Drain Jetting and CCTV Inspection — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for clearing blocked sewer and stormwater drains with high-pressure water jetters and electric eel machines, and inspecting drains with CCTV cameras, working from inspection openings, pits and manholes without entry.
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Drain clearing and CCTV inspection is maintenance on existing drains, worked from the surface through inspection openings, gullies, pits and manholes. When done without entry it is often not high risk construction work. It becomes HRCW where the work is in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere (open sewer maintenance holes and wet wells) or in or next to a road in use. This template treats the sewer atmosphere as a likely hazard. If anyone has to enter a pit or maintenance hole, stop: that is confined space entry and needs a confined space entry permit and a separate SWMS.
High-pressure jetters are the main hazard on this job. Jetter water can cut and inject through skin, and an injection wound that looks minor can need surgery within hours. A nozzle that backs out of the pipe can whip the hose around, and a hose that bursts at the reel can cause serious injury. Rotating cable machines (electric eels) can catch gloves and clothing and break wrists. Sewage carries bacteria and viruses including hepatitis A, and sewer air can contain hydrogen sulfide that dulls the sense of smell at higher levels. Older drains may be asbestos cement or earthenware, and root cutters can break them up.
Drainage work on sewer and stormwater must be carried out by a plumber or drainer holding the licence required in your state or territory, and work on authority sewers must follow the water authority's rules. Jetter operators need training on the specific unit, including its pressure and the dead-man control.
Your SWMS must cover set-up and traffic control at the access point, the jetter operating rules, atmosphere monitoring and the no-entry rule, hygiene for sewage exposure, and how CCTV findings are recorded.
Customise this template with the property or asset address, the type of drain (sewer or stormwater), access points, jetter make, pressure and flow rating, gas detector details, traffic control arrangements for road access points, and the licence numbers of the plumbers.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Risk Assessment
1.Site set-up and access point opening
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back injury lifting maintenance hole and pit lids | High | Use a lid lifter or magnetic lifter; never lift heavy cast iron or concrete lids by hand. Bend at the knees and slide lids aside rather than carrying them. Two people for lids over the weight set in your manual handling assessment. | Low | Plumber |
| Falls into open maintenance holes or pits | High | Place a barrier or guard around the opening as soon as the lid is removed and keep it there until the lid is replaced. Never leave an open hole unattended. | Low | Plumber |
| Struck by vehicles at access points in roads or car parks | High | Set up signs, cones and traffic control to the traffic guidance scheme before opening an access point in a road. Park the jetter truck to shield the work area with beacons on. Wear high-visibility clothing. | Low | Plumber / Traffic Controller |
2.Atmosphere check and no-entry control
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen sulfide or low oxygen at sewer access points | High | Before working over an open sewer maintenance hole or wet well, test the atmosphere with a calibrated, bump-tested four-gas detector without leaning into the opening. Work upwind and keep the detector running. Withdraw if the alarm sounds. Never enter: entry is confined space work under a separate permit and SWMS. | Low | Plumber |
| Ignition of flammable sewer gas | Moderate | Keep the jetter engine, generator and smoking well away from and downwind of open sewer access points. Stop if the LEL alarm activates. | Low | Plumber |
3.High-pressure water jetting
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injection injury or laceration from jetter water | Catastrophic | Only trained operators use the jetter. Feed the hose at least 1 metre into the pipe before pressurising and stop pressure before the nozzle is pulled back to the opening; use a hose marker or tube guide to show the nozzle position. Use the dead-man foot pedal or hand control. Never hold the nozzle or point it at anyone. Any injection injury goes to hospital immediately, even if it looks small. | Moderate | Jetter Operator |
| Hose whip or burst hose | High | Inspect hoses, fittings and nozzles before each job and remove damaged items. Use hoses rated above the jetter's maximum pressure. Fit a hose guide at the opening to stop the hose kinking or rubbing. Keep others at least 3 metres from the hose and opening during jetting. | Low | Jetter Operator |
| Sewage spray and splash-back | High | Wear a face shield, waterproof clothing and gloves. Cover the opening with a splash guard. Do not eat, drink or smoke until hands and face are washed. Workers should talk to their doctor about hepatitis A and tetanus vaccination. | Moderate | All Workers |
4.Mechanical drain cleaning (electric eel and root cutting)
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand or arm caught in rotating cable | High | Use a machine with a foot switch and guide hose. Wear the leather mitts supplied with the machine, not loose gloves, and no loose clothing. Do not grab a spinning cable or force it when it binds; stop the motor and reverse. Plug into an RCD-protected outlet. | Low | Plumber |
| Breaking up asbestos cement or earthenware pipe with root cutters | High | Check pipe material on the CCTV or plans before root cutting. Use cutter heads suited to AC pipe or stop and refer for repair rather than cutting. Treat AC pipe debris as asbestos waste. | Low | Plumber |
5.CCTV inspection and recording
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from camera reel or generator in wet conditions | Moderate | Run the CCTV unit from the vehicle's isolated supply, a battery, or an RCD-protected outlet. Keep the reel and connections out of water. Test and tag mains-powered equipment at the required interval. | Low | Plumber |
| Defects misreported, leading to later collapse or contamination | Moderate | Record the footage with chainage, direction and pipe material. Report cracks, root intrusion, displaced joints and collapses to the client in writing. Report defects on authority assets to the water authority. | Low | Plumber |
6.Pack-up and decontamination
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infection from contaminated equipment and clothing | Moderate | Wash down hoses, nozzles, camera heads and boots at the site or depot, draining wash water to sewer. Bag contaminated disposable PPE. Wash hands and face before eating or driving. Change out of soiled clothing before going home. | Low | All Workers |
| Access points left open or lids not seated | High | Replace and seat all lids and grates before removing barriers. Check that no tools or hoses are left in the drain. | Low | Plumber |
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.