SWMS template · Plumbing & Gas
Gas Leak Detection and Repair — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for responding to reported gas leaks on consumer piping and appliances, covering making the area safe, isolating the supply, locating the leak by detector, leak solution and pressure test, repairing the fault, and re-testing and recommissioning.
- Category
- Plumbing & Gas
- HRCW
- 2 categories
- Job steps
- 7
- Hazards rated
- 17
- PPE items
- 6
A gas leak call-out is High Risk Construction Work under the model WHS Regulations because you are working on pressurised gas piping and the area may already have a flammable atmosphere. A SWMS is required, and it has to be in place before the work starts, so keep a copy that covers this task in the vehicle rather than writing one on the doorstep.
The main hazard is ignition. Gas only needs a spark to ignite once it reaches a flammable concentration, and that spark can come from a light switch, a doorbell, a phone, a fridge compressor or a power tool. If there is a strong smell inside, get people out first, do not switch anything on or off, open doors and windows, and isolate at the meter or cylinder if it is safe to reach. Natural gas is lighter than air and collects in ceilings and high spaces. LPG is heavier than air and pools in subfloors, pits, cellars and low points, where it can sit for a long time. Subfloor work on an LPG leak needs gas testing before you go in.
Find leaks with a calibrated gas detector, leak detection solution and a pressure or tightness test with a manometer. Never use a flame. If the leak is on the network side of the meter, at the meter or regulator, or in the street, it belongs to the gas distributor. Make the area safe and call the distributor's emergency line rather than working on their assets. Repairs that involve brazing copper are hot work, so the section must be isolated, purged and confirmed gas-free before any heat is applied.
Gas fitting is licensed work in every state and territory, and the licence class, compliance certificate and notification rules differ. Check your state or territory regulator. Work must meet AS/NZS 5601.1 and the appliance manufacturer's instructions. After any repair, re-test the whole installation for tightness, purge, relight every appliance and check for correct burner operation and flue spillage, because a leak repair can disturb other joints and appliances.
Customise this template with the gas type (natural gas or LPG), the meter or cylinder location and isolation valve, the area of the reported leak, the gas detector model and calibration date, the repair method (joint remake, section replacement, brazing), the tightness test pressure and duration you will use, the appliances to be recommissioned, and how you will report the work to the owner and regulator.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Work on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
- Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Personal Protective Equipment
- Calibrated combustible gas detector
- Safety glasses
- Leather gloves (heat-resistant for brazing)
- Long-sleeve cotton or flame-resistant clothing
- Steel-capped safety boots
- Dry powder fire extinguisher (on hand)
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Arrival, initial assessment and making the area safe
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explosion from igniting accumulated gas | Catastrophic | Check with the detector from the doorway before entering. If gas is detected inside or the smell is strong, evacuate occupants, do not operate switches, phones or doorbells in the area, remove ignition sources, and open doors and windows from the outside where possible. | Moderate | Gas Fitter |
| Leak on the distributor's side of the meter or in the street | High | If the leak is at the meter, regulator, service line or main, keep people clear, isolate at the meter if safe, and call the gas distributor's emergency line. Do not work on distributor assets. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Occupants returning or using appliances during the work | Moderate | Explain the hazard to the occupant. Tag the isolation valve. Tell occupants not to relight or use any gas appliance until you hand back. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 2Isolating the gas supply
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas continuing to flow from a faulty or seized meter valve | High | Turn off at the meter or cylinder valves and confirm isolation by watching the meter dial or by pressure test. If the valve will not close, call the distributor or LPG supplier and keep the area clear. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Someone turning the gas back on during the repair | High | Lock or tag the meter valve or cylinder valves with a danger tag naming the fitter and date. Only the fitter who applied the tag removes it. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 3Ventilating and gas testing the work area
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPG pooled in subfloor, pit or low space | High | Test at floor and low points before entry. Do not enter until readings are clear. Ventilate with doors, vents or an intrinsically safe or air-driven fan placed outside the gas zone. Treat restricted subfloors as confined spaces if they meet the definition. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Natural gas trapped in ceiling space or cupboards | High | Test at high points and inside cupboards. Open manholes and cupboards to vent. Keep testing while you work, not just at the start. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 4Locating the leak
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignition from using a flame or non-rated equipment | Catastrophic | Never use a flame to find a leak. Use a calibrated gas detector and leak detection solution on joints. Bump test the detector before each job. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Missing a slow leak and leaving it unrepaired | High | Carry out a pressure decay test on the isolated installation with a manometer. Isolate sections to narrow down the leak. Check appliance connections, flexible hoses and bayonet fittings, which are common leak points. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Back strain and trapped limbs in tight subfloors | Moderate | Plan the route in and out. Use knee pads and a torch rated for the area. A second person stays at the access point if the subfloor is restricted. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 5Repairing the leaking joint or section
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire when brazing on a pipe that still holds gas | Catastrophic | Isolate and purge the section to a safe location outdoors. Confirm gas-free with the detector at the work point before lighting the torch. Fire extinguisher within reach. Remove or shield combustibles. | Moderate | Gas Fitter |
| Burns from torch and hot pipe | Moderate | Heat-resistant gloves, safety glasses and long sleeves. Let joints cool before handling. Check for smouldering material for 30 minutes after hot work in roof or subfloor spaces. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Using unsuitable fittings or sealants | Moderate | Use only fittings, thread sealants and hoses certified for gas and the gas type. Replace damaged flexible connectors rather than repairing them. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 6Tightness testing and purging
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining leak not found before gas is restored | High | Tightness test the whole installation to AS/NZS 5601.1 and record the test pressure and duration. Do not restore supply until the test passes. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Purged gas building up in an enclosed area | High | Purge to outside air away from ignition sources, windows and openings. Monitor with the detector while purging. | Low | Gas Fitter |
Step 7Recommissioning appliances and handover
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon monoxide from an appliance that is not burning correctly | High | Relight each appliance to the manufacturer's instructions. Check flame picture, operating pressure and flue spillage. Do not hand back an appliance that fails. Isolate and tag it and tell the owner in writing. | Low | Gas Fitter |
| Owner unaware of what was found and fixed | Moderate | Explain the fault and repair to the owner. Complete the compliance paperwork required in your state or territory. Remove the danger tag only after all checks pass. | Low | Gas Fitter |
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.
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