Guidelines Working Near Pipelines PDF

Working near our Pipelines
Guidance for planning and working near our

pipelines
November 2009
Working Near Corporation Pipelines
Copyright notice
This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in
unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use
within your organisation. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all
other rights are reserved. Request for further authorisation should be directed to the
address below.
Enquiries
Enquiries with respect to the content of this guideline are to be directed to:
Manager Maintenance Management

Tactical Asset Management
Planning and Capability Group
Water Corporation
PO Box 100
Leederville
WA 6092
Phone 9420 2420
Enquiries with respect to application of these guidelines to particular work are to be directed
in the first instance to 131375.
This document is subject to change without notice. The latest version can be downloaded
from the Water Corporation website.
Date Revisions Approval

Nov 2009 First issue S. Wisdom
Working Near Water Corporation Pipelines
Contents
1 General information 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Who does this guideline apply to? 1
1.3 Legislative requirements 2
1.4 Working on Water Corporation sites 3
1.5 Duty of care 3
2 About water pipelines 3
3 Site safety 7
3.1 Responsibility for site safety 7
3.2 Hazards associated with working near water infrastructure 7
3.3 Health risks from contact with wastewater 7
4 Planning considerations 9
4.1 General responsibilities for parties working near Water Corporation pipelines
9
4.2 Plan the work early 9
4.3 Do a damage risk assessment 10
4.4 About Water Corporation plans 11
4.5 Documentation to be kept on site 12
4.6 Locating assets on site 12
4.7 Guidance for planners and project managers 13
4.8 Guidance for site supervisors, excavators, site workers, machine operators
14
4.9 Guidance for services locators 15
5 Notification of planned work 17

5.1 When must the Water Corporation be notified? 18
5.2 How to notify the Water Corporation 18
5.3 Damage risk assessment 19
6 Technical considerations for works near pipelines 20

6.1 Access 20
6.2 Alignments 20
6.3 Asset Protection Officers 21
6.4 Blasting 21
6.5 Buildings, obstructions, or storage of materials over a main 21
6.6 Cathodic protection / electrical mitigation systems 22
6.7 Chemical discharges and spillages 22

6.8 Clearances to adjacent assets 22
6.9 Clearances to overhead structures 23
6.10 Damage to pipelines 24
6.11 Depth of cover 24
6.12 Emergency works 25
6.13 Excavations 25
6.14 Excavations - trenchless 25
6.15 Exposing pipelines 27
6.16 Mains on private property 29
6.17 Manholes / access chambers 29
6.18 Marker tape and tracer wires 30
6.19 Monitoring site works 31
6.20 Pipeline fittings and structures 31
6.21 Potholing 33
6.22 Power installations - poles 34
6.23 Power installations directional drilling 35
6.24 Soil anchors 35
6.25 Trees and vegetation 36
6.26 Vehicles, access roads and tracks 36
6.27 Vibratory compaction 37
6.28 Warning markers and signs 38
7 Definitions 39
Appendix 1 Applicable legislation 40
Appendix 2 Useful pipeline protection planning checklist 49
Appendix 3 References 51
1 General information
1.1 Introduction
This document is a guide for anyone planning and conducting works near Water
Corporation water, sewerage and drainage pipelines. The aim of this document is to
assist with the planning and conduct of site works so they do not interfere with water
infrastructure or the delivery of services, now and into the future.
Damage or other interference to water infrastructure can have significant impacts on

individuals, businesses and the community.
This guideline will enable planners, constructors, supervisors, excavators, etc. to better plan
their works and ensure that appropriate measures are taken throughout their project to
protect pipelines.
Parties working on site are responsible for the equipment and methods used in their work.
In providing this guideline, the Water Corporation is not specifying particular systems of
work or equipment to be used. It is instead identifying the various aspects of your work
which may have a undesirable impact on buried pipelines and providing guidance to you on
how to avoid these impacts.
It is the responsibility of the party conducting the work to determine how to best conduct
the work in consideration of this guidance information and applicable legal and regulatory
requirements.
This guideline describes important considerations during planning and site works. In some
circumstances Water Corporation requirements may differ from those specified in this
document depending on risks or other reasons.
This guideline relates only to work near Water Corporation buried pipelines. Owners of other
buried assets will have their own requirements which should be determined well prior to
commencing site work. Before commencing site work contact Dial Before You Dig on 1100
or at www.1100.com.au to request plans from the various asset owners.
Finally, in addition to protecting buried pipelines and other utilities services, there is a range
of other aspects which must be considered such as occupational safety and health (OSH)
requirements, local government requirements, environmental requirements, etc.
1.2 Who does this guideline apply to?
This guideline applies to anyone planning or conducting ground disturbing works in

the vicinity of Water Corporation pipelines.
What is ground disturbing work?
Ground disturbing work is any activity which penetrates or otherwise disturbs the ground. It
includes any activities which cause vibration, shock or application of excessive loads.
Ground disturbing work is often but not necessarily construction-related.
Typical ground disturbing activities

boring installation of soil anchors
roadworks pile driving
siting and construction of access placement of temporary
roads structures
siting of laydown areas and soil sampling
material stockpiles blasting
digging open excavations trenching
ground compaction vertical or horizontal drilling
The intended readership for this document is therefore any party responsible for advising
on, planning or conducting construction or utility type works in the vicinity of Water
Corporation pipelines. This may include any of the following types of organisations or roles.
Who MUST KNOW ABOUT buried pipes?

Typical organisations Typical roles
construction companies architects
engineering consultancies consulting engineer
excavation contractors designers
farmers developers
geotechnical surveyors planners
head contractors plumbers
land developers project managers
local government site excavator
owners of chemical or fuel site supervisors
pipelines surveyors
rail authorities utilities locators
road authorities
urban and rural landowners
utility service providers
1.3 Legislative requirements
The primary legislation applicable to this document are the various Western Australian
water and OSH acts. These are listed in the appendix.
1.4 Working on Water Corporation sites
While this document is directed at works outside of Water Corporation sites, it is also
generally applicable to work conducted on such sites, but does not address all requirements.
Work on Water Corporation sites must be conducted in accordance with applicable Water
Corporation policies and procedures including any site-specific procedures. These
requirements will be communicated by the respective plant manager or person in charge of
the site as appropriate.
1.5 Duty of care
People working near water infrastructure have a duty of care to ensure that infrastructure in
the area is not damaged, or interfered with, and their work does not present a hazard to
workers or the public. This duty of care is exercised through careful planning of the works
and compliance with various requirements and conditions.
While the Water Corporation will provide plans, information and assistance where
appropriate, the responsibility for ensuring the work does not interfere with water
infrastructure and is conducted in a safe manner, remains with the party conducting the
work. Any damage caused, including potentially any consequential damages, is the
responsibility of the party who caused the damage.
People working near Water Corporation pipelines must positively verify the location of all
pipelines likely to be affected by their works. Positively verify means to pothole by hand,
or by other soft dig method, and prove the pipeline location visually.
2 About water pipelines
The Water Corporation operates $11 billion of water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure
throughout Western Australia - most of which is buried pipelines.
With increasing population densities and more and more facilities being installed
underground, there is increasing competition for space, and therefore there are increasing
risks that ground disturbing works may interfere with buried infrastructure.
Pipelines are designed to last 70 years or more. It is essential therefore that they are
protected from activities which could interfere with them and shorten their operating life.
One of the ways of ensuring that pipelines reach their design life is by reducing the chance
of interference by other works.
High pressures and flow rates
Many pipelines operate at very high pressures and carry significant volumes of water. Some
pipes are flowing continuously, others are intermittent in their operation. Wastewater
pumping stations and pressure mains carry raw untreated sewerage at high pressures and
flow rates. The unexpected sudden release of large volumes of water or wastewater from
these pipelines could be dangerous to persons working in the vicinity, and could result in
significant damage to nearby property and result in prosecution under various legislation.
Locations
While many pipelines are located in road verges and roadways, others can be found in
private property and in public open space. Often there is little or no indication at the surface
of the existence of any pipelines.
At any given location multiple pipelines may be found. These could have different functions,
criticalities, sizes, depths, alignments, and be constructed from different materials.
Therefore when planning site works it is essential to be certain of everything underground
that may be affected by the works. Locating one pipeline does not necessarily mean the rest
of the area is all clear. Some areas are particularly dense with buried pipes. See the
example below from the Perth metropolitan area.
Fig 2.1 Part of a Water Corporation plan for a typical location in the Perth metropolitan area
showing multiple sewer and water pipes.
Pipe materials
Pipelines are constructed from different materials for different circumstances. Common
materials used today are steel, concrete, and PVC, however there are many other materials
in use. Some materials are more robust than others. Materials such as asbestos cement
(AC), cast iron (CI) and vitreous clay (VC) are relatively brittle materials and can be more
easily damaged than say steel. While newer pipelines are constructed of more robust
materials, there is a considerable quantity of older and less robust pipelines still in
existence.
Detection of buried pipes
Metallic and reinforced concrete pipelines which contain steel, may be detected by electronic
detection equipment, however non-metallic pipelines cannot be detected by this method.
This means that reliance on electronic detection equipment as the only means of identifying
location cannot be guaranteed. Pipe material may also change over a distance, sometimes
changing from metallic to non-metallic material and back again.
Pipe construction
Pipelines full of water are heavy structures. They are subject to strong forces so must be
well supported by soil and support structures especially at bends. Careless removal of soil
from pipelines and around foundations may cause differential movement resulting in
damage or failure.
Many pipelines have protective coatings on the inner and outer pipe surfaces to prevent
corrosion. These coatings only work if they remain undamaged.
Pipelines also have fittings and structures associated with them which also must be
protected. Some of these fittings and structures are:
anchor and thrust blocks

