Plumbing - Water Meter Installation Safe Work Method Statement

WHS regulations require protective systems for excavations exceeding 1.5 metres depth, or at any depth where ground conditions create collapse risk. For water meter installation, this means trench shields, hydraulic shoring, or benching systems must be installed before workers enter excavations deeper than 1.5m. However, protective systems may be required for shallower excavations if soil is Type C (loose, saturated, previously disturbed), if water ingress is weakening trench walls, if excavation is near existing underground services that could undermine bedding support, if vibration from traffic or equipment could trigger collapse, or if inspection reveals unstable soil conditions including cracking, bulging, or soil falls. The duty holder must conduct risk assessment considering actual site conditions rather than relying solely on depth thresholds. Even shallow excavations have caused fatal worker burials when unstable soil collapsed. Protective systems must extend above ground level preventing edge collapse into excavations. All protective systems require daily inspection before worker entry, with additional inspection after events that could affect stability including heavy rain, vibration, or changes in groundwater. Workers must remain within protection of shields or shoring at all times when in excavations. Never remove protective systems while workers remain in excavations. The additional cost and time for trench protection is minimal compared to the catastrophic consequences of trench collapse burying workers.

Preventing underground service strikes requires multiple layers of verification and safe excavation practices. First, obtain service location information from 'Dial Before You Dig' minimum 2 working days before excavation. Review all utility plans and asset owner responses identifying services in your work corridor. Second, conduct on-site electromagnetic location using pipe and cable locators detecting buried metallic services. Mark all located services on ground surface using appropriate colour coding. Third, excavate verification potholes at service crossing points using vacuum excavation or hand digging to physically confirm service locations before mechanical excavation. Photograph and document actual service positions. Fourth, use hand digging exclusively within 500mm of confirmed services - prohibit mechanical excavation near located utilities. Expose services progressively as excavation advances rather than assuming services follow plan positions. If you strike a service during excavation: immediately stop all excavation work; assess the damage carefully without touching the struck service if electrical; establish exclusion zone preventing access to damaged service; notify the utility asset owner immediately using emergency contact numbers from Dial Before You Dig response; notify emergency services (000) if gas or electricity strike creates immediate danger; evacuate area if gas leak detected or electrical hazard exists; do not attempt repairs - only qualified utility personnel may repair struck services; notify your supervisor and client of the service strike; photograph damage for documentation; complete incident report documenting circumstances; and investigate causes to prevent future strikes. Gas main strikes require particular caution - establish large exclusion zone, eliminate all ignition sources, evacuate buildings if gas detected indoors, and allow gas utility emergency response teams to control the situation. Electrical cable strikes can result in electrocution - assume all exposed conductors are live, never touch exposed cables, and maintain distance until electrical utility confirms isolation. Service strikes can result in prosecution, substantial repair costs, liability for consequential damages including loss of services to customers, and permanent exclusion from utility authority work.

Live water main tapping is specialized work requiring specific operator qualifications and authority approvals. Operators conducting live tapping must hold current live tapping certification from recognized training providers, demonstrating practical competency in tapping procedures, equipment operation, pressure control, emergency response, and understanding of hydraulic principles. Most water authorities maintain lists of approved tapping operators and will only approve connection work by qualified personnel. Equipment used for live tapping must be approved by the water authority, typically requiring manufacturer certification that equipment is suitable for the specified main pressure and diameter. Common tapping equipment includes mechanical tapping saddles for cast iron and ductile iron mains, electrofusion tapping saddles for polyethylene mains, and band-type saddles for larger diameter connections. All tapping equipment requires pre-installation inspection verifying saddle seals are intact, drilling machine components are serviceable, valves operate correctly, and no damage exists that could compromise pressure integrity. Before any live tapping work, obtain water authority approval for the connection including approval of tapping location, verification that main has adequate capacity for additional connection, specification of approved tapping methods and equipment for the particular main type and size, and scheduling of authority inspection if required. Some authorities require authority representatives to witness all live tapping operations providing real-time verification of procedures. Never attempt live tapping without appropriate qualifications, approved equipment, and authority approval. Inadequate tapping procedures have caused catastrophic main failures resulting in major flooding, extensive property damage, loss of water supply to large areas, and in extreme cases, worker drowning in flooded excavations from uncontrolled high-pressure water release.

