Sewer Mains — Laying and Replacing SWMS Template

This pre-written Laying and Replacing Sewer Mains SWMS template gives you a compliant, ready-to-use document you can put to work today. Supplied as an instant download in fully editable Microsoft Word format, it sets out the hazards, risks and control measures associated with laying and replacing sewer mains.

Is a SWMS Required for Laying and Replacing Sewer Mains?

Laying and replacing sewer mains is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) when it triggers HRCW categories — such as work in or near an excavation or trench deeper than 1.5m, work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, work near energised underground services, working in or near a confined space, and work on, in or adjacent to a road. Where any of these apply, a written SWMS is a legal requirement before work begins. Even where it doesn't, having a documented SWMS is strongly recommended and often requested by clients or principal contractors before you're allowed on site.

What This SWMS Covers:

• PPE
• Working outside
• Manual handling
• Underground services
• Working near roads
• Working in confined spaces
• Marking out works
• Trench digging
• Replacing sewer main pipes
• Mobile crane movement on site
• Levelling out trench with sand
• Installing new sewer main pipe
• Fill in trench and re-establish ground
• Completion of work

What's Included:

• High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) selection table
• Risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
• Step by step procedures
• Possible hazards
• Safety controls
• Safety responsibilities
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Plant and equipment
• Legislation, regulations, codes and standards
• Worker signoff

References and Standards:

• Work Health and Safety Act
• Work Health and Safety Regulations
• COP Construction Work
• COP First Aid in the Workplace
• COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
• COP How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• COP Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• COP Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• COP Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• COP Excavation Work
• COP Confined Spaces
• COP Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace

COP = Safe Work Australia Code of Practice

Features:

• Instant download link sent to your email
• User friendly, fully editable Microsoft Word format
• Add your company details and use in your business today
• Will save you countless hours in research and development
• Free phone and email support if you need it

Who Is This SWMS For?

This SWMS is built for plumbing and drainage businesses responsible for laying and replacing sewer mains on residential, commercial or government sites.

Why These SWMS Over the Alternatives?

vs. Writing them yourself

A properly written SWMS needs to identify the correct high-risk construction work category, list realistic hazards and controls, include a risk matrix, specify PPE requirements, and align with the WHS Act, Regulations and relevant Codes of Practice. That's hours of research most businesses don't have time for. This one is already written — you're customising by adding business and site-specific information, not creating it from scratch.

vs. Hiring a consultant to write them

A WHS consultant charging to produce bespoke SWMS typically bills $200–$500+ per document. This one costs $69.95.

vs. Free or AI templates

Free templates and AI-generated documents can look the part without being fit for purpose. Without the WHS knowledge to check what's in front of you, errors can slip through unnoticed — and most AI tools openly say their output needs checking for accuracy. The question is whether you have the expertise to know what "accurate" looks like. If not, that's where the real risk sits.

Need More Than One SWMS?

If you need SWMS for more than one plumbing task, our Plumbing SWMS Pack bundles the most commonly needed SWMS for your trade at a significant discount, or browse our full range of SWMS Templates.

If you need more than a handful of SWMS but not the full Plumbing SWMS Pack, we can put together a custom pack at a discounted price based on the number of SWMS you need. Download the Plumbing SWMS Selection List and email us for a custom quote — or call 1800 304 336 and we'll sort it out with you directly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use this SWMS template on more than one job? Yes. Once purchased, you can use and adapt this SWMS across unlimited projects and sites for your business — there's no per-project fee or subscription.

How do I customise this SWMS for my business? Add your company details and adjust the control measures to reflect your specific site conditions where needed. It's supplied in fully editable Microsoft Word format, so no special software is required.

Is a SWMS legally required for laying and replacing sewer mains? Laying and replacing sewer mains is classified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW) when it triggers HRCW categories — such as work in or near an excavation or trench deeper than 1.5m, work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant, work near energised underground services, working in or near a confined space, and work on, in or adjacent to a road. Where any of these apply, a written SWMS is a legal requirement before work begins.

15 years. 15,000+ customers. Built for Australian plumbing and drainage businesses by people who understand the legislation.