COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Job Safety Analysis & Task Risk Assessment in Plumbing Work course. This training will provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to conduct effective risk assessments and implement hazard control measures specific to plumbing environments.

Plumbing work routinely exposes workers to a wide range of hazards—from working at height and confined space entry to handling pressurised systems and hazardous substances. The use of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Task Risk Assessment (TRA) methods ensures these risks are systematically identified, evaluated, and controlled to support a compliant, safe, and productive worksite.

This course begins by examining the role of risk assessment in plumbing operations. Participants will learn why hazard identification and control are critical not only for preventing injury and property damage but also for meeting legal duties under WHS legislation and duty of care principles. JSA and TRA are key tools that, when used effectively, reduce workplace incidents, support planning, and demonstrate compliance with regulatory obligations.

A clear understanding of JSA and TRA is foundational to their application. This section defines both processes, explains their key differences and similarities, and identifies when each is most appropriate. While both aim to control risks, participants will learn how JSAs are typically applied to broader jobs and TRA focuses on more detailed task-specific risk analysis.

Plumbing tasks often trigger the need for formal risk assessment. This section outlines examples such as trenching, hot water system installation, gas appliance connections, and roof-level pipework. Participants will learn to identify high-risk indicators such as heat, working at heights, confined spaces, or exposure to hazardous substances—ensuring assessments are applied where legally required and operationally appropriate.

Before conducting a JSA or TRA, relevant information must be gathered. This section covers the review of SWMS, plans, safety data sheets (SDS), and environmental factors such as site access, sequencing, and shared work areas. Consulting with workers, site supervisors, and other trades enhances the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

Developing a JSA follows a structured process. Participants will learn how to break the job into individual steps, identify hazards associated with each step, and determine the controls needed to manage those hazards. This methodical approach ensures nothing is overlooked and that risk is considered at every stage of the task.

Hazard identification is central to effective assessment. This section explores the types of hazards common in plumbing work—ranging from physical risks such as sharp tools or fall hazards to chemical and biological exposures such as sewage or adhesives. Environmental risks, including heat stress, confined spaces, and unstable soil during trenching, are also addressed.

Once hazards are identified, the level of risk must be assessed. Participants will learn how to use a risk matrix to evaluate the likelihood and consequence of each hazard and assign a risk rating. This rating informs the priority and type of control measures to be implemented and monitored.

Applying appropriate controls is a critical step in risk management. This section introduces the hierarchy of control—from elimination and substitution to engineering, administrative measures, and PPE. Participants will learn to choose practical, effective controls based on the task and site environment and verify that they are suitable for the identified hazards.

Documentation must meet both legal and operational standards. Participants will be guided through the correct structure and content of a compliant JSA or TRA form, including task descriptions, hazard identification, control measures, responsible personnel, and worker acknowledgements. Common documentation errors that compromise the integrity of risk assessments are also discussed.

Once implemented, control measures must be reviewed for effectiveness. This section covers how to confirm that controls are in place and functioning before work begins, adjust them based on changing site conditions, and keep records of reviews to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Worker participation is key to successful risk assessment. This section explores strategies to involve workers in identifying hazards and developing controls, encouraging open communication during assessments, and ensuring that workers understand and accept their roles in maintaining safety.

Integration with broader WHS systems is essential. This section explains how JSA and TRA processes align with Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), pre-start meetings, and toolbox talks. Coordinating these documents ensures consistency, clarity, and streamlined communication across the job site.

Supervision ensures that assessments are followed in practice. Participants will learn how supervisors monitor JSA and TRA compliance, identify unsafe behaviour or emerging hazards, and provide corrective feedback in a timely and constructive manner to maintain safe work practices.

Site conditions can change rapidly. This section addresses how to recognise when tasks, personnel, or environmental factors have changed and how to update the JSA or TRA accordingly. Communicating these updates ensures all team members are aware of the revised risk controls.

