Pits, Tanks, Pump Stations, Risers & Covers Installation SWMS

Product Description

Pits, Tanks, Pump Stations, Risers & Covers Installation SWMS is a professionally developed Safe Work Method Statement for Australian plumbing and civil construction businesses undertaking the installation of underground pits, pump stations, tanks, risers and access covers. Supplied in editable Microsoft Word format, this document helps contractors plan, manage and document safe installation procedures while supporting straightforward site-specific customisation before work commences.

Installing underground infrastructure requires careful coordination between excavation, lifting operations, plant movement and underground service protection. These activities often involve excavators, cranes, suspended loads and work around open excavations, creating significant risks that must be effectively managed. This SWMS provides a structured framework for documenting safe work practices throughout the installation process while assisting businesses in maintaining consistent WHS documentation across residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure projects.

From underground service identification and excavation through to lifting, placement, backfilling, compaction and spoil removal, the document supports a systematic approach to managing installation activities while allowing contractors to adapt the content to suit individual project requirements.

Typical Applications

Suitable for projects involving:

• Installation of sewer pits.
• Stormwater pits.
• Pump stations.
• Underground tanks.
• Inspection pits.
• Access risers.
• Pit lids and access covers.
• Civil infrastructure works.
• Plumbing and drainage projects.
• Residential, commercial and industrial developments.

Work Activities Covered

Depending on the selected work method, the SWMS may include:

• Underground service identification.
• Dial Before You Dig enquiries.
• Site set-out.
• Excavation and trenching.
• Plant and pedestrian interaction.
• Crane positioning.
• Lifting and slinging loads.
• Offloading pits, tanks and pump stations.
• Placement of underground infrastructure.
• Backfilling and compaction.
• Maintaining exclusion zones.
• Spoil removal and site reinstatement.

Hazards Addressed

This SWMS addresses hazards commonly associated with installing pits, tanks and pump stations, including:

• Underground service strikes.
• Electrical hazards.
• Gas and water service damage.
• Powered mobile plant interaction.
• Excavation collapse.
• Falls into excavations.
• Suspended loads.
• Crush and impact injuries.
• Pinch point hazards.
• Plant rollover.
• Manual handling injuries.
• Dust exposure.
• Property and environmental damage.

Control Measures Included

The document assists businesses by documenting practical control measures such as:

• Completing Dial Before You Dig enquiries and confirming underground services before excavation.
• Using non-destructive locating methods and hand excavation around known services where required.
• Establishing exclusion zones around excavation and lifting activities.
• Using trained spotters and maintaining positive communication between plant operators and ground workers.
• Providing safe trench access and egress with physical barriers and signage where required.
• Applying battering, benching or shoring for deeper excavations where appropriate.
• Following manufacturer lifting instructions and using designated lifting points.
• Preventing workers from entering suspended load zones.
• Managing backfilling, compaction and dust suppression.
• Maintaining exclusion zones until installation is complete and access points are secured.

Plant & Equipment

Depending on the selected work method, plant and equipment may include:

• Excavator.
• Hand tools.
• Crane or lifting equipment where applicable.
• Compaction equipment.
• Slings and lifting gear.

Personal Protective Equipment

The documented activity references PPE including:

• Hard hat.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety boots.
• Safety glasses.
• Gloves.

Document Features

• Editable Microsoft Word format.
• Suitable for Australian plumbing, drainage and civil construction projects.
• Logical work sequence from excavation through final reinstatement.
• Hazard identification and practical control measures.
• Worker responsibilities and competency requirements.
• Easy to customise for individual projects and site conditions.
• Suitable for integration into broader WHS management systems.

Who This SWMS Is For

Suitable for:

• Plumbing contractors.
• Civil construction contractors.
• Drainage contractors.
• Utility installation contractors.
• Earthmoving contractors.
• Principal contractors managing underground infrastructure works.

Australian WHS Requirements

Installation of pits, tanks, pump stations and associated infrastructure should be reviewed before work commences to ensure the SWMS reflects the planned work methods, excavation requirements, lifting operations, underground services, plant movements and project-specific hazards. Additional controls may be required depending on excavation depth, lifting methodology and site conditions.

Why Choose Tradies Compliance?

Tradies Compliance develops professionally written SWMS templates that are practical, easy to customise and suitable for Australian construction businesses. Delivered in editable Microsoft Word format, our documents help streamline project preparation while supporting consistent WHS management for excavation, lifting and underground infrastructure installation activities.