Pipe and Culvert Entry — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for entry into pipes, culverts, and stormwater infrastructure for inspection, cleaning, and minor repair works, addressing atmospheric, flooding, and entrapment hazards.
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Pipe and culvert entry for inspection, cleaning, and repair work in stormwater and drainage infrastructure is a specialised form of confined space work where the restricted egress, atmospheric risk, and flooding hazard combine to create potentially life-threatening conditions. Where a pipe or culvert meets the confined space definition under the model WHS Regulations — enclosed or partially enclosed, restricted entry or egress, and risk of hazardous atmosphere — the full confined space entry permit and SWMS requirements under Part 4.3 apply.
The flooding and surcharge risk distinguishes pipe and culvert work from other confined space scenarios. Entry should never be attempted during or immediately after rainfall, and a weather monitoring protocol must be in place with a nominated lookout upstream or a rain gauge trigger level that initiates immediate evacuation. Stormwater systems that appear dry can surge rapidly from catchment rainfall several kilometres away. For entries in larger culverts, a flood warning system connected to the Bureau of Meteorology rainfall data or a site-specific rain gauge is the standard control.
Atmospheric hazards in stormwater culverts include oxygen depletion from organic decomposition and, in some cases, gases migrating from adjacent sewer infrastructure through defective joints. Gas testing must follow the same protocol as sewer confined space entry: continuous monitoring for oxygen, combustible gases, CO, and H₂S throughout the duration of work. The internal dimensions of the pipe or culvert dictate the practical rescue options — for pipes below DN 900 mm, rescue of an incapacitated worker may not be practicable while wearing SCBA, and this must be factored into the risk assessment and entry decision.
Customise this template by documenting the pipe or culvert identifier, asset owner (local council or road authority), internal dimensions, upstream isolation method, weather trigger levels for evacuation, rescue equipment at the entry point, and the catch area or catchment size upstream. Ensure that all workers have completed confined space entry training and that the standby person has been briefed on the rescue procedure.
This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories. Asset owner requirements from the relevant local council or road authority must also be met.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work in confined spaces
- •Work involving risk of drowning
Risk Assessment
1.Site Preparation and Upstream Flow Control
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooding or entrapment from upstream flow surges | Catastrophic | Before entry, check weather conditions and storm forecasts. Contact the asset owner to identify and, where possible, close upstream isolation gates. Deploy temporary inflatable plugs upstream of the entry point to block flow. Assign a designated flow spotter with two-way radio to monitor upstream inlet conditions throughout the task. Define a safe flow trigger level — if water rises above ankle depth at the entry invert, immediately recall all entrants via radio. Do not allow entry if weather radar shows rainfall in the catchment. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Flow Spotter |
2.Atmospheric Testing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low oxygen or toxic gas accumulation in enclosed pipe section | Catastrophic | Insert the gas monitor probe the full length of the accessible pipe section before any entry. Test for O2 (acceptable 19.5–23.5%), LEL (<5%), CO (<25 ppm), and H2S (<1 ppm). If any reading is outside acceptable limits, introduce forced mechanical ventilation via a portable axial blower for a minimum of 15 minutes, then re-test. Continuous monitoring must be maintained by attaching monitor to entrant throughout work. Record all readings on the confined space entry permit. | Low | Entry Supervisor / Entrant |
3.Entry and Crawling Through Pipe
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical entrapment due to reduced bore, debris blockages, or pipe damage | High | Inspect the pipe using a CCTV camera prior to human entry to identify internal obstructions, collapsed sections, and bore reductions. Do not permit human entry into any pipe section less than 750 mm in diameter. Entrant must wear a properly fitted rescue harness; never proceed beyond the length of the retrieval rope. Standby person must have direct visual or radio contact at all times. Pre-agree a communication protocol (e.g. one tug = stop, two tugs = come back) and test before entry. | Moderate | Entry Supervisor / Standby Person |
| Musculoskeletal injury from prolonged crawling posture | Moderate | Limit continuous time in the crawling position to 15 minutes, followed by a minimum 30-minute break outside the pipe. Provide knee pads and elbow pads rated for wet, hard surfaces. Carry only essential tools — use a drag bag or tow line to move equipment rather than carrying items while crawling. Conduct a pre-task stretch and warm-up before entry. Report any pain or discomfort immediately to the supervisor. | Low | Entrant / Site Supervisor |
4.Minor Repair Work Inside Pipe
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical exposure from pipe repair resins or epoxy coatings | High | Review SDS for all repair materials before use. Ensure forced ventilation is maintained at a rate sufficient to keep solvent vapour concentrations below 10% of the OEL during application of resins or coatings. Entrant wears SAR rather than APF when applying chemicals inside confined space. No more than one entrant inside the pipe during chemical application. Remove all chemical containers and waste from the pipe before exit. | Moderate | Entrant / Entry Supervisor |
5.Exit and Site Reinstatement
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker trapped due to equipment or tool left blocking egress route | High | Maintain a tool and equipment register for every item taken into the pipe; reconcile the register at exit. Entrant must confirm all tools accounted for before crawling to exit. Standby person checks entry log against tools retrieved. Reinstate all upstream isolation plugs or gates to their original configuration and confirm with asset owner. Complete confined space entry permit closure and remove all signage. | Low | Entrant / Site Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.