Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement

Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement

Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to start work on site, looking to make your workplace safer or going for a Local Council Tender, the Recycled and Non-Potable Water (Sandblasting) Safe Work Method Statement is completely comprehensive, easy to use and easy to implement into your business.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Use of recycled water
  8. Water from other sources
  9. Health effects
  10. Storage
  11. Transport
  12. Use
  13. Reticulation of non-potable or recycled water
  14. On completion

The Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Recycled & Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Recycled & Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to Australian and NZ Standards (AS/NZS) and Legislation. 
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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different recycled and non-potable water project as needed, making sure that your Recycled andNon-Potable Water SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own recycled and non-potable waterSWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS such as: 

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications. 
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to recycled and non-potable water work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the recycled and non-potable water work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the recycled and non-potable water work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the recycled and non-potable water work is completed. Where the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement, the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the recycled and non-potable water work outlined in the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc

The Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Recycled andNon-Potable Water SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to recycled and non-potable water work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers(including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Recycled and Non-Potable Water and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace. 

When the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the recycled and non-potable water work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the recycled and non-potable water work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS. 

When preparing your Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Recycled and Non-Potable Water.

When writing your Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Recycled and Non-Potable Water in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish: 

  • Health and Safety guidelines for recycled and non-potable water work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Recycled and Non-Potable Water
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Recycled and Non-Potable Water operations
  • Ensure the Recycled and Non-Potable Water and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting recycled and non-potable water work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented. 

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with recycled and non-portable water and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the recycled and non-potable water work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct recycled and non-potable water work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting recycled and non-potable water work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS details
  5. If conducting Recycled and Non-Potable Water at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for recycled and non-potable water work 

Recycled and Non-Potable Water Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Recycled and Non-Potable Water as well as any qualifications that may be required for various recycled and non-potable water projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Recycled and Non-Potable Water operations and recycled and non-potable water work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Recycled and Non-Potable Water SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Recycled and Non-Potable Water Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Use Class A+ for non-potable urban use toilet flushing, garden watering, firefighting safe for many uses other than those involving drinking or bathing no pathogens should be detectable in Class A+ recycled water.
  • Use Class A for open space irrigation (no restriction to public access), some industrial processes pathogens may be present, but at low levels.
  • Use Class B for some agricultural uses pasture irrigation, stock watering pathogens are likely to be present.
  • Use Class C for open space irrigation (either sub -surface or public access restricted) pathogens are likely to be present.
  • Use Class D for non-food crop irrigation (e.g., plantation timber) many pathogens could be present.
  • Classes are not applicable to water not sourced from a water recycling plant (e.g., water from creeks, dams, rivers, storm water and low quality rain water) such water will require testing at a NATA accredited laboratory.
  • Always test water before using to determine suitability for the intended purpose.
  • Contamination by agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and industrial contaminants can result in gastro-intestinal illness and eye and skin irritation always provide safe water for drinking, cooking and washing purposes.
  • Non-potable water may contain pathogens such as E-Coli, Cryptosporidium, and Campylobacter and these can cause short and long-term health effects never drink water unless it has been declared safe.
  • Minimise the storage of water containing contaminants due to further deterioration of the water quality unless additional treatment is undertaken to inhibit growth of biological organisms and algae, etc. treat with suitable chemicals to inhibit algae and bacterial growth.
  • Provide warning signs on non-potable water storages to identify contents and provide signs on taps, etc., prohibiting drinking of non-potable water always try to minimise the holding/storage time.
  • Provide a circulation system to minimise stagnation and maximise effective distribution of disinfection and treatment processes clearly mark non-potable and recycled water storages.
  • Never use tankers and tanks that carry potable water for carrying non-potable or recycled water avoid contamination of tank and fittings with non-potable water.
  • Clearly mark all tankers and tanks used for the delivery of non-potable water, with the nature of the water and warnings regarding use clearly signpost all tank and delivery systems.
  • Tankers and tanks that have been used to carry non-potable water must not be used for the transport of potable water until they have been cleaned and disinfected to a standard stipulated by the local water authority always consult the local water authority regarding disinfection and testing of tanks and fiitings.
  • Note: Potable water carriers are classified as food transport vehicles, and must be licensed in the local authority where it operates.
  • Use recycled and non-potable water to minimise the generation of fine spray and mist that persons in the vicinity can breathe in select method of application where larger droplet sizes are used.
  • Persons who may be affected by mist or spray drift should take adequate precautions to avoid breathing mist or spray, and avoid skin contact wearing waterproof clothing and footwear is necessary.
  • Water, known to be contaminated (e.g. Classes B, C and D),should be applied in a manner to minimise spray drift and runoff to other areas or to waterways wearing P1 particulate dust mask is important. Use larger droplet size to minimise spray drift and mist.
  • Identify the areas that may be contaminated by recycled water of Classes B to D with warning and restricted entry signs never use Class B, C or D water in public access areas.
  • Clear distinctions must be made where both potable and non-potable water is provided by a reticulation system make the systems easily identifiable and differentiated.
  • Contact local authority for local requirements and guidelines regarding reticulation of water rather than potable water in aboveground and underground reticulation systems.
  • Potable water is generally reticulated in either copper or black polythene tubing, while pipes and fittings for non-potable water for both underground and above-ground use are of lilac colour.
  • Clearly label taps and outlets on a non-potable reticulation system as non-potable water or Recycled water NEVER DRINK together with the appropriate prohibition pictogram.
  • Identify above ground reticulation of non-potable water also by use of pipe markers that identify the contents of the pipe and the direction of flow.
  • Plans of locations of potable, non-potable, grey water and sewage pipes and lines must accurately identify the locations, types and sizes of pipelines to prevent accidental connection of new work to and in correct system.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.