COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Manage Serious Safety Threats in Plumbing Operations course. This comprehensive program has been designed to build your capacity to recognise, assess and control the kinds of hazards that can very quickly become life-threatening in plumbing and roof plumbing work, both in domestic and commercial environments. You will explore how working with heights, excavations, pressure systems, gases, sewage, chemicals, power tools and mobile plant creates a complex risk profile, and how systematic planning, supervision and worker engagement are essential to preventing serious injury, illness and fatalities.

This course begins by developing a clear understanding of the nature of safety threats inherent in plumbing and roof plumbing operations, and the legal duties that apply to those who organise or carry out this work. It explains the key categories of risk in plumbing and roof plumbing activities, outlines the WHS obligations, licensing requirements and high-risk work provisions that govern this industry, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of plumbers, roof plumbers, supervisors and PCBUs. It introduces the practical use of risk assessment, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), permits and structured job planning as core tools for controlling high-risk tasks before work begins.

Falls from height remain one of the most serious risks for roof plumbers and plumbers working on elevated structures. This section focuses on working at height and roof edges, including safe roof access, edge protection and the hazards associated with fragile roofing and skylights, slippery and steep roof surfaces, and poorly managed ladder setup, positioning and use. It also examines the correct selection and use of harnesses, anchors and fall-arrest systems, and the risks created when transferring between roofs, scaffolds, elevated work platforms (EWPs) and other structures in changing weather and site conditions.

Serious injuries can also occur at ground level when basic housekeeping and surface conditions are not maintained. This section examines ground-level slips, trips and falls, including the impact of wet, muddy and slippery site surfaces, offcuts, rubble and tools left in walkways, and hoses, cords and temporary pipework crossing access paths. It considers hazards from uneven ground, rubble piles and steps on construction sites, and the risks posed by slippery indoor floors during plumbing work, particularly in bathrooms, plant rooms and commercial wet areas.

Excavations, trenches and underground services introduce multiple overlapping hazards that can have catastrophic consequences if not properly controlled. This section explores trench stability and collapse, falls into pits, manholes and chambers, and the risks of striking underground electrical, gas and water services when digging or boring. It examines water ingress and trench flooding, including how weather and broken services can rapidly change conditions, and the dangers when mobile plant operates near trench edges, potentially contributing to collapse or striking workers in or around the excavation.

Plumbing and roof plumbing work frequently involves confined and restricted workspaces where normal assumptions about air quality, movement and rescue may not apply. This section focuses on pits, tanks, sewers and chambers with poor ventilation, where oxygen deficiency and toxic sewer gases can develop quickly, as well as roof spaces and cramped ceiling cavities with limited access and emergency egress. It highlights the additional planning, atmospheric testing, permit systems, communication and standby arrangements needed to work safely in confined or restricted spaces.

Sewage, wastewater and other biological contaminants pose significant health risks that can be easily underestimated. This section examines exposure to raw sewage and contaminated water, infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites, and the hazards of needlesticks and sharps hidden within plumbing systems. It also considers exposure to vermin, carcasses and animal droppings, and the presence of mould, fungi and biofilm in damp areas, emphasising the importance of hygiene practices, PPE, immunisation, decontamination and incident response when dealing with biological hazards.

Plumbers and roof plumbers work with a wide range of chemicals, metals and hazardous materials that can harm skin, eyes and respiratory systems, and create long-term health risks. This section explores the use of acids, alkalis and drain cleaning products, solvents, primers and plastic pipe adhesives, fluxes, solders and potential lead exposure. It also addresses asbestos in legacy pipes, flues and roof products, and the hazards of sealants, foams and resin-based waterproofing, cleaning agents and disinfectants in plant and wet areas, as well as roof coatings, paints and isocyanate-based products, highlighting the need for substitution, ventilation, safe handling and appropriate PPE.

Gas, LPG and fuel systems create serious fire, explosion and asphyxiation risks if leaks or faults occur. This section examines gas leaks from pipework, fittings and appliances, and how these can lead to fire and explosion in enclosed or roof spaces when ignition sources are present. It explores asphyxiation risks from gas displacing oxygen, cold burns from contact with liquid LPG, and the importance of controlling potential ignition sources near leaking gas, as well as testing, purging and isolation procedures for safe work on gas systems.