cathodic protection and other electrical protection systems
flow measuring equipment
manholes
sampling points
tanks
valves and valve pits
connection points
Consequences of pipe failure
A burst water or sewer main could have the following consequences:

Consequences of damaging a pipeline

injury or death damaged reputation
major transport disruption repair costs
local flooding charges for lost water
damage to other infrastructure damages claims
(e.g. utilities or civil structures prosecution
) higher insurance premiums
property damage disruption of service
environmental damage community inconvenience
project delays
Fig 2.2 - Flooding and disruption of the Kwinana Freeway resulting from a
damaged water pipeline.
3 Site safety
3.1 Responsibility for site safety
Parties working on site must have appropriate and effective methods in place to identify and
address hazards associated with working near water infrastructure. Parties need to take all
practicable steps to ensure that their work does not harm any other person, including site
workers, visitors to the workplace or the public.
3.2 Hazards associated with working near water infrastructure
While water infrastructure may appear to be less hazardous when compared with electricity
or gas services, hazards still exist and must not be underestimated.
Potential hazards are:
large forces associated with the release of water under high pressure
drowning or traffic hazards associated with the release of large volumes of water
biohazards associated with contact with wastewater (also see Section 3.3 - Health
Risks)
exposure to asbestos - asbestos cement pipe and some pipe wrapping
exposure to toxic gases in the wastewater system
exposure to hazardous waste discharged into the wastewater system
ignition of combustible gases in the wastewater system
electric shock arising from electrical infrastructure in the vicinity of a pipeline,
electrical faults or lightning
secondary hazards arising from damage or disruption to other structures or services
due to damaged water pipelines
fall hazards associated with accessing manholes or high structures
Unauthorised access to Water Corporation sites and assets, including opening of manholes
and access pits is hazardous and is prohibited.
3.3 Health risks from contact with wastewater
Contact with wastewater can be hazardous. Pathogens such as polio and hepatitis A viruses
may be present in the water. Other viruses and bacteria which may be present can cause
gastroenteritis and other infections.
Infection may occur through:
contact with open wounds and lacerations

contact by splashing onto mucous membranes such as eyes, nose and mouth
hand-to-mouth contact if thorough hand washing is not performed prior to eating,

drinking or smoking
poor hygiene practices such as taking contaminated clothing and footwear home
from the workplace
In the event of contact with wastewater the following actions should be taken:
cease work immediately

remove contaminated clothing
shower or wash down with plenty of water
use eye wash if eyes are contaminated
if wastewater is ingested, seek doctors advice immediately
if symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or fever develop seek a doctors advice
immediately
4 Planning considerations
4.1 General responsibilities for parties working near Water Corporation

pipelines
Parties working near Water Corporation assets must do the following:
positively identify all buried pipelines and associated equipment likely to be impacted
by the works
prevent damage or other interference to pipelines during the works or arising from
the works
notify the Water Corporation where required and comply with all conditions (see
Section 5 Notification of Planned Work)
ensure all works are conducted in a safe manner and work methods adequately
address the hazards associated with the water pipelines
report any damage or faults to the Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (24 hours).
4.2 Plan the work early
Proper planning of works will minimise the risk of interference to buried pipes and avoid
costly project delays.
Dial Before You Dig
The first step is to request Water Corporation plans

from Dial Before You Dig (DBYD). Dial Before You Dig
is a free one-call referral service. This service
enables people planning work to easily request plans
from multiple asset owners who have assets in the
work area.
Water Corporation plans can be provided within 2 days by e-mail or fax. (Longer if surface
post is used.)
Plan requests can be made on-line at www.1100.com.au or by calling 1100.
These plans are the starting point. They enable planners, site supervisors, etc. to assess
what is in the ground and determine what steps, if any, need to be taken. Additional actions
may be required before any ground disturbing works can commence. It is not always
reasonable to expect to receive plans one day and start work the next. Sufficient time must
be allowed to plan and prepare for the protection of services. The appropriate actions will
depend on the types of pipelines in the work area and the intended work.
What to consider
The need to protect pipelines may impact the project in many ways. Here are the main
considerations:
choice of work methods such as whether to use open trench or trenchless,

potholing, use of an excavation spotter
choice of construction equipment - such as excavation or compaction equipment
protection requirements such as shoring, barricades, signs or marking out
site layout such as access for heavy vehicles, spoil dumps, laydown areas and
temporary site structures
need for a specialist facilities locator especially near major assets and congested
areas
sub-contractors and labour requirements
site supervision requirements
communications requirements - such as team briefings, issuing instructions and
warnings
need for consultation with the Water Corporation
need for independent engineering consultation
finding alternative locations or alignments where there are conflicts with buried
pipelines
These considerations will not all be relevant for every project. However ignoring them runs
the risk of causing expensive damage and project delays.
4.3 Do a damage risk assessment
A damage risk assessment should be conducted to assess the potential for interference to
any pipelines and other buried facilities.
General questions for a damage risk assessment
Will the site work ? yes no not

sure
cause direct contact in any way with a pipeline (including any
relatively minor contact with the protective coating)
involve digging adjacent to or otherwise disturbing pipeline
foundations, bedding or other support
cause subsidence of a pipeline, supporting material or
structures
cause high loads to be applied directly to a pipeline or the soil
above it
result in high impacts, shock or vibration near or directly to a
pipeline
limit access to a pipeline or other assets for future works or
maintenance
cause electrical currents to be directly applied to or induced in
a pipeline
interfere with cathodic protection - either through direct
damage or affecting voltage potentials
Some work-related activities may impact pipelines even though the main construction
activities are not located near any pipelines. Factors such as location of site access tracks,
movement of heavy loads, location of laydown / storage areas, installation of soil anchors,
piledriving and blasting can damage pipes.
You may be required to notify us of your planned work so we can consider the risks. See
Section 5 - Notification of planned work
The technical or physical aspects which you must consider in the damage risk assessment
are described in Section 6.
4.4 About Water Corporation plans
What the Water Corporation will provide
The Water Corporation, via the Dial before You Dig service, will provide water, sewer and
drainage plans in a PDF format or by fax. PDF plans can be viewed on screen and printed at
the required size. When printing plans it is essential that they are printed sufficiently large
to show all details.
Additional plan information if required can be obtained from Water Corporation

Reprographics at John Tonkin Water Centre, Leederville, WA on 9420 2605. Charges
apply.
What the plans show
Water Corporation plans show the nominal or approximate horizontal location of most
buried water, sewerage and drainage facilities. Pipe depths are not shown. See indicative
depths of cover in Section 6.11.
Individual services to properties are not usually shown however their existence should be
assumed. Some properties such as hospitals may have more than one sewer or water
service to the property.
Only Water Corporation owned drains are shown on drainage plans. Other drains may
belong to local government or Main Roads WA. Information about these drains must be
requested from these agencies.
Private water or sewer mains also may not be shown.
Plans only provide an indication
The Water Corporation has taken due care in the preparation of plans but cannot guarantee
the accuracy of facility, cadastral, or other information provided. It is the responsibility of
the people conducting works to ensure pipelines will not be affected by their works.
Plans should never be relied on as the sole means of locating assets. Plans only provide an
indication of the existence of buried assets. For various reasons asset details or actual
location may differ from information shown on plans.
Errors in plans
If any errors or inaccuracies are found in plans please advise Spatial Information
Management Group on 9420 2068.
4.5 Documentation to be kept on site
Plans, DBYD information, work clearances and any other related information must be kept
on site at all times. This information must also be made available to alternative work crews
or new workers coming on site who need to know about buried pipes.
Regulation 3.21 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (1996) requires that an
accurate diagrammatic representation of the service that might be affected is available on
site before the work commences where there is any risk that the work may interfere with
services.
4.6 Locating assets on site
All pipelines in the path of or adjacent to excavations must be positively identified. This
means they must be visibly confirmed by careful potholing prior to work.
Regulation 3.21 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (1996) requires the
location of services to be established before work commences where there is any risk that
the excavation work may interfere with these services.
Buried pipelines can be located by various means. The starting point is to get Water
Corporation plans (and the plans from other asset owners) from DBYD. The plans will
provide an indication of water, sewerage or drainage assets in the vicinity of the planned
works.
Surface indicators
Visual indicators at the site may point to the existence of underground facilities. Typical
surface indicators are:
buildings
cathodic protection test points
electrical cabinets
inspection covers
manhole covers
pits
signs, markers, tags
valve covers
water sampling points
See some examples in Section 6.20.
Services for locating buried utilities
Independent locating services can be engaged to conduct site surveys and locate buried
pipelines. These services have various methods and tools for locating assets, such as
electronic detection and vacuum excavation equipment. Different contractors offer different
levels of service so contractors should be chosen carefully.
Location services are listed in the Yellow Pages under Underground Service Locaters.
Assistance with asset location
The Water Corporation can assist with locating assets on site. Charges apply for this service.
Typically 5 days notice would be required to enable a site visit to be scheduled.
Contact 13 13 75.
4.7 Guidance for planners and project managers
This is a general guide if you work in the role of planner or project manager. Titles and roles
will vary among organisations. The points below should be adapted for your individual
circumstances.
1. Do not assume that asset protection should be solely the site contractors
responsibility. Some aspects are best addressed by the planner or project manager
during early project or job planning.
2. Consider the content of this guideline. Consider how it applies to your project and
how the various issues should be addressed.
3. Be aware of the potential risks associated with working around water pipelines and
plan accordingly. (See Section 3)
4. Plan the site work early there may be some aspects which if not addressed early
may delay your project. Similarly, allow sufficient time in the project for site
workers, excavators etc. to adequately locate and protect assets if this is their
responsibility.
5. Consider conducting a site utilities survey using a specialist locator as part of early
project planning.
6. In some circumstances the Water Corporation should be notified of the planned work
so that damage risks can be assessed. (See Section 5)
7. Ensure that the site team, contractors, etc. are aware of pipeline damage prevention
requirements. Reinforce this by various means such as by providing clear
documentation, instructions, briefings, meetings, etc.
8. Ensure that all relevant documentation is passed on to the site team, and any
subsequent teams, and is retained on site.
9. Consult with the Water Corporation to clarify any aspects which are unclear.
10. Consider adopting checklists or other mechanisms as standard practice to assist with
planning or site work. (See example in Appendix.)
4.8 Guidance for site supervisors, excavators, site workers, machine

operators
This section is general guide if you work in the role of site supervisor or otherwise work on
site. This includes site supervisors, work teams and sub-contractors. Titles and roles will
vary among organisations. The points below should be adapted for your individual
circumstances.
For the purpose of this section it is assumed that site work is conducted on behalf of a
client who provides instructions via a planner or project manager, or someone in a similar
role, to the site-based team or supervisor.
1. Review and understand all information provided by the client, planners or project
managers as applicable. Consider whether sufficient attention has been brought to
pipeline location and protection. Do not assume that this has been adequately done
unless this is clearly evident from the work documentation provided.
2. If plans have not been obtained from Dial Before You Dig, it is essential that they be
obtained before any site work commences. It is also a legal requirement under OSH
legislation to have utilities plans available.
3. Be aware of the potential risks associated with working around water infrastructure
and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. See Section 3.
4. Refer to this document for other considerations during the work.
5. Access to Water Corporation manholes is hazardous and is prohibited.
6. In some circumstances the Water Corporation must be notified of the planned work
so that damage risks can be assessed. See Section 5.
7. Ensure site staff are aware of pipeline locations, and the arrangements and work
methods to be used to ensure protection. This particularly applies to machine
operators.
8. Pipelines in the vicinity of the work must be positively located by potholing before
any mechanised equipment is used.
9. Where there is more than one team or a changeover in staff, ensure an appropriate
handover of information is provided to the next team so they are aware of the
pipelines and how to work around them.
10. Ensure all relevant documentation is retained on site.
11. Advise the Water Corporation of any errors in plans on 9420 2068.
4.9 Guidance for services locators
This section is general guide if you are a services locator. The general expectation of clients
is that buried services will be located thoroughly, and will be clearly marked and recorded to
enable the works to be conducted efficiently. The relevance of all of the following to a
particular job however will depend on the level of service agreed between the locator and
the customer. The points below should be adapted for your individual circumstances.
1. Be aware of the potential risks associated with working around water, wastewater
and drainage infrastructure and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place. See
Section 3.
2. Access to Water Corporation manholes is hazardous and is prohibited.
3. Obtain Water Corporation and other asset owners plans from Dial Before You Dig
before starting work.
4. In some circumstances the Water Corporation must be notified of the planned work
so that damage risks can be assessed. See Section 5.
5. Some pipe materials are non-metallic and materials may change multiple times over
a given distance.
6. Ensure that major fittings and other equipment associated with pipelines are also
clearly identified on plans and documentation. These fittings may project outwards
from a pipe or be found at different depths than the pipeline itself. Cathodic
protection equipment and cables may extend some considerable distance from the
pipeline they are protecting.
7. Ensure that facility markings:
8. are clear and enable the client to clearly distinguish between different buried
pipelines (and other facilities)
9. are suitably durable for the site conditions, the nature and duration of the customers
project
10. are adequately spaced so as to show accurate location especially where there are
changes in direction, curves, or where there are multiple facilities in the area
11. For large pipelines the width of the pipeline should be indicated as well as the centre-
line.
12. Ensure that written records:
13. clearly and accurately reflect the site markings
14. highlight any areas considered of greater risk such as congested areas, critical assets
or areas of uncertainty.
15. Conduct an appropriate handover to the client. This may involve provision of
documentation, one-on-one meetings and/or a site walk-through as appropriate.
16. Remind clients that they must observe appropriate practices during the works to
protect pipelines as described in this guideline.
17. Advise the Water Corporation of any errors found in plans on 9420 2068.
5 Notification of planned work
If you intend to excavate or do other ground disturbing work near Water Corporation
pipelines listed below it is strongly recommended that you notify the Water Corporation.
Contact 13 13 75 at least 5 working days prior to the work commencing to discuss your
plans with a technical advisor. The technical advisor may require a damage risk assessment.
This will usually be conducted in a face-to-face meeting at one of our offices depending on
the work location. In straight forward cases the assessment may be conducted over the
phone. This risk assessment will enable you to be better prepared to undertake the work
without causing damage. Works conducted completely outside of the zones indicated in the
Table 1 do not require a Water Corporation risk assessment.
Table 1 When notification is required
Contact Water Corporation if ground
Asset in the planned work area Size
disturbing work involves ...
Water main all materials 300 mm working within 3 m of the pipe
dia or centreline, or
greater crossing under or over a pipe
Water main - RC or AC All sizes working within 2 m of the pipe
centreline, or
crossing under or over a pipe
Sewerage pressure main All sizes working within 3 m of the pipe
centreline, or
Drainage pressure main All sizes working within 3 m of the pipe
centreline, or
Any pressure pipes All sizes working near key infrastructure such
as railways, freeways, bridges or
similar
Extra caution required be aware
that damaged pressure pipes can
undermine foundations and damage
key infrastructure.
Gravity sewers, junctions and All sizes For underground power installation:
risers crossing within 1 m of a pipe wall, or
excavating parallel within 0.5 m of a
pipe wall
Drainage pipe All sizes For underground power installation:
crossing within 1 m of a pipe wall, or
excavating parallel within 0.5 m of a
pipe wall
All above Very heavy vehicle crossings other than on
established (i.e. permanent) roadways.
Pipeline types, sizes and materials are indicated on Water Corporation plans. Many large
pipes are also labelled such as Serpentine T.M. (trunk main) or Armagh St Sewer P.M.
(pressure main).
Ground disturbing work - includes open trench or trenchless excavations, any ground
penetration deeper than
500 mm, and the use of vehicular compaction equipment (i.e. not hand operated
equipment).
Crossing - includes installation / construction by open trench or trenchless methods, and
installation of soil anchors.
RC- reinforced concrete
AC Asbestos cement
In most instances work conducted outside of these zones will have no impact on buried
pipelines. However some activities conducted outside of these zones may still cause
damage. Examples of these are the installation of earth anchors and piledriving.
In all situations you must still assess the risk of interference or damage associated with
your work. See also Sections 4 and 6.
If you have any doubts about the potential for your work to interfere with pipelines contact
the Water Corporation on 13 13 75.
Proceeding with the work
The Water Corporation will be satisfied for the work to proceed if:
a. the work will not interfere with pipelines and associated equipment
b. the work will not disrupt delivery of services
c. the work will not conflict with Water Corporation work
d. the party is aware of damage risks and work requirements
e. the party is aware of the potential risks associated with working near water
infrastructure
The Water Corporation may specify conditions to apply to the job. These conditions may
differ from requirements described in this document.
5.1 When must the Water Corporation be notified?
The Water Corporation should be notified between 5 and 15 working days before any
ground disturbing work is planned to commence in the circumstances listed in Table 1.
5.2 How to notify the Water Corporation
Contact 13 13 75 to arrange a damage risk assessment. The operator will direct you to the
appropriate operational area depending on the location of the planned work.
Relevant Water Corporation sewer, water or drainage plans must be obtained from DBYD
before discussing the work with the Water Corporation technical advisor.
The technical advisor will discuss the work with you usually by appointment at one of our
offices:
Canning Vale 273 Bannister Road, Canning Vale 6155

Balcatta 240 Balcatta Road, Balcatta 6021
Leederville 629 Newcastle Street, Leederville 6007
5.3 Damage risk assessment
A technical advisor will discuss the work plans with you to understand the nature of the
work and to identify any potential risks to Water Corporation pipelines. The advisor will
communicate to you any requirements or recommendations for avoiding damage or
interference.
The person attending the meeting must be the person with direct responsibility for site
works such as the site supervisor or digging contractor, not an office-based planner or
project manager.
Costs
The damage risk assessment is free. Charges will apply if any site works or other site
attendance is required by the Water Corporation.
Information required
The following information will be required for the risk assessment meeting:
relevant Water Corporation plans showing water, sewerage or other assets in the area
obtained via Dial Before You Dig (mandatory)
your site plans showing the intended work, excavations, planned routes, etc
drilling plan / method statement if directional drilling is planned
information on major activities to be conducted such as drilling or compaction (See the
technical areas in Section 6.)
6 Technical considerations for works near pipelines
This section provides information about the various physical or technical considerations
during work planning. It is presented in alphabetical order for easy reference.
6.1 Access
The Water Corporation requires access to pipelines at all times, including sewerage pressure
mains and pumping stations. Obstacles which prevent or limit access can significantly delay
a response in the event of an emergency.
Requirements
a. Heavy vehicles, construction materials and similar heavy materials, such as materials
in lay-down areas, must not be stored over pressure mains or block access to
pumping stations.
b. Storage of other lighter items is permitted if the materials can be readily relocated in
the event of an emergency.
6.2 Alignments
A pipeline alignment or route is usually expressed as a distance from a property or road

boundary.
The Water Corporation operates water, sewerage and drainage pipelines. Major pipelines
are usually installed in road reserves and public open space but may also be found in
private property.
Where possible pipelines and other facilities in road reserves follow standard alignments as
stated in the Utility Providers Code of Practice (available from Main Roads WA). However
there are often deviations from these standard alignments.
In pipe reserves and easements there are no fixed alignments.
Requirements
a. Where possible comply with the standard alignments and clearances for installation
of new facilities. If compliance is not possible contact the Water Corporation to
discuss alternative arrangements.
b. Verify the actual alignment of existing pipelines in the vicinity of the planned works
before commencing work.
6.3 Asset Protection Officers
Field-based Asset Protection Officers regularly patrol pipeline routes and monitor works near
key Water Corporation pipelines. They can provide general advice and assistance but cannot
provide detailed technical advice or asset locations.
6.4 Blasting
Blasting can directly or indirectly affect pipelines. The indirect impacts include settlement of
the surrounding soil which places loads on a pipe wall. The direct impact on the pipe is by
vibration from the blast. If the blast generates sufficient energy at the pipeline it can cause
cracking or spalling of the cement mortar lining of steel pipes, or cracking of vitreous clay or
asbestos cement pipes.
In general, it is the lower frequency vibration caused by blasting that is likely to damage
pipes.
A small explosive charge in an excavation adjacent to an existing pipe may not cause any
damage as the vibration will typically be of a high frequency and low energy. However a
large production blast at say a distance of 100 m could cause damage.
The potential for damage from blasting is dependent on:
pipe type and age

pipe installation details (type of backfill or above ground installation, etc)
soil type and condition
proximity of the blast
type of explosive used
maximum instantaneous charge fired during the blast
Requirements
a. The blast plan must include an engineering assessment of the impact of the blast on
nearby water infrastructure and include appropriate mitigating actions in the blast
design.
b. Blast vibration monitoring may be required.
6.5 Buildings, obstructions, or storage of materials over a main
Placement of structures, equipment (such as cranes) and storage of items over mains can:
cause excessive loads to be applied resulting in damage or a burst
prevent or delay access for maintenance, repairs or emergencies.
Requirements
Storage of materials, placement of equipment, and building of any structure must be no

closer than the distances in the table below unless the items can be readily re-located and
do not cause an excessive load.
Diameter of Water Minimum distance from

Corporation pipeline pipe centreline
Less than 300mm 3m
300 mm or greater 5m
See also Section 6.26.
6.6 Cathodic protection / electrical mitigation systems
Cathodic protection systems reduce pipeline corrosion on metallic pipes by the application of
an electrical current. Damage to cathodic protection systems, while having no obvious
immediate effect, may cause accelerated deterioration and early failure of a pipeline.
Cathodic protection and electrical mitigation systems have buried components

interconnected by electric cables. These may be located some distance from the pipeline
being protected.
Requirements
a. Identify and positively locate any buried cathodic protection components likely to be
affected by the work as part of the site survey.
6.7 Chemical discharges and spillages
Discharged chemicals including acids and hydrocarbons can damage a main or can
contaminate water supplies by being absorbed through some pipe wall materials.
Requirements
a. Spillage of chemicals on or near water Corporation assets must be avoided.

b. Spillages into main drains must be reported immediately to 13 13 75.
6.8 Clearances to adjacent assets
Maintaining adequate clearances (separation) distances to other services is essential:

to ensure adequate access for future maintenance, repairs or replacement
to reduce the risk of pipelines being impacted by other assets or works located
nearby
to reduce the risk of impacts on other parties infrastructure by Water Corporation

pipelines or associated works, for example, where a burst pipe may damage adjacent
bridge foundations or a communications cable.
ground level ground level
service insufficient
clearances
clearanc service
e service service
s s
pipe pipe
clearance
clearance
service service
Fig 6.8 - Ensure sufficient clearances from water, sewerage and drainage
pipes
Minimum clearances
Minimum clearances for crossings are given below or are as otherwise specified by the
Water Corporation.
Diameter of Water Minimum vertical

Corporation pipeline clearance for service
crossings
Less than 300mm At least 150 mm
300 mm or greater At least 300 mm
Greater clearances are required where services run parallel to Water Corporation mains.
Greater clearances may also be required in some situations to ensure greater protection or
to ensure adequate future access to the main.
6.9 Clearances to overhead structures
Overhead clearance (headroom) of at least 15 m from ground level over pipelines is

required to enable access for lifting equipment.
6.10 Damage to pipelines
Even minor damage to pipelines may have significant long term consequences.
Requirements
a. Any damage to Water Corporation pipelines or other facilities is to be immediately

reported to 13 13 75 (all hours).
b. Do not a repair or cover up the damage as the damage will require specialist repair.
6.11 Depth of cover
The soil cover over pipelines provides support and protects them from excessive loads and
damage. The actual depth of cover may vary over time if the ground levels change. The
following is a guide to expected depths of cover but actual depths may differ from these
values.
Type of pipeline Location Minimum Maximum

cover cover
Trunk, water distribution or drainage In verge 750 mm 2m
pressure mains (i.e. 300 mm Under road 900 mm 2m
diameter or greater)
Water reticulation mains (i.e. < 300 In verge 600 mm 900 mm
mm diameter) Under road 600 mm 750 mm
In verge 900 mm 2m
Sewer pressure mains (any size)
Under road 1000 mm 2m
Requirements
The depth of cover as found on site must not to be altered either by removal or placement
of material unless as agreed with the Water Corporation. Water Corporation may have
additional requirements depending on circumstances.
natural ground
level
excessive insufficient
cover cover
pipe pipe
Fig 6.11 - Soil cover over pipelines must not be altered.

6.12 Emergency works
Where emergency work is required to be carried out in close proximity to major Water
Corporation assets and pipelines, the Operations Centre is to be contacted on 13 13 75 (24
hours). Close liaison with Water Corporation operational staff must be maintained for the
duration of the work.
The Water Corporation requires unimpeded access to all water, sewer and drainage
pressure mains and main sewers in the event of having to undertake emergency work.
6.13 Excavations
An excavation is any operation in which earth, rock or other material in the ground is
moved, removed or otherwise displaced by means or use of any tools, equipment or
explosives and includes grading, trenching, digging, ditching, drilling, boring, augering,
tunnelling, scraping, cable or pipe ploughing and driving.
Excavations of all types can impact on pipelines. Machinery can:
crack or burst a pipe

damage a pipes protective coating
impose excessive loads
cause interior damage
cause subsidence
damage associated structures, equipment or fittings
damage electrical protection equipment.
The risk to pipelines increases with more extensive excavations and larger machinery.
Excavations which are long, deep, run parallel to a pipeline and / or have multiple crossings
will increase the risk of damage.
Requirements
Work planning, including excavation planning, must consider all the issues in this guideline.
6.14 Excavations - trenchless
Trenchless excavations cause minimal disturbance to soil and surface infrastructure such as
to road surfaces and pavements compared to open excavations. The use of trenchless
excavation methods has many advantages over more traditional excavations, however care
needs to be applied during planning.
Trenchless techniques often damage protective pipeline coatings and can result in major
damage. This damage, which may initially go undetected, may lead to subsequent service
disruption. It can also present significant hazards through the concurrent interference with
electrical or gas services.
When planning trenchless excavations the following should be considered:

the quantities, size and material of any nearby pipes
bore diameter
ground conditions
the accuracy and reliability of the technique or equipment being used
whether the excavation is parallel to or crossing any pipelines.
Also see Section 6.22 Soil anchors.
Requirements
a. Obtain plans from DBYD for the drill site.

b. Inspect the proposed drill site and establish the proposed drill path.
c. Check that locating equipment is operational over the proposed drill path and is not
affected by electrical interference or metal structures. If locating equipment is not
functional over the whole drill path an alternative means of verification will be
required such as potholing.
d. Potholing must be used to locate existing pipelines to ensure adequate clearances
are maintained and to locate other asset crossings. Expose all buried pipes that are
perpendicular or parallel within 1 meter of the drill path. Refer to Section 6.21 -
Potholing.
e. Where a pipeline crossing is required, the launch pit rather than the receive pit,
should be located nearest to the most significant pipeline if possible. See Figure 6.1
below.
f. The depth must be proven at pipeline crossing points.
g. Keep potholes open to monitor progress of the drill head near pipes and other
infrastructure and to ensure clearance distances are maintained.
h. Continuously monitor the path and depth of the drill head, including during
backreaming where the path of the drill head may deviate from the original path.
i. For works near important pipelines or for pipeline crossings the Water Corporation
must be notified. Refer to Section 5 above.
j. If the required clearances (separation distance) cannot be achieved the Water
Corporation must be consulted.
Establish pits which avoid

Confirm the location and depth of
buried services and enables
services by potholing.
drilling away from pipes, not
towards pipes.
Keep potholes open while drilling
(and backreaming) to visually
confirm clearances and prevent
damage.
launch pit pothole receive pit
drill
direction
drill path
Locate the launch pit nearer to
pipelines than the receive pit to
reduce the risk of damage.
Fig 6.14 Avoid damaging services when directional drilling
6.15 Exposing pipelines
Pipelines are installed in compacted bedding, selected fill and support material. This is part
of the pipeline design. The removal of soil adjacent to a pipeline may cause pipeline failure
by undermining this support. Even a small movement may have a significant impact.
ground level
excavation too close

to pipe
pipe movement due to

loss of soil support
Fig 6.15 Excavating too close to a pipeline can undermine ground

support leading to failure
Uncovering a main
In general pipelines must not be exposed. At least 500 mm cover must be maintained at all
times including during road box-out, unless approved otherwise.
Minimal exposure is acceptable such as for service crossings and if only the top of the
pipeline is exposed.
The Water Corporation must be contacted where:
a. a sewer pressure main is required to be exposed other than at a customer service

crossing
b. greater than 1 pipe length needs to be exposed (could be 2.4 m to 12 m depending
on the pipe type)
c. exposure is required for more than a couple of days
d. exposure is required to below the spring line height (i.e. mid height) of the pipeline
e. digging or tunnelling is required underneath a pipeline
f. digging or tunnelling is required parallel to a pipeline
Asbestos cement and vitreous clay pipes
Asbestos cement (AC) pipes are brittle and can be easily damaged if they are exposed or
the supporting soil is disturbed. AC pipes can also be damaged by compaction equipment.
Asbestos cement and vitreous clay (VC) pipes are assembled from short pipe lengths. Any
differential soil movement can damage these joints causing a leak or burst.
Water Corporation plans indicate pipeline material type.
Asbestos-wrapped pipe
Some pipelines have a protective wrap which contains asbestos. This asbestos does not
pose a health risk if this protective cover is not damaged or disturbed.
Protection of an exposed pipeline
If is necessary to expose a pipeline the following considerations must be observed:
a. excavators and other equipment working nearby are not to travel across or strike the
exposed main
b. loads are not to be placed on the pipeline including side loads from adjacent work
c. the pipeline bedding or side support is not to be excavated
d. the pipeline must not be exposed to chemicals or excessive heat
e. the pipeline is not to be left exposed any longer than necessary
f. the use of barricades, pipe support or ground support may be required.
Backfilling and reinstatement

Unsaturated soil
If the soil is not saturated the existing soil, free of any road base, rocks greater than 50 mm
or other foreign matter can be returned to the excavation to 200 mm cover above the pipe.
This shall be compacted by tamping to ensure no voids exist around the pipe. The
remaining volume shall be filled in 300 mm lifts with 4 to 6 passes with a small plate
compactor (e.g. 300 mm plate compactor) on each lift.
Saturated soil
It is preferred that the excavation is dewatered so that backfilling and compaction can be
done using unsaturated soil. Cement stabilisation will only be permitted when there is no
alternative.
If the soil surrounding the pipe is saturated, cement stabilised sand (sand:cement ratio no
stronger than 20:1 by volume) must be used to 200 mm above the pipe. This is to be
compacted by tamping to ensure there are no voids around the pipe. The remaining volume
is to be filled in 300 mm lifts with 4 to 6 passes with a small plate compactor on each lift.
Re-instate the surface as required by the local authority. Refer to Restoration and
Reinstatement Specification for Local Governments.
Water Corporation may require an inspection before back filling takes place and may require
compaction test results.
6.16 Mains on private property
Although main pipelines are usually located in road reserves and other crown land they also
may cross private property such is in rural or industrial areas. These are usually protected
by easements which have constraints on building activities.
Requirements
Landowners and those planning works on private land must be aware of any mains crossing
the land and must consider how their land use and other activities may impact pipelines.
Typical examples of activities which may impact pipelines are:
a. constructing a bore
b. building a structure such as a building, dam or water tank
c. removal of large trees
d. earthworks
e. installation of ground anchors
6.17 Manholes / access chambers
Access chambers (manholes) are located on some pipelines to enable access to a pipeline,
valve or associated equipment. They may assist your locations by indicating the location of
buried pipelines and other equipment. See also Section 6.19.
Warning: Accessing manholes is hazardous and is prohibited.
Fig 6.17 - Examples of access chambers
Requirements
a. Unauthorised access to manholes / access chambers is prohibited and is extremely

dangerous.
b. Where access is essential such as to confirm asset locations the Water Corporation
must be contacted.
c. Access chambers (and other assets) are not to be covered over or have materials
stored over them.
6.18 Marker tape and tracer wires
Buried marker tape, slabs or other similar warning indicators are not currently used by the
Water Corporation. Similarly, tracer wires are not used.
Many pipelines are wholly non-metallic or have non-metallic sections. These cannot be
detected by some electronic locating equipment and must be located by potholing.
6.19 Monitoring site works
The Water Corporation reserves the right to assign an officer to monitor site works which
may affect pipelines.
6.20 Pipeline fittings and structures
There are many different types fittings and structures associated with pipelines. These must
be protected from damage. These fittings and structures are essential for pipeline operation
and delivery of water services to the community. Common fittings and structures are:
anchor blocks
cathodic protection test points
electrical mitigation equipment
fire hydrants
flushing points
injection points
manholes
pits
sampling points
thrust blocks
valves
Some of these fittings will be identifiable by surface indicators and may be a useful aid
during planning as indicators of the location of pipelines other fittings will be below ground
and will not be visible.
Buried fittings may be located at a different depths than the pipeline itself or can be offset
from the centre of the pipe. For example, some valves extend from the top of a pipe (e.g.
air valves) while others extend from the bottom (e.g. scour valves). Similarly manholes may
be offset from the centreline of the pipe.
The decision to relocate or modify a fitting due to works is at the discretion of the Water
Corporation. The developer or contractor will be liable for any costs incurred.
Examples of some of the fittings and surface indicators which may be found on site are
shown below.
Fig 6.20a - Cathodic Fig 6.20b Fire service

protection test point standpipe
Fig 6.20c - Fire hydrant Fig 6.20d Valve cover

cover (Metropolitan Water
Authority)
Fig 6.20e Valve cover Fig 6.20f Trafficable

(Metropolitan Water, sewer cover
Sewerage, and Drainage)
Fig 6.20g - Surface structures which indicate buried pipelines are in

the area
Requirements
a. Locate all pipelines and associated fittings.

b. Fittings and other equipment on a pipeline must be maintained in the condition in
which they are found and protected from damage during works.
c. Any damage must be reported to the Water Corporation on 13 13 75.
d. Normally exposed fittings shall not be covered over (including valve covers and
manholes)
e. Access to fittings and appurtenances is to be maintained 24/7 and not affected by
any other equipment or structure.
6.21 Potholing
Potholing is the technique of locating buried pipes by careful hand digging trial holes or by
the use of other soft dig techniques such as vacuum excavation.
Pipelines are not always at the locations depicted on plans. It is essential to pothole to
establish pipe location and depth. Potholing must be used before any machine excavation
commences.
Potholing is the only means of determining pipeline location with certainty and is used in
addition to, not instead of, electronic or other locating methods.
Potholing should be undertaken along the route of the proposed excavation to identify the
path of nearby pipelines (and other utilities) and their depth. The amount of potholing
required will depend on the risks, the excavation route and the density of assets in the area.
Pot-holing must be undertaken with reference to plans and other information provided by
the Water Corporation.
Requirements
a. The location of any pipelines and associated fittings in the vicinity of the planned
works must be verified by potholing.
b. In some locations the Water Corporation must be notified for a risk assessment
before potholing commences. See Section 5.
c. Where the installation of a service, whether by open excavation or trenchless
methods, crosses a pipeline each crossing point must be potholed.
d. For trenchless excavations the pothole must extend sufficiently deep to visually see
the boring tool just prior to it going over or underneath the pipeline. Minimum
clearances must be observed. Refer to Section 6.7.
e. For excavations parallel to a pipeline, pothole at 5 m intervals to verify location as
alignments can vary.
6.22 Power installations - poles
Power poles are large, have deep foundations and are under high loading from the power
lines.
Requirements
a. Power poles shall not be placed over Water Corporation pipelines.

b. Location of HV poles and towers require approval from the Water Corporation prior to
installation.
c. HV power transmission lines parallel to metallic pipelines must be checked against
AS/NZS4853:2000 Electrical Hazards on Metallic Pipelines, for risk assessment and
mitigation requirements.
d. Concrete blocks and stay wires are to be a minimum of 2 m away from any surface
of the pipe. Concrete blocks must have a surface area of no less than 1m 2 facing the
main to disperse loads and stresses.
6.23 Power installations directional drilling
Requirements
a. Directional drilling to install underground power which runs parallel to crosses any
gravity fed sewer or drainage pipes must maintain the following clearances:
parallel: 0.5 m
crossings: 1.0 m
b. If these clearances cannot be achieved the water Corporation must be contacted.
Refer to Section 5.
c. A CCTV inspection must be undertaken following this work.
6.24 Soil anchors
Soil anchors support retaining walls and basement sidewalls by using frictional restraint of
the soil in which they are placed. They are placed in soil before backfilling or are drilled,
concreted and then post-stressed. Soil anchors sometimes extend a significant distance
away from the construction area and can interfere with pipelines and other fittings.
Requirements
Soil anchors are not to be installed over Water Corporation services or rely on any soil in
the clearance zone around mains. Works planning must consider the full reach / extent of
the soil anchors and ensure that any pipelines in the vicinity are not affected.
ground
level retaining wall
soil
anchors
pipe
ground level
clearance
zone
Fig 6.24 Soil anchors must not extend into the pipeline clearance zone
6.25 Trees and vegetation
Care must be exercised in the selection and placement of trees, and the removal of trees
near major pipelines.
Some species have large and expansive root systems. Tree roots encroaching on a main
may exert damaging forces, may damage the protective coating or may constrain future
access to the pipeline for essential works. Smaller mains can burst as a result of tree growth
or movement such as during a storm. The risks depend on the type and size of tree and the
pipeline affected. Some pipelines are more susceptible to damage by trees than others.
Requirements
a. Plants that grow taller than 5 m are not to be planted within 6 m of a pipeline or in a
pipeline easement. Easements are usually identified on plans.
b. Planting or removal of trees or stump grinding in the vicinity of large mains requires
assessment by the Water Corporation.
c. Refer to Water Corporation brochure: Select the Right Tree. (While this document
refers to gravity sewer pipes it is also generally applicable to considering trees near
other water, sewerage or drainage pipes.)
6.26 Vehicles, access roads and tracks
Heavy vehicles crossing buried pipelines can cause damage due to heavy loads and
vibration. While the principal construction activities may be located at a safe distance from a
pipeline and have no direct impact, the route for heavy vehicles needs to be considered as
the movement of these vehicles across a main can cause damage. Site access roads must
also be considered in project planning.
Note: Even relatively light loads can crack pipes if the pipe is brittle with shallow cover.
Asbestos cement (AC) and cast iron (CI) pipes are particularly susceptible to damage from
loads.
Single or infrequent crossings may be acceptable but heavy loads will require an
engineering assessment.
Requirements
Heavy vehicles such as construction equipment or other heavy transport are not permitted
over pipelines without protective measures approved by Water Corporation.
Planning considerations:
a. Identify the buried pipelines within the site and near access ways to or from the site.
b. Assess the heavy vehicle access both entering or exiting a site and within a site
relative to buried pipelines.
c. Establish a clear signposted route into the site, and within the site, which does not
pass over buried pipelines.
d. Communicate the correct route to relevant parties such as by signposting or other
communications.
e. Use designated roads where possible.
f. If necessary construct a suitable access track (See table below.)
g. The access track must be maintained to avoid excessive vibration (e.g. potholes
repaired).
Pipeline diameter Access track requirements

Less than 300 mm 500 mm of limestone sub-base material to be laid above the
existing ground level.
300 mm or greater 1 m limestone minimum 4.5 m metre wide.
6.27 Vibratory compaction
The use of heavy vibratory compaction machinery in the vicinity of mains can cause damage
through:
damaging pipe joints

causing soil subsidence
cracking / disbonding of the internal cement lining of steel and ductile iron pipes
(which may cause corrosion and failure)
causing collapse of a main sewer
cracking brittle pipes such as concrete pipe
mortar lining in good damaged lining leading

condition to corrosion
Fig 6.27 Vibrating rollers can crack the internal mortar lining due to excessive vibration
Requirements
a. The use of heavy vibratory rollers is not permitted within 5 m of the centre line of a
main unless otherwise approved.
b. Use of a light roller or 300 mm plate compacter working in layers of 300 mm is
permitted unless otherwise advised.
6.28 Warning markers and signs
In some locations, the Water Corporation has installed various signs or markers to indicate
the location of buried assets. These markers indicate approximate location only. Several
pipes may be indicated by only a single marker.
Fig 6.28 - Examples of signs and markers in use in some locations.

Requirements
a. Observe any markers, signs or tags in the area.

b. Markers are not to be removed unless necessary for the works. On completion of the
work Any markers removed must be replaced in their original location and
orientation.
c. Markers are to be protected from damage during works.
d. The Water Corporation may choose to install temporary warning markers during a
construction project. These markers are to remain in place until removed by the
Water Corporation.
7 Definitions
anchor block Large concrete block which anchors a pipeline to prevent

movement. See also thrust block.
cathodic Cathodic protection is means of controlling the corrosion of
protection metal surface by using the surface as the cathode of an
electrochemical cell. Cathodic protection systems are one
means of protecting pipelines from corrosion.
DBYD The Dial Before You Dig one call service.
interference Any activity or result of an activity which affects the integrity
of a Water Corporation asset or the ability of the Corporation
to operate or maintain the asset. Interference is usually, but
not necessarily some form of asset damage or disturbance.
infrastructure Refers primarily to buried pipelines and associated equipment,
such as valves and cathodic protection systems.
MWSS&D Act Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Act
OSH Occupational Safety and Health
pothole The activity of carefully digging exploratory holes by hand or
by using soft dig technology (vacuum extraction) to positively
verify the location of a buried asset without interfering with the
asset.
thrust block A concrete block located at a bend, tee or end of a pipe which
resists the forces due to pressure and flow of water. The block
is cast against undisturbed soil. The soil adjacent to the thrust
block must not be disturbed as it is essential for resisting the
applied forces.
water General term covering water, sewerage and drainage
infrastructure infrastructure. (Also see infrastructure)
Appendix 1 Applicable legislation

This section contains the relevant excerpts from various legislation which relate to
protection of assets.
1. Metropolitan Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage (MWSSD) Act 1909

2. Metropolitan Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage (MWSSD) By-laws 1981
3. Country Areas Water (CAWS) Supply Act 1947
4. Country Areas Water Supply (CAWS) By-laws 1957
5. Country Towns Sewerage (CTS) Act 1948
6. Country Towns Sewerage (CAWS) By-laws 1952
7. Metropolitan Water Authority Act 1982
8. Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984
9. Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
Note: Water legislation is currently undergoing a major review. New legislation is expected
in the next few years.
The information is provided in good faith for ease of reference. No warranty is given as to
the accuracy or completeness of this information. The Water Corporation disclaims liability,
whether in negligence or otherwise, for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on the
accuracy or completeness of this information. Reference should be made to source
documents available from the State Law Publisher as the definitive source.
METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE (MWSS&D) ACT 1909
50. Protection of fittings

(1) No person shall remove, alter, repair, renew, or uncover any pipe or other fitting which
is the property of the Corporation until the prescribed notice has been given to the
Corporation, and the consent of the Corporation in writing obtained.
50A. Construction over water mains prohibited without consent of Corporation

(1) A person shall not, without the prior consent of the Corporation, erect, construct or
place any building, wall, fence or obstruction in, upon, under or within the prescribed
proximity to a main or reticulation pipe of the Corporation used for the purposes of water
supply and then only upon and subject to such terms and conditions as the Corporation
thinks fit to impose for the protection of the pipe from interference or damage.
Penalty: $2000 and in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty not exceeding
$200 for each day the offence continues after the Corporation serves notice of the offence
on the offender.
(2) The Corporation may demolish and remove any building, wall, fence or obstruction
which is erected, constructed or placed in contravention of subsection (1) and which
interferes with or injuriously affects a pipe in the supply of water, and perform any works
necessary for restoring or reinstating the pipe.
(3) In addition to any penalty that may be imposed on an offender under subsection (1) the
offender shall also pay to the Corporation the expense incurred by it in removing any
building, wall, fence or obstruction or in re-opening, restoring, repairing or reinstating a
pipe pursuant to subsection (2).
54. Penalty for destroying valves, etc.

If any person, not being authorised by the Corporation:
(a) wilfully or carelessly breaks, injures, opens or shuts, or wilfully permits to be broken,
injured, opened or shut, any lock, sluice, cock, valve, pipe, or other authorised fitting, or
any work belonging to the Corporation; or
(b) flushes or draws off the water from any waterworks of the Corporation; or
(c) does any other wilful act, or wilfully permits to be done any Act whereby such water is
wasted,
the person commits an offence.
Penalty: For an individual: $10 000. For a body corporate: $20 000.
66. Construction over sewers prohibited without prior consent of Corporation

(1) A person shall not, without the prior consent in writing of the Corporation
(a) erect, construct or place any building, wall, fence or obstruction in, upon, over, under or
within the prescribed proximity to a sewer and then only upon and subject to such terms
and conditions as the Corporation thinks fit to impose for the protection of the sewer from
interference or damage; or
(b) obstruct, fill in, close up or divert a sewer.
Penalty: $2 000, and in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty not exceeding
on the offender.
interferes with or injuriously affects a sewer in the carrying away of sewage, and perform
any works necessary for restoring or reinstating the sewer.
(3) In addition to any penalty that may be imposed on an offender under subsection (1),
the offender shall also pay to the Corporation the expense incurred by it in removing any
sewer pursuant to subsection (2).
69. Penalty for destroying sewers and fittings

Every person, who, not being authorised by the Corporation, wilfully or carelessly breaks,
injures, or opens, or permits to be broken, injured, or opened any sewer, property sewer, or
fitting, or any other work, shall for every such offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding:
(a) for an individual: $10 000; or
(b) for a body corporate: $20 000,
besides the amount of the expense to which the Corporation may be put in respect thereof
in repairing such sewer, property sewer, fitting, or work, and the amount of such expense
shall be recoverable as a debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
158. Offenders may be arrested

Any officer of the Commission or the Corporation may, without warrant, arrest any person
found committing an offence against the Metropolitan Water Authority Act 1982 or this Act
or the by-laws if the offender refuses to give his name and address.
METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE BY-LAWS (MWSS&D)

1981
2.2 Protection of works

(2.2.2) No person shall wilfully or carelessly damage or cause damage to waterworks and
fittings which are the property of the Corporation.
(2.2.3) No person shall carry on, or cause to be carried on, any mining or quarrying
operation, or make any excavation of any sort, or cause any explosion or other action in the
vicinity of the Corporation's or the Commission's works which may cause damage or future
damage by subsidence of the ground, without the written permission of the Corporation or
the Commission as the case requires and under such conditions as the Corporation or the
Commission as the case requires may deem necessary.
(2.2.5) No person shall drive, take, ride or permit any vehicle, conveyance or animal to
cross any exposed pipe, valve, fitting or apparatus except at crossing points approved by
the Corporation or the Commission and indicated by sign-boards.
(2.2.6) No person shall drive, take or ride any vehicle, conveyance or animal across
underground pipelines or works, where warning signs have been erected by the Corporation
or the Commission except at crossing points approved by the Corporation or the
Commission and indicated by sign-boards.
2.3 Protection of grounds

(2.3.1) No person shall wilfully or carelessly injure, damage, disfigure, displace, or remove
any fence, stake, post, pillar, pipe, survey mark, peg, tablet or notice board belonging to, or
installed by the Corporation or the Commission.
(2.3.2) No person shall wilfully or carelessly injure, deface or disfigure any notice or copy of
a by-law, rule or regulation displayed upon any tablet or notice board erected by the
Corporation or the Commission.
(2.3.3) No unauthorised person shall open any gate, slip rail, manhole, door, or other
entrance into, or trespass upon any enclosure of the Corporations or the Commissions
property without the written permission of the Corporation or the Commission as the case
requires.
(2.3.4) No unauthorised person shall stand, park or leave unattended any vehicle, trailer or
item of mobile equipment on property, (including depots) or reserves vested in the
Corporation or the Commission except in a place set aside and designated as a Visitors Car
Park.
COUNTRY AREAS WATER SUPPLY (CAWS) ACT 1947
43. Protection of fittings

(1) No person shall remove, alter, repair, renew or uncover any pipe or other fitting which is
the property of the Corporation until the prescribed notice has been given to the
Corporation and the consent of the Corporation in writing has been obtained.
43B. Construction over water mains prohibited without consent of Corporation

(1) A person shall not, without the prior consent of the Corporation, erect, construct or
place any building, wall, fence or obstruction in, upon, under or within the prescribed
proximity to a main or reticulation pipe of the Corporation used for the purposes of water
supply and then only upon and subject to such terms and conditions as the Corporation
thinks fit to impose for the protection of the pipe from interference or damage.
Penalty: $2 000 and in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty not exceeding
on the offender.
interferes with or injuriously affects a pipe in the supply of water and perform any works
necessary for restoring or reinstating the pipe.
(3) In addition to any penalty that may be imposed on an offender under subsection (1) the
offender shall also pay to the Corporation the expense incurred by it in removing any
pipe pursuant to subsection (2).
45. Penalty for using unauthorised, and failing to repair, fittings

(1) Any person who:
(c) not being authorised by the Corporation:
(i) wilfully or carelessly breaks, injures, opens or shuts or wilfully permits or suffers to be
broken, injured, open or shut, any lock, sluice, cock, valve, meter, pipe or other authorised
fitting or any work belonging to the Corporation; or
(ii) flushes or draws off water from any water works of the Corporation; or
(iii) does any other wilful act, or permits or suffers to be done any act whereby the water is
wasted;
Penalty: For an individual: $10 000.

For a body corporate: $20 000.
112. Obstructing Minister or the Corporation or officers in performance of duty

Every person who obstructs the Minister or the Corporation, any officer of the Department
or the Corporation or any person authorised by the Minister or the Corporation in the
performance of any act or thing which the Minister or the Corporation, that officer or that
person is authorised or required to do in the execution of this Act or any regulation or
by-law made for the purposes of this Act shall be guilty of an offence. Penalty: $5 000.
114. Offender may be arrested

Any officer of the Department authorised by the Minister for the purposes of this section
may without warrant apprehend any person found committing an offence against this Act or
any regulation or by-law made for the purposes of this Act if the offender refuses to give his
name and address.
COUNTRY AREAS WATER SUPPLY (CAWS) BY-LAWS 1957
45. Pipelines, protection of

Vehicles, conveyances, or animals shall not be driven, taken, or ridden in such a manner as
to endanger the main conduit or any branch thereof, or be permitted to cross the same
except where crossing places have been provided as indicated by signboards.
46. Works etc., protection of

No person shall in the vicinity of any works carry on or cause to be carried on any mining or
quarrying operation, or make any excavation of any sort, or cause any explosion so as to
injure any waterworks, sewerage works, sewers, drains, pipes or fittings whatsoever.
67. Obstruction of pipes, sewers, drains or fittings

(1) Any person who without the written consent of the Corporation places or keeps any
material or thing or causes any material or thing to be placed or kept over any pipe, sewer,
drain or fitting which is the property of the Corporation, and thereby
(a) trespasses on or causes injuries to such pipe, sewer, drain or fitting; or
(b) prevents or in any way impedes or obstructs the inspection, maintenance cleansing,
repair, management or use of such pipe, sewer, drain or fitting, shall be guilty of an offence
against these by-laws and be punishable on summary conviction by a penalty not exceeding
$40, and in the case of a continuing breach of this by-law the offender shall be liable to a
further penalty not exceeding $10 for each day the offence continues after notice thereof
has been given by or on behalf of the Corporation to the offender.
(2) The Corporation may cause any material or thing placed or kept over any pipe, sewer,
drain or fitting contrary to sub-bylaw (1) to be removed or otherwise dealt with as it thinks
fit.
COUNTRY TOWNS SEWERAGE (CTS) ACT 1948
34. Penalty for destroying valves, etc.

If any person, not being authorised by the Corporation:
(a) wilfully or carelessly breaks, injures or opens, or wilfully permits to be broken, injured or
opened any sewer, property sewer, fixture or fittings, or any other work; or
(b) diverts or draws off the sewage from any works of the Corporation,
he shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding:
(c) for an individual: $10 000; or
(d) for a body corporate: $20 000,
and shall, in addition, be liable to pay to the Corporation any damage sustained in respect
thereof in repairing the sewer, property sewer, fixtures, fittings or other parts of the works;
and the amount of such damage shall be recoverable as a debt in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
42. No construction over sewers except by consent

(1) No person shall erect, construct or place any building, wall, fence or obstruction in,
upon, over, under or within the prescribed proximity to any sewer without the previous
consent in writing of the Corporation, and then only upon and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Corporation may think fit to impose for the protection of the sewer from
interference or damage.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), every person who shall erect, construct, or place any building,
wall, fence, or obstruction in, upon, over, under or within the prescribed proximity to any
sewer, so as to interfere with or injuriously affect such sewer in the carrying away of
sewerage, and every person who shall obstruct, fill in, close up, or divert any sewer without
the previous consent, in writing, of the Corporation, shall, in addition to any other penalty
to which he may be liable, be liable to a penalty not exceeding $2 000 for every such
offence, and in case of a continuing offence, a further penalty not exceeding $200 for each
day after notice shall have been given by the Corporation to such person.
(3) Subject to subsection (1), the Corporation may demolish and remove any such building,
wall, fence, or obstruction, and perform any works necessary for restoring or reinstating
such sewers; and the person erecting such building, wall, fence, or causing such
obstruction, or obstructing, filling in, closing up, or diverting such sewer, as the case may
be, shall also pay the expense of removing such building, wall, fence, or obstruction, or of
re-opening, restoring, repairing, or reinstating such sewer.
COUNTRY TOWNS SEWERAGE (CTS) BY-LAWS 1952
8. Protection of works from injury

No person shall in the vicinity of any works carry on or cause to be carried on any mining or
quarrying operation, or make any excavation of any sort, or cause any explosion so as to
injure any waterworks, sewerage works, sewers, drains, pipes, or fittings whatsoever.
231. Obstruction of pipes, sewers, drains, or fittings

(1) Any person who, without the written consent of the Corporation places or keeps any
material or thing or causes any material or thing to be placed or kept over any pipe, sewer,
drain or fitting whether the property of the Corporation or otherwise and thereby
(a) trespasses on or causes injuries to such pipe, sewer, drain or fitting; or
(b) prevents or in any way impedes or obstructs the inspection, maintenance, cleansing,
repair, management or use, of such pipe, sewer, drain or fitting, shall be guilty of an
offence and be punishable on summary conviction by a penalty not exceeding $40, and in
the case of a continuing breach of this by-law the offender shall be liable to a further
penalty not exceeding $10 for each day the offence continues after notice thereof has been
given by or on behalf of the Corporation to the offender.
(2) The Corporation may cause any material or thing placed or kept over any pipe, sewer,
drain or fitting contrary to sub-bylaw (1) to be removed or otherwise dealt with as it thinks
fit.
(4) This by-law applies irrespective of whether the material or thing concerned was placed
over a pipe, sewer, drain, or fitting before or after this by-law came into force.
232. Penalties
(1) Any person committing a breach of any of the provisions of these by-laws, to which no
specific penalty is attached, shall be liable on summary conviction to a penalty not
exceeding $200.
(2) In the case of a continuing breach the offender shall be liable in addition to the fine and
payment of expenses to a daily penalty not exceeding $50 for each day the breach
continues after notice thereof has been given by or on behalf of the Corporation to the
offender.
(3) In addition to any penalty provided by these by-laws, any expense, loss or damage
incurred by the Corporation or the Commission in consequence of the breach of any by-law
shall be payable by the person committing the breach and may be recovered as a debt due
in a court of competent jurisdiction.
METROPOLITAN WATER AUTHORITY ACT 1982
101. Offences
(1) A person shall not, without the prior consent in writing of the Corporation
(a) erect, construct or place any building, wall, fence, structure or obstruction upon, over,
under or within the prescribed proximity to, a main drain otherwise than in accordance with
such terms and conditions as the Corporation may have imposed for the protection of the
main drain from interference or damage; (b) stop, obstruct, alter, damage, or interfere
with, a main drain; (c) cause or permit any sediment, noisome thing or pollutant to enter a
main drain; or
(d) cause or permit water to be taken from a main drain. Penalty: $1 000 and if the offence
is a continuing one a further $100 for each day or part of a day during which the offence
has continued.
(2) The Corporation may demolish and remove any building, wall, fence, structure or
obstruction which is erected, constructed or placed in contravention of subsection (1) and
which interferes
with or injuriously affects a main drain and perform any works necessary for restoring or
reinstating the main drain.
(3) In addition to any penalty that may be imposed on an offender under subsection (1),
the offender shall also pay to the Corporation any expense incurred by or on behalf of the
Corporation in removing any building, wall, fence, structure or obstruction or in reopening,

restoring, repairing or reinstating a main drain pursuant to subsection (2).
WATER AGENCIES (POWERS) ACT 1984
99. Street levels and widths

(2) A local government or department having the control and management of any street
shall give the Corporation at least 10 clear days notice in writing of its intention to change
the level, width or surfacing of any street in which any works of the Corporation have been
placed.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS 1996
3.1. Identification of hazards, and assessing and addressing risks, at workplaces

A person who, at a workplace, is an employer, the main contractor, a self-employed person,
a person having control of the workplace or a person having control of access to the
workplace must, as far as practicable
(a) identify each hazard to which a person at the workplace is likely to be exposed
(b) assess the risk of injury or harm to a person resulting from each hazard, if any,
identified under paragraph (a); and
(c) consider the means by which the risk may be reduced.
3.21. Drawings showing