Groundwater flow testing SWMS, drafted for your job
Lowering a pump into a test bore introduces lifting and electrical risks beside open wellheads, while discharge water can spread contamination or undermine the test area. Describe the job and site so your SWMS reflects the work, then review the draft with the crew before starting.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Groundwater flow testing
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Assess bores and discharge route | Unknown water quality and open wells | High | Plan containment, wellhead protection and communication |
| 2 | Lower and connect the test pump | Dropped pump and wet electrical gear | High | Use lifting aids; check the electrical supply arrangement |
| 3 | Set meters and observation points | Trip lines and exposed wellheads | Medium | Protect openings and route cables away from access |
| 4 | Run pumping and take readings | Contaminated spray and erosive discharge | Medium | Use contained sampling; monitor the discharge area |
| 5 | Stop, retrieve and cap the bores | Live cables and unsupported risers | High | Isolate pump power; lift with supports; refit caps |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your groundwater flow testing SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
High-risk work on this job
This task is not usually high-risk construction work. If your job involves any category, tick it when you start and the SWMS covers it.
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a groundwater flow testing job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Pump or riser dropping while lowered into the test bore
High- Use a rated lifting arrangement and support the riser independently during connections
- Keep people out of the suspended pump path and hands clear of the wellhead
- 2
Electric shock at groundwater pump cables and wet controls
High- Use equipment suited to wet conditions and have the supply arrangement checked before use
- Keep joins and controls clear of water; isolate before handling damaged cables or pumps
- 3
Contaminated groundwater splashing during sample collection
Medium- Assess expected water quality and use a contained sampling point
- Wear gloves and splash protection; seal samples and wash before eating
- 4
Discharge eroding the ground around monitoring wells
Medium- Route pumped water to an assessed discharge or containment location
- Secure outlet hoses and check for erosion, flooding or runoff towards other work
- 5
Falls into uncapped test and observation bore openings
High- Fit wellhead guards or secured covers around the testing arrangement
- Cap observation bores between readings and keep public access separated
- 6
Test crew losing contact at remote groundwater sites
High- Plan communication, check-ins and a response route before mobilisation
- Arrange help for pump handling and stop if the communication plan fails
- 7
Trips on flow meter hoses and monitoring cables
Medium- Route discharge hoses and instrument cables outside walking routes
- Protect unavoidable crossings and keep sampling points clear
How the job usually runs
- 1Assess bores and discharge routeUnknown water quality and open wells → Plan containment, wellhead protection and communication
- 2Lower and connect the test pumpDropped pump and wet electrical gear → Use lifting aids; check the electrical supply arrangement
- 3Set meters and observation pointsTrip lines and exposed wellheads → Protect openings and route cables away from access
- 4Run pumping and take readingsContaminated spray and erosive discharge → Use contained sampling; monitor the discharge area
- 5Stop, retrieve and cap the boresLive cables and unsupported risers → Isolate pump power; lift with supports; refit caps
PPE for this job
- Safety boots suited to wet ground
- Splash goggles
- Water-resistant handling gloves
- High-visibility clothing near vehicles
- Safety helmet for pump lifting
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Groundwater flow testing SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Does it cover pumping tests with nearby observation wells?
Yes. Describe the pumping bore, observation wells and monitoring method. The draft covers wellhead protection, pump handling, cable routes and sampling; review those steps against the test layout and discharge plan.
What if the pumped groundwater may be contaminated?
Suspect water needs an assessed sampling and containment method before pumping. The draft covers splash control, sealed samples and a planned discharge destination when you describe the contamination concerns; review it against the site assessment.
How much does a groundwater flow testing SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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