Tap & Mixer Replacement SWMS

Tap and mixer replacement covers the removal of existing tapware and the installation of replacement taps and mixer fittings at basins, sinks, showers and baths — replacing worn or dated tapware with new taps or single-lever mixers, connected to the hot and cold water supply. It is routine plumbing work that carries the hazards of working on the water supply, the water release during the change-over, the scalding hazard on hot connections, the manual handling and restricted access at the fixture, and the protection of the drinking water supply through approved fittings. This document is written on the basis that tap and mixer replacement is carried out by a licensed plumber, with the supply isolated and the new tapware connected and tested.

Tap and mixer replacement is carried out in connection with AS/NZS 3500.1, the water services part of the plumbing and drainage standard, with tapware and mixers approved for contact with drinking water to AS/NZS 4020, and the hot connection in connection with AS/NZS 3500.4. The work involves isolating the supply, removing the old tapware, connecting the new taps or mixer, and testing for leaks. This document coordinates the isolation, water-release, water-quality and reassembly controls so the tapware is replaced and the supply protected.

Hazards identified

9 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

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

1. 1Administrative: isolate the hot and cold water supply before the work, and confirm the isolation so connections are not opened under pressure.
2. 2Engineering: remove the old tapware and install the new taps or mixer in connection with AS/NZS 3500.1, with the hot connection in connection with AS/NZS 3500.4, and tapware approved for contact with drinking water to AS/NZS 4020.
3. 3Administrative: manage the hot water and scalding hazard on the hot connection, allowing hot water to clear and controlling the release.
4. 4Engineering: connect the hot and cold correctly at a mixer to prevent cross-connection that delivers the wrong temperature.
5. 5Engineering: use correct manual-handling technique in the restricted position, and where existing connections are seized, free them with the correct technique without forcing or damaging the fixture.
6. 6Administrative: confirm correct connection and water quality, and test the tapware for leaks and correct operation before completion.
7. 7Engineering: protect the fixture, basin and surrounds against damage during the work.
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 is engaged to replace the dated basin taps in a bathroom with a new single-lever mixer. The hot and cold water supply is isolated and the isolation confirmed so connections are not opened under pressure. The old tapware is removed and the new mixer installed in connection with AS/NZS 3500.1, with the hot connection in connection with AS/NZS 3500.4, and the mixer approved for contact with drinking water to AS/NZS 4020. The hot water and scalding hazard on the hot connection is managed, allowing hot water to clear and controlling the release. The hot and cold are connected correctly at the mixer to prevent cross-connection. Correct technique is used in the restricted position, and a seized existing connection freed with the correct technique without forcing or damaging the basin. The connection and water quality are confirmed, and the mixer tested for leaks and correct operation before completion, with the fixture and surrounds protected against damage. The plumber confirms the tapware is replaced and retains the records.

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