Backflow Prevention Device Testing SWMS

Suits licensed plumbers and backflow testers who test and service double check valves, pressure type vacuum breakers and reduced pressure zone devices on commercial, industrial, fire and irrigation lines. It covers planning the shut-down, working at pits, testing under pressure, hot water, chemical lines, servicing and the records.

Backflow device testing is not high risk construction work by itself, so no high risk item is pre-ticked. A SWMS is legally required (WHS Regulation s 299) only when the job is high risk construction work (s 291), for example work in or near a confined space such as a pit that meets the confined space definition, work on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines, or work in an area that may have a flammable or contaminated atmosphere. Tick the items that apply; otherwise the document works as a written safe work procedure and task risk assessment.

New to SWMS? Read What Is A Safe Work Method Statement?

What Is Covered In Our Backflow Prevention Device Testing SWMS?

After the standard pre-start checks, the job steps run from “Plan the job and agree the shut-down” to “Record, notify and pack up”. The hazards and controls include:

• Planning the shut-down and protecting fire services and occupied areas
• Traffic, wet conditions and electrical equipment around the device
• Heavy pit lids, open pits and possible confined spaces
• Test kit and hose failure under pressure
• Water spray and water hammer when testing
• Scalds from hot water lines
• Chemical splashes and vapour on chemical lines
• Spring-loaded covers and heavy valve bodies when servicing
• Bacteria in warm or stagnant water and mist
• Failed devices left in service and cross-connection
• Records and notice to the local government

High Risk Construction Work

None of the high risk construction work items (WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) s 291) are pre-ticked, because this job is not high risk construction work by itself. Tick any that apply on your site.

Licences, Training and Competency

• Plumbing licence that authorises maintaining and testing the type of device (a backflow prevention licensee under the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019)
• Competence with the differential pressure test kit and the manufacturer’s test procedure for the device model
• General construction induction training card (white card) when the work is construction work on a construction site
• Site induction, including plant room, pit and permit rules
• Training to recognise a confined space; any entry is under a separate SWMS and permit
• Licensed electrician to isolate nearby pumps or controllers where needed
• First aider on site

Legislation and Codes of Practice Referenced

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
• Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (Qld): s 71 (backflow prevention devices)
• Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 (Qld): ss 101 to 103 (testable backflow prevention devices)
• Confined Spaces Code of Practice 2021
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2021
• Traffic Management for Construction or Maintenance Work Code of Practice 2008
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice 2021
• Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld)
• Electrical Safety Regulation 2026 (Qld): s 140 (electrical equipment used for construction work) and the safety switch duties in Part 6
• Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work (guidance)

What You Get

• An editable Microsoft Word document (13 A4 landscape pages). Type your business, client and job details once and they fill in on every page, with a space for your logo
• 10 job steps for this work, each with its hazards, controls, initial and residual risk scores and the person responsible
• PPE listed for this job: safety boots with a non-slip sole (gumboots in wet pits); high-visibility clothing; safety glasses or a face shield when operating test cocks and valves
• Emergency arrangements for: scald or chemical splash, person collapsed in or beside a pit and cross-connection suspected or chemical released to drinking water
• Plus the parts every Work Safety QLD SWMS shares, from the s 291 checklist to the worker sign-on sheet (see the layout in our free SWMS template)

Adjust it for your site, plant and crew, and talk it through with your workers before work starts. Please make sure you read our Disclaimer before downloading this SWMS.

Checked against the Queensland laws and codes of practice listed above. Last reviewed October 2026.