Plumbing Electrical Safety

SWMS · SWMS-10646

14 job steps
Version 2
Plumbing
Reads on any phone

This SWMS outlines the general electrical hazards of plumbing work, including overhead and underground electrical service hazards and electrical supply faults.

It covers disconnecting hot water services, cutting or disconnecting a metallic water pipe, changing water meters and disconnecting the main earth wire from a water pipe. The work is set out in 14 job steps, from training and arrival on site to commissioning and emergency response.

It suits plumbing professionals, electrical contractors and construction workers doing plumbing work where electrical hazards are present.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

Plumbing Electrical Safety

SWMSVersion 2

Company doing the work: [Company]
Business contact and phone: —
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work): —
Responsible person's phone: —
Responsible person's signature: —
Date signed: —

Principal Contractor (PC): —
PC Address: —
PC phone: —
Date SWMS provided to PC: —
Job Site Address: —
Part of a construction project: —

Site Management Plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following “High-Risk Construction Work” (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

Gas MainsPressurised gas distribution mains or piping
Hazardous Lineschemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
Energised Electricalenergised electrical installations or services
Hazardous AtmosphereWork in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Planning and preparation

Planning

Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures
Establish supervisory and communication arrangements
Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training and licences

All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card
Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.
Trained First Aider on site
All workers trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs
Attend all site inductions/briefings
Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)
Only carry out work related to the contract
Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitoring and review

All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences
SWMS to be reviewed and amended if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident
If additional site hazards identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit
People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS, must be informed ASAP
Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS
The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS
SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review
Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident
Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment

Foot Protection
High Visibility
Head Protection
Face Protection
Breathing Protection

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

Work activity
Provide training on electrical hazards associated with plumbing work
- Hazard
  Electric Shock
  Before controls4 Acute
  Controls
  - Training and information provided to workers on electrical hazards:
    Workers have a basic understanding of electrical pathways and how water pipes can become ‘live’ in the case of electrical faults
    Identification of overhead, underground and in-situ electrical hazards
    Training in controls to manage electrical risk
    Checking controls are working and using them
    When and how to use any protective equipment provided and what to do if something goes wrong (emergency response to electric shock).
  After controls2 Moderate
  Responsible
  - Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

Work activity
Provide training on the health effects associated with RCS
Train workers on the health effects of silica dust
Work activity
Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditions
Assess the site conditions on arrival
Work activity
Check weather conditions & prepare
Check the weather and prepare for extreme conditions
Work activity
Work area set-up
Set up the work area and establish exclusion zones
Work activity
Overhead electrical hazards
Keep clear of overhead power lines
Work activity
Excavation work
Identify and avoid underground services when excavating
Work activity
Working with power tools
Use power tools safely to prevent electrocution and injury
Work activity
Cut or disconnect a metallic water pipe.
Test for voltage and bridge metallic water pipes before cutting
Work activity
Welding, soldering
Prevent fire and burns during welding and soldering
Work activity
Fitting appliances & fixtures
Fit appliances and fixtures safely around electricity
Work activity
Commission system
Pressure test and commission the system
Work activity
On completion
Leave the work area safe and secure
Work activity
Emergency response if co-worker suffers electric shock
Respond to a co-worker who suffers an electric shock

Permits

Plant and equipment

Hazardous substances

Supervisory arrangements

SWMS Sign-off

This SWMS developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant organisation representatives. I have read the above SWMS, and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including risk control measures, safe work instructions, and PPE described.

Worker’s name	Job role / positione.g. supervisor, worker, trainee	Licences, competencies & qualificationsType / descriptionClassNumber	Date	Signature
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)

Hierarchy of controls

Risk matrix

	Criteria	Description

Level of Effect	Example of each level

Likelihood ↑	InsignificantNo effect, or so minor that the effect is acceptable	MinorMinor first aid treatment, minimal business disruption, minimal environmental effect	ModerateSerious injuries, medium business interruption, medium environmental impact	MajorExtensive injuries or fatality, significant business interruption, environmental harm, prosecution	CatastrophicMultiple permanent disabilities or fatalities, business failure, substantial environmental harm, prosecution or imprisonment
	Consequence →
Almost certainExpected in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
LikelyWill probably occur in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
PossibleCould possibly occur at some time	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
UnlikelyUnlikely but possible	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
RareHighly unlikely to occur	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High

1 LowRecord and monitor. Proceed with work, and review the risks regularly.
2 ModerateMaintain control measures. Be cautious when working, and monitor and review regularly.
3 HighReview before commencing work. Introduce new controls or maintain high-level controls to lower the risk level, and monitor the controls frequently.
4 AcuteDo not proceed until the risk level is reduced. Immediately introduce high-level controls, and re-assess before proceeding.

Score	Action

13 more job steps, from Provide training on the health effects associated with RCS to Emergency response if co-worker suffers electric shock

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

14 job steps

Provide training on electrical hazards associated with plumbing workTrain workers on electrical hazards in plumbing work
Provide training on the health effects associated with RCSTrain workers on the health effects of silica dust
Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsAssess the site conditions on arrival
Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for extreme conditions
Work area set-upSet up the work area and establish exclusion zones
Overhead electrical hazardsKeep clear of overhead power lines
Excavation workIdentify and avoid underground services when excavating
Working with power toolsUse power tools safely to prevent electrocution and injury
Cut or disconnect a metallic water pipe.Test for voltage and bridge metallic water pipes before cutting
Welding, solderingPrevent fire and burns during welding and soldering
Fitting appliances & fixturesFit appliances and fixtures safely around electricity
Commission systemPressure test and commission the system
On completionLeave the work area safe and secure
Emergency response if co-worker suffers electric shockRespond to a co-worker who suffers an electric shock

Plumbing Electrical Safety

Site Management Plan

High-risk construction work