trigger time to manage HAV exposure below the 2.5 m/s² A(8) action value — use low-vibration tools with declared values per AS/NZS ISO 5349 and rotate operators
- 8Mandatory PPE: AS/NZS 1337.1 wide-vision safety glasses plus face shield, AS/NZS 1270 Class 5 earmuffs, AS/NZS 2161 cut-resistant gloves, AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear, long sleeves and disposable Type 5/6 coveralls
- 9Inspect blades, guards and electrical leads before each shift — leads must be tested and tagged under AS/NZS 3760 and protected by a 30 mA RCD
- 10Clean up using H-class HEPA vacuum only — never dry sweep silica dust; bag and dispose of waste as per local EPA requirements
- 11Brief all workers via toolbox talk and require signed acknowledgement of this SWMS before commencing work, in accordance with WHS Regulation reg 300
- 12Stop work immediately and reassess if concealed services are encountered, the substrate behaves unexpectedly, or controls fail (reg 302 — review of SWMS)
Applicable Codes of Practice
Provides the approved framework for managing construction risks including SWMS preparation for plumbing rough-in work
Directly applicable to dust generated from chasing masonry, concrete, render and stone substrates
Chasing tools routinely exceed 100 dB(A); this code defines control hierarchy and audiometric testing duties
Underpins the hierarchy of controls applied throughout this SWMS
Mandatory fit-testing and selection criteria for P2/P3 respirators used during silica-generating tasks
Defines H-class vacuum performance for hazardous dust including RCS
Sets permissible chase depths and dimensions in masonry walls to preserve structural integrity
RCD protection and lead management requirements for portable electric tools used in chasing
Who this is for
- →Licensed plumbers and apprentices performing rough-in for hot/cold water, gas or sanitary drainage
- →Plumbing contractors and PCBUs delivering residential and commercial fit-out projects
- →Site supervisors and project managers responsible for SWMS approval and toolbox briefings
- →Hydraulic services subcontractors working on renovations, alterations and new builds
- →Self-employed sole traders required to document their own SWMS under WHS Regulation reg 299
- →WHS managers and safety advisors auditing plumbing trade compliance
What you receive
- ✓Fully editable Microsoft Word (DOCX) SWMS template branded to your business
- ✓State-specific legislation schedule covering NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT WHS/OHS variations
- ✓Comprehensive hazard register with risk matrix scoring (likelihood × consequence)
- ✓Worker sign-on register with space for name, licence number, signature and date
- ✓Pre-start inspection checklist for chasing tools, RCDs and dust extraction equipment
- ✓Silica Risk Control Plan template aligned to WHS Regulation reg 529CD
- ✓Emergency response and incident notification flowchart referencing reg 38 SafeWork notifications
- ✓Lifetime free updates as legislation and Codes of Practice change
Worked example
A licensed plumber, Daniel, is engaged to install recessed copper hot and cold lines in a brick veneer bathroom renovation in Parramatta NSW. Before starting, he reviews this SWMS with his apprentice during a 10-minute toolbox talk and both sign the worker register. He scans the wall with a multi-detector and identifies an existing GPO circuit running vertically — he isolates the circuit at the switchboard, applies a personal danger lock, and verifies dead with his test instrument before marking out the chase line, keeping the channel within the 30 mm depth limit permitted under AS 3700 for the brick leaf. Daniel connects his Bosch GNF wall chaser to an H-class HEPA vacuum and dons a P2 half-face respirator (fit-tested last month), Class 5 earmuffs, safety glasses and a face shield. He cuts in 90-second bursts to manage hand-arm vibration, with the apprentice observing the 3-metre exclusion zone. After completing the chase, he HEPA-vacuums all dust, bags the waste, and logs the job in his daily diary. The documented SWMS, sign-on register and silica controls satisfy his obligations under WHS Regulation Part 3.1 and reg 529CD, and would withstand a SafeWork NSW inspector audit.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth model) — sections 19 (primary duty of care), 20–21 (officer and worker duties)
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 — Part 3.1 Managing Risks; regs 49–50 airborne contaminants; reg 56 noise; regs 529CA–CD crystalline silica
- Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011 (NSW) and equivalents — licensing of plumbing work
- AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage Set
- Electricity Supply Act and AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules — for safe isolation of concealed wiring
- Environmental Protection Act 1994 (and state equivalents) — disposal of silica-contaminated waste
Frequently asked questions
Is a SWMS legally required for wall chasing if it isn't classified as High Risk Construction Work?
While a SWMS is only mandatory under reg 299 when work meets one of the 18 HRCW categories in reg 291, chasing routinely involves crystalline silica processes which trigger documented risk control duties under regs 529CA–CD. Most principal contractors will also require a SWMS as a condition of site access regardless of HRCW status, so a documented SWMS is best practice and frequently contractually required.
Can I dry-cut into brick or render if I wear a P2 respirator?
No. The hierarchy of controls under reg 36 requires elimination or engineering controls (on-tool extraction or water suppression) before relying on PPE. Dry cutting without extraction will exceed the 0.05 mg/m³ workplace exposure standard within minutes and constitutes a regulatory breach. P2 respirators are the last line of defence, not the primary control.
What depth can I chase into a load-bearing brick wall?
AS 3700 restricts horizontal chases to a maximum depth of one-sixth of the leaf thickness, and vertical chases to one-third, with minimum spacing requirements between chases. Never chase post-tensioned concrete slabs or reinforced load-bearing elements without written engineering approval — over-deep chasing can compromise structural integrity and create a notifiable dangerous incident under WHS Act s 37.
How often should this SWMS be reviewed?
Under reg 302, the SWMS must be reviewed and revised whenever the work method changes, when controls are found inadequate, after a notifiable incident, or when new hazards are identified. We recommend a documented review at minimum every 12 months and at the start of each new project. Lifetime updates are included with this purchase.
Do I need air monitoring every time I chase a wall?
Reg 50 requires air monitoring where there is uncertainty about whether the exposure standard is being exceeded, or to determine whether a health risk exists. For routine short-duration chasing with proper on-tool extraction, baseline monitoring of representative tasks is generally sufficient. For sustained or large-volume chasing, periodic personal sampling by an occupational hygienist is recommended.
Does this SWMS cover both residential and commercial plumbing work?
Yes. The hazards, controls and legislative references apply across residential renovations, multi-residential, commercial fit-outs and light industrial environments. The editable DOCX allows you to tailor site-specific details such as address, project particulars, emergency contacts and any principal contractor requirements.