Managing Environmental, Chemical, and Physical Hazards in Hydrogeology

Ground Water Flow Testing SWMS

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This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a procedural framework for safely conducting ground water flow testing. This environmental and geotechnical task involves potential exposure to hazardous substances, remote work, and manual handling. This document is essential for consultants, technicians, and environmental scientists to meet their obligations under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Ground water flow testing is a scientific procedure used to assess the hydraulic properties of aquifers. It involves installing a pump in a central well and extracting water at a controlled rate for a set period, which can range from hours to several days. During this time, the water level is meticulously measured in surrounding observation wells to monitor the aquifer's response (drawdown). The data from this process allows hydrogeologists to calculate critical parameters like transmissivity, hydraulic conductivity, and storage. This information is fundamental for assessing sustainable water yields for agriculture, planning dewatering operations for large construction projects, or tracking the movement of contaminant plumes.

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Why this SWMS matters

A SWMS is essential for ground water flow testing because the work combines environmental, chemical, and physical hazards. Workers may be unknowingly exposed to contaminated groundwater containing anything from industrial solvents to agricultural pesticides, posing a significant health risk. The work is often conducted in isolated rural or industrial areas, bringing risks of vehicle incidents, lack of emergency support, and encounters with hazardous fauna. The equipment, including heavy submersible pumps and generators, presents manual handling and electrical hazards. This SWMS ensures that a formal safety process is in place, mandating controls like wearing chemical-resistant PPE, having a remote work communication plan, and using RCDs for electrical safety. It provides the documented proof of due diligence required under WHS law for this complex, multi-risk work.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Ground Water Flow Testing crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Exposure to Contaminated Groundwater

high

Groundwater may be contaminated with hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, or viruses that are not visible. Contact through skin, inhalation of aerosols, or accidental ingestion can occur during sampling or handling of discharged water.

Consequence: Acute poisoning, skin diseases, infections, or long-term illnesses like cancer.

Remote or Isolated Work

high

Testing is often conducted in remote locations far from medical assistance. A vehicle breakdown, injury, or snakebite can become a life-threatening situation due to delayed emergency response.

Consequence: Serious escalation of otherwise manageable injuries, dehydration, or death.

Electrical Hazards from Pumps and Generators

high

The use of electric submersible pumps and portable generators in a wet environment creates a high risk of electric shock if equipment is faulty or improperly set up.

Consequence: Electric shock, electrocution.

Manual Handling Injuries

medium

Lifting and installing heavy pumps, generators, hoses, and monitoring equipment can cause musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back and shoulders.

Consequence: Strains, sprains, and long-term back injuries.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Assumption of Contamination and Use of PPE

PPE/Administrative

Treat all groundwater as potentially contaminated until proven otherwise by laboratory analysis.

Implementation

1. Read any available site history or preliminary analysis to understand potential contaminants. 2. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and waterproof boots when handling hoses, pumps, or water samples. 3. Wear safety glasses to protect against splashes. 4. Implement a strict hygiene policy: no eating, drinking, or smoking in the work area, and thorough hand washing before breaks.

Remote Work Safety and Communication Protocol

Administrative

Implement a formal procedure for managing the safety of workers in remote locations.

Implementation

1. Develop a travel plan and leave it with a designated contact person. 2. Ensure the work vehicle is equipped for remote travel (e.g., spare tyre, first aid kit, water). 3. Carry multiple forms of communication, such as a satellite phone or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), in areas with no mobile reception. 4. Implement a regular check-in schedule (e.g., every 2 hours) with the office or designated contact.

Electrical Safety for Pumping Equipment

Engineering/Administrative

Ensure all electrical equipment is safe for use in a wet environment.

Implementation

1. Ensure all portable electrical equipment is tested and tagged. 2. Use a portable Residual Current Device (RCD) on the generator or power source. 3. Keep all electrical connections elevated off the ground and protected from water. 4. Visually inspect all cords and plugs for damage before use.

Mechanical Aids and Safe Lifting Procedures

Engineering/Administrative

Use mechanical aids to reduce manual handling risks and train workers in safe lifting.

Implementation

1. Use a tripod with a winch or a small crane mounted on the vehicle to lift and lower heavy submersible pumps. 2. Use team lifts for any heavy or awkward items that must be moved manually. 3. Ensure workers are trained in kinetic lifting techniques. 4. Break down equipment into smaller, lighter components for transport where possible.

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Personal protective equipment

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161

When: When handling water, samples, pumps, or any wet equipment.

Safety Glasses or Goggles

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1

When: At all times on site, especially when working with pumps and water under pressure.

Steel-Capped Waterproof Boots

Requirement: AS/NZS 2210.3

When: At all times on site to protect feet from water, contaminants, and impact hazards.