Many plumbing systems involve pressure, and stored energy can be released suddenly with destructive force. This section focuses on pressure systems and stored energy, including hazards from high-pressure water jetting and flushing, sudden release of pressurised water, air or steam, burst hoses and whipping lines, and pipework and components moving under pressure changes. It emphasises safe system design, lock-out and isolation, pressure testing protocols, equipment inspection and operator training as critical controls.

Hot work and hot surfaces are common in plumbing and roof plumbing, particularly when joining metals or working around hot water and heating systems. This section examines hazards associated with soldering, brazing and torch operations, including fire risk near combustible linings, dust and concealed cavities, and exposure to fumes and metal vapours from hot work. It also addresses scalds from hot water and steam discharges, and contact with boilers, heaters and hot pipework, reinforcing the need for permits, fire watch arrangements, guarding and safe system design.

Electrical hazards are present wherever plumbing and electrics intersect, and may be hidden within building structures. This section explores risks from live electrical parts near pumps and hot water units, drilling or cutting into concealed cables, and using power tools and leads in wet areas where shock risk is elevated. It also considers damaged cords, plugs and temporary power arrangements commonly found on construction and renovation sites, and highlights the importance of testing and tagging, RCD use, separation of services and coordination with electrical trades.

Roof plumbing introduces specific material and handling risks that are magnified by height and weather conditions. This section focuses on handling long metal sheets and flashings in wind, sharp edges on sheets, gutters and downpipes, and the potential for falling roof components during lifting, positioning and fixing. It emphasises secure handling techniques, lifting plans, edge protection, exclusion zones and the coordination required between ground crews and roof workers to prevent dropped-object incidents.

Manual handling and musculoskeletal strain are pervasive risks in plumbing and roof plumbing, where heavy, awkward and repetitive tasks are routine. This section examines lifting and carrying pipes, cylinders and fixtures, handling heavy hot water units and large components, and working in awkward postures under sinks, in roofs and subfloors. It also considers repetitive cutting, threading and jointing tasks, and the physical demands of pushing and pulling jetters, drain machines and loaded toolboxes, emphasising ergonomic planning, mechanical aids, team lifts and task rotation.

Hand tools, portable power tools and larger plant are central to plumbing work but introduce their own set of serious risks. This section explores cuts and punctures from hand tools, and hazards associated with power saws, grinders and drills used on pipes and metal, including flying debris and eye injuries from cutting and grinding. It also considers noise from jetters, pumps and power tools, and vibration from extended power tool use, highlighting the need for guarding, correct tool selection, PPE, maintenance and exposure management.

Weather, climate and outdoor conditions can rapidly change the risk profile of plumbing and roof plumbing tasks, particularly at height. This section examines heat stress and dehydration on outdoor and roof jobs, sun exposure and UV risk on metal roofs, and how cold, wind and rain affect grip, dexterity and footing. It also looks at storms, lightning and high winds at height, and the importance of monitoring weather conditions, adjusting work plans and knowing when to stop work to maintain safety.

Plumbing and roof plumbing work is often carried out near vehicle traffic, mobile plant and in time-pressured, unpredictable situations. This section addresses traffic, mobile plant and work organisation risks, including roadside and driveway traffic near work areas, interaction with excavators, trucks and site plant, and hazards from reversing vehicles and tight access sites. It also explores how long hours, callouts, fatigue, time pressure and shortcutting of controls increase the likelihood of serious incidents, and how working alone in remote or high-risk locations and managing distressed or aggressive clients during emergencies require specific planning, communication and support strategies.

By the end of this course, you will be able to identify and categorise serious safety threats across plumbing and roof plumbing operations, from height work, excavations and confined spaces to sewage, chemicals, gas, pressure systems, hot work, electricity, manual handling, tools, weather and traffic. You will understand the legal framework, roles and responsibilities that govern this work, and know how to apply risk assessment, SWMS, permits, engineering controls, safe work practices, supervision and consultation to manage high-risk tasks. Most importantly, you will be equipped to lead and support a proactive, disciplined safety culture that prevents serious incidents and protects workers, clients and the public across all plumbing and roof plumbing activities.