Incidents and near misses must trigger a reassessment. This section provides procedures for using incident reports to evaluate the effectiveness of existing JSAs and TRAs, investigate the root causes of failures in risk control, and implement revised procedures, training, or equipment as necessary.

Proper recordkeeping supports accountability and compliance. Participants will learn how long to retain JSA and TRA documents, how to store them for quick access, and how to provide them during audits, inspections, or incident investigations.

Finally, the course covers continuous improvement strategies for JSA and TRA practices. This includes reviewing past assessments to identify recurring risks, updating templates with better language or structure, and encouraging innovation in task planning and control selection to improve safety outcomes across plumbing projects.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools, procedures, and confidence to carry out Job Safety Analyses and Task Risk Assessments effectively in plumbing environments—ensuring compliance, reducing incidents, and fostering a proactive safety culture across your team and worksite.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Risk Assessment in Plumbing Work

• The importance of hazard control in plumbing operations
• Legal obligations under WHS legislation and duty of care principles
• How JSA and TRA support a safe, compliant, and efficient work environment

2. Definitions: JSA vs Task Risk Assessment

• What is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
• What is a Task Risk Assessment (TRA)?
• Key differences, similarities, and appropriate use in plumbing work

3. When to Use JSA and TRA in Plumbing Activities

• Mandatory requirements for high-risk work
• Employer and supervisor responsibilities
• Daily, task-specific, and site-specific applications

4. Identifying Plumbing Tasks that Require Risk Assessment

• Examples: hot water system installation, trenching, gas fitting, roof work
• High-risk indicators: height, confined spaces, hot works, hazardous substances
• Determining scope and complexity of the task

5. Gathering Relevant Information Before Assessment

• Reviewing SWMS, plans, and safety data sheets (SDS)
• Understanding site access, environmental conditions, and sequencing
• Consulting with workers and other trades

6. Step-by-Step Job Safety Analysis Process

• Breaking the job into basic task steps
• Identifying hazards for each task step
• Determining appropriate control measures

7. Identifying Hazards in Plumbing Work

• Physical hazards
• Chemical and biological hazards
• Environmental hazards

8. Assessing Risk: Likelihood and Consequence

• Using a risk matrix to rate hazards
• Determining the severity of potential harm
• Prioritising hazards based on risk rating

9. Selecting and Applying Control Measures

• Using the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, PPE
• Matching controls to task type and site conditions
• Verifying that controls are practical and effective

10. Completing and Documenting the JSA/TRA Form

• Structure of a compliant JSA or TRA document
• Including responsible persons, job steps, and controls
• Common errors to avoid in documentation

11. Reviewing Control Measures On-Site

• Confirming controls are in place before work begins
• Adjusting controls based on changing conditions
• Keeping records of reviews and updates

12. Worker Participation and Consultation

• Involving all workers in hazard identification and control development
• Encouraging open communication and safety observations
• Promoting ownership and understanding of JSA/TRA

13. Integrating JSA/TRA with SWMS and WHS Systems

• Ensuring consistency across WHS documentation
• Linking JSA/TRA with Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
• Using JSA to inform toolbox talks and pre-start meetings

14. Supervising and Monitoring Compliance

• Ensuring workers follow JSA/TRA procedures
• Observing high-risk tasks for deviations or new hazards
• Addressing unsafe behaviour promptly and constructively

15. Managing Site Changes and Unexpected Hazards

• Recognising when conditions or tasks have changed
• Updating the JSA or TRA accordingly
• Communicating changes to all affected personnel

16. Responding to Incidents and Near Misses

• Using incident reports to review effectiveness of JSA/TRA
• Identifying breakdowns in risk control
• Implementing corrective actions and re-training

17. Storing and Retaining JSA/TRA Records

• Legal and organisational requirements for recordkeeping
• Duration of storage for compliance and auditing
• Making documents accessible for review and verification

18. Continuous Improvement in JSA and Risk Assessment Practices

• Reviewing completed assessments for recurring risks
• Updating templates and procedures based on feedback
• Promoting innovation and safer alternatives in plumbing tasks

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.