High-Visibility Clothing

Requirement: AS/NZS 4602.1

When: When working near moving vehicles or in low-light conditions.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

✓Review all available site information, including location of wells and potential contaminants.
✓Check the condition of all pumps, hoses, cables, and lifting equipment.
✓Verify that communication equipment (e.g., satellite phone) is charged and functional.
✓Inspect the work area around each well for physical hazards like trip hazards, unstable ground, or dangerous fauna.

During work

✓Continuously monitor the pump operation and check for leaks in hoses or fittings.
✓Ensure discharged water is being channelled to a safe location and not causing erosion or uncontrolled flooding.
✓Adhere to the communication check-in schedule for remote work.
✓Monitor the well heads to ensure they remain stable and secure.

After work

✓Decontaminate all equipment that came into contact with groundwater before removing it from the site.
✓Securely cap all wells after removing equipment.
✓Conduct a final walkthrough of the site to ensure no equipment is left behind and the area is left in a safe state.
✓Properly label and store all water samples for transport to the laboratory.

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Site Setup and Initial Measurements

Establish a controlled work area around the pumping well and observation wells. Take initial static water level measurements in all wells using a decontaminated water level meter. Set up data logging equipment if being used.

Safety considerations

Decontaminate the water level meter between each well to prevent cross-contamination. Be aware of trip hazards from cables and equipment around well heads.

Pump Installation

Using a tripod and winch or other mechanical aid, carefully lower the submersible pump into the pumping well to the predetermined depth. Secure the pump, discharge hose, and power cable at the well head to prevent them from falling into the well.

Safety considerations

This is a high-risk manual handling task. Never attempt to lift a heavy submersible pump by hand. Ensure the lifting equipment is correctly rated and set up.

Starting the Test and Managing Discharge

Connect the pump to the generator or power source via an RCD. Start the pump and immediately adjust the flow rate to the target specified in the test plan. Route the discharge water via a hose to a safe disposal point, such as a drainage channel or bunded area, away from the test wells.

Safety considerations

Ensure the discharge area can handle the volume of water and will not cause erosion or flooding. Monitor the pump for correct operation.

Monitoring and Data Collection

Begin taking timed water level measurements in all observation wells as soon as the pump is started. Follow the measurement schedule precisely (e.g., frequent readings at the start, less frequent later on). Record all data accurately against the time elapsed.

Safety considerations

Move carefully between wells, watching for trip hazards. Ensure consistent measurement techniques are used by all personnel.

Test Completion and Equipment Removal

Once the test duration is complete, turn off the pump and record the recovery of water levels over time. Once data collection is finished, safely remove the pump and all monitoring equipment using the same mechanical aids and safe procedures as for installation. Decontaminate all equipment and secure the site.

Safety considerations

Follow correct LOTO procedures before disconnecting electrical equipment. Be aware that equipment will be wet and potentially heavier and more slippery during removal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most significant hazard in groundwater testing?

While physical hazards exist, the most significant and often underestimated hazard is exposure to unknown contaminants within the groundwater. You cannot see or smell many dangerous chemicals or pathogens, so you must treat all groundwater as hazardous and use appropriate PPE until you have laboratory results to prove otherwise.

What communication equipment do I need for remote site work?

You should never rely on a standard mobile phone alone. A satellite phone is a reliable option for voice communication. For emergencies in areas with no reception at all, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is essential, as it can transmit a distress signal to emergency services via satellite.

Why do I need to decontaminate equipment between wells?

Decontamination is critical to prevent cross-contamination. If you move a water level meter or pump from a contaminated well to a clean well without cleaning it, you will transfer the contaminants and invalidate all future water quality data from the clean well.

Where should the pump discharge water be directed?

The discharged water should be directed to a location where it will not interfere with the test results (i.e., it cannot re-infiltrate the aquifer near the observation wells). It must also be managed to prevent erosion and contamination of surface water bodies. This often involves piping it to a sewer connection, a lined holding pond, or a distant drainage channel.

Overview of Ground Water Flow Testing

Ground water flow testing, also known as aquifer testing or pump testing, is a procedure used to evaluate the characteristics of an aquifer. The process typically involves pumping water from one well at a controlled rate and observing the change in water level (drawdown) in nearby monitoring wells over time. The data collected is used to determine aquifer properties such as transmissivity and storage coefficient. These tests are vital for water resource management, environmental impact assessments, and designing dewatering systems for construction and mining.

Why a SWMS is Crucial for This Work

While seemingly a low-impact activity, ground water testing carries hidden dangers that necessitate a formal SWMS. The primary risk is exposure to contaminated groundwater, which can contain a cocktail of unseen industrial chemicals, agricultural runoff, heavy metals, or pathogens. Dermal contact or accidental ingestion can lead to serious long-term health issues. The work is often performed in remote or isolated locations, increasing risks associated with vehicle travel, communication failure, and emergency response. Furthermore, the setup involves manual handling of heavy pumps and equipment, and potential electrical hazards. A SWMS ensures these risks are managed systematically, with controls like mandatory PPE for handling water, procedures for remote work communication, and safe equipment handling, thus protecting workers from complex environmental and physical hazards.

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