Working near pipelines - preventing damage
| Related information | |
|---|---|
 | When to notify the Water Corporation |
| | The 4 Ps: Plan, Pothole, Protect, Proceed |
If you plan to work near Water Corporation pipelines, the following information will help you avoid expensive pipe damage and service disruption.
About Water Corporation pipelines
The Water Corporation operates extensive networks of pipelines delivering water, sewerage and drainage services throughout Western Australia.
These pipes can be found in most streets. Often multiple pipelines of different sizes, materials and functions can be found in a single street.
Some of these pipes carry large volumes of water and may be under great pressure. Damage to even small pipes can cause major disruption to water services and the community. Damage can also lead to expensive repairs and damages claims.
Who should know about Water Corporation pipelines
Anyone planning work or working near Water Corporation pipelines needs to know how to work around them without causing damage or interference.
Planners and project managers - If you are a planner or project manager you must consider early in your project what steps you may need to take to ensure the site work goes smoothly while protecting buried pipelines.
Site supervisors and site workers (especially machinery operators) – If you are a site supervisor, site worker or machinery operator you must carefully plan and conduct the site work to avoid pipe damage. Ensure Dial Before You Dig plans are available on site and are read and understood. Ensure that any buried pipes will not be damaged by your works. Exploratory potholes must be hand dug before any powered equipment is used.
Duty of care
People working near Water Corporation pipelines have a duty of care to conduct the work in an appropriate and safe manner that will not interfere with other services.
Hazards
In addition to interfering with services, damaging pipes may be hazardous to people in the area. Hazards can arise from the high operating pressures and volumes, biological hazards and toxic gases generated in the sewerage system, and other causes.
How to prevent damage
Common activities which can damage Water Corporation pipes are:
- excavations
- ground anchors
- boring and tunnelling
- ground compaction using vehicular compactors
- piledriving
- movement of heavy loads and vehicles
Preventing damage is a matter of careful planning and properly conducting the site works.
Pipeline Protection Presentations
To help your team be better prepared for working around Water Corporation pipelines, we offer a free presentation and Q&A session at your workplace.
Contact apo@watercorporation.com.au.
Additional information
 | Working near Water Corporation pipelines - summary - Summary of requirements for working near pipelines |
| | Working near Water Corporation pipelines - guidelines - A comprehensive guide for anyone planning or conduction works near pipelines |
 | Pipeline Protection - Job Planning Checklist - A checklist you can use and modify for your own circumstances |
| | Plan legend (complete) - Symbols used on Water Corporation plans |
| | Plan legend (summary) - Symbols used on Water Corporation plans |
| | Asset Protection - Risk Assessment form (example) |
External links
| |
Dial Before You Dig website |
| |
Utility Providers Code of Practice - Main Roads |
Enquiries
131375 - security emergencies faults and arranging a risk assessment - 24 hours
131395 - technical enquiries 8.00am - 5.00pm Weekdays