Meter chambers and pits constitute confined spaces requiring formal entry permits and atmospheric testing before any entry regardless of chamber size or anticipated entry duration. A confined space is defined as an enclosed or partially enclosed space not designed for continuous human occupancy, with restricted entry and egress, and potential for atmospheric hazards or engulfment. Standard residential meter boxes meet this definition despite small size - workers must enter head and shoulders into chamber creating entrapment risk, atmospheric hazards can develop rapidly, and emergency rescue is complicated by restricted access. Before any chamber entry, conduct atmospheric testing using calibrated multi-gas monitor measuring: oxygen concentration (safe range 19.5-23.5%, levels below 19.5% indicate oxygen deficiency causing unconsciousness and death); flammable gases (LEL must be <10%, higher concentrations indicate explosion risks); hydrogen sulphide (safe limit <10ppm, higher levels are toxic and rapidly fatal); and carbon monoxide (safe limit <30ppm, higher concentrations cause poisoning). Test at multiple depths as heavier-than-air gases accumulate at chamber bottom. If initial testing shows unsafe atmosphere, ventilate chamber using portable blower for minimum 5 minutes then retest. Only enter if testing confirms safe atmosphere. Maintain forced ventilation throughout entry period. For extended work, conduct continuous atmospheric monitoring with audible alarms warning of deteriorating conditions. Assign standby person for every entry maintaining contact with entrant. Require entrants to wear safety harnesses enabling mechanical retrieval if unconscious. Standby persons must never enter for rescue without breathing apparatus - failed rescue attempts kill would-be rescuers who enter without protection and are overcome by same atmospheric hazards. Have emergency services contact information immediately available. Document all atmospheric test results in confined space entry permits. Withdraw immediately if monitoring indicates deteriorating atmospheric conditions. Never bypass atmospheric testing for 'quick' entries - fatal incidents have occurred during brief entries when workers assumed atmosphere was safe without testing.

Traffic management requirements for water meter installation in road reserves or driveways depend on traffic volumes, speeds, work duration, and local authority regulations. At minimum, all roadway work requires: advance warning signs positioned minimum 50 metres before work area alerting approaching traffic; traffic cones and delineators channeling traffic around work area maintaining minimum 1-metre clearance from excavation edge; physical barriers around excavations preventing vehicle and pedestrian entry (temporary fencing or barrier systems); high-visibility clothing for all workers (Class D day/night per AS/NZS 1906.4) ensuring visibility to approaching drivers; and adequate lighting if work extends into low-light periods ensuring excavations remain visible. For work in higher-risk situations including high-traffic volumes (>500 vehicles/hour), high speeds (>60km/h), limited sight distances, lane closures, or work extending multiple days, enhanced controls may include: formal traffic management plan approved by local authority; engagement of qualified traffic controllers directing vehicles around work area; vehicle-impact rated barriers protecting workers from errant vehicles; additional warning devices including flashing lights and variable message signs; and scheduling work during low-traffic periods (overnight or weekends) reducing exposure. Coordinate with local authority for any work in road reserves, obtaining permits specifying approved traffic management measures, work timing restrictions, and road restoration requirements. For work in shared driveways or private property with vehicle access, establish physical barriers preventing vehicle entry during excavation period, notify affected residents of work timing and access restrictions, provide alternative access if driveway is completely blocked, and maintain clear communication about when normal access will resume. Never rely on traffic cones alone for excavation protection - physical barriers are essential preventing vehicles and pedestrians falling into excavations. Monitor traffic control throughout work period, repositioning devices if displaced by traffic or weather. Remove all traffic control devices promptly after work completion and surface restoration. Recent prosecutions have resulted from inadequate work zone protection where vehicles or pedestrians have fallen into unprotected excavations causing serious injuries or deaths.