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 Safety Threats in Plumbing and Roof Plumbing Work

• Nature of safety threats in plumbing and roof plumbing operations
• Legal WHS duties, licensing and high-risk work requirements
• Roles and responsibilities of plumbers, roof plumbers, supervisors and PCBUs
• Use of risk assessment, SWMS, permits and job planning to control high-risk tasks

2. Working at Height and Roof Edges

• Roof access and edge protection
• Fragile roofing and skylights
• Slippery and steep roof surfaces
• Ladder setup, positioning and use
• Harnesses, anchors and fall-arrest systems
• Transfers between roofs, scaffolds, EWPs and structures

3. Ground-Level Slips, Trips and Falls

• Wet, muddy and slippery site surfaces
• Offcuts, rubble and tools in walkways
• Hoses, cords and temporary pipework
• Uneven ground, rubble piles and steps
• Slippery indoor floors during plumbing work

4. Excavations, Trenches and Underground Services

• Trench stability and collapse
• Falls into pits, manholes and chambers
• Striking underground electrical, gas and water services
• Water ingress and trench flooding
• Mobile plant operating near trench edges

5. Confined and Restricted Workspaces

• Pits, tanks, sewers and chambers with poor ventilation
• Oxygen deficiency and toxic sewer gases
• Limited access and emergency egress
• Roof spaces and cramped ceiling cavities

6. Sewage, Wastewater and Biological Hazards

• Raw sewage and contaminated water exposure
• Infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites
• Needlesticks and sharps in plumbing systems
• Vermin, carcasses and animal droppings
• Mould, fungi and biofilm in damp areas

7. Chemicals, Metals and Hazardous Materials

• Acids, alkalis and drain cleaning products
• Solvents, primers and plastic pipe adhesives
• Fluxes, solders and lead-related exposure
• Asbestos in legacy pipes, flues and roof products
• Sealants, foams and resin-based waterproofing
• Cleaning agents and disinfectants in plant and wet areas
• Roof coatings, paints and isocyanate-based products

8. Gas, LPG and Fuel System Hazards

• Gas leaks from pipework, fittings and appliances
• Fire and explosion in enclosed or roof spaces
• Asphyxiation from gas displacing oxygen
• Cold burns from liquid LPG contact
• Ignition sources near leaking gas

9. Pressure Systems and Stored Energy

• High-pressure water jetting and flushing
• Sudden release of pressurised water, air or steam
• Burst hoses and whipping lines
• Pipework and components moving under pressure changes

10. Hot Work, Flames and Hot Surfaces

• Soldering, brazing and torch operations
• Fire risk near combustible linings and dust
• Fumes and metal vapours from hot work
• Scalds from hot water and steam discharges
• Contact with boilers, heaters and hot pipework

11. Electrical and Hidden Service Hazards

• Live electrical parts near pumps and hot water units
• Drilling or cutting into concealed cables
• Power tools and leads used in wet areas
• Damaged cords, plugs and temporary power

12. Roof Plumbing Materials and Handling Risks

• Handling long metal sheets and flashings in wind
• Sharp edges on sheets, gutters and downpipes
• Falling roof components during lifting and fixing

13. Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Strain

• Lifting and carrying pipes, cylinders and fixtures
• Handling heavy hot water units and large components
• Awkward postures under sinks, in roofs and subfloors
• Repetitive cutting, threading and jointing tasks
• Pushing and pulling jetters, drain machines and toolboxes

14. Tools, Plant and Powered Equipment

• Cuts and punctures from hand tools
• Power saws, grinders and drills on pipes and metal
• Flying debris and eye injuries from cutting and grinding
• Noise from jetters, pumps and power tools
• Vibration from extended power tool use

15. Weather, Climate and Outdoor Conditions

• Heat stress and dehydration on outdoor and roof jobs
• Sun exposure and UV risk on metal roofs
• Cold, wind and rain affecting grip and dexterity
• Storms, lightning and high winds at height

16. Traffic, Mobile Plant and Work Organisation Risks

• Roadside and driveway traffic near work areas
• Interaction with excavators, trucks and site plant
• Reversing vehicles and tight access sites
• Long hours, callouts and fatigue
• Time pressure and shortcutting of controls
• Working alone in remote or high-risk locations
• Managing distressed or aggressive clients during emergencies

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

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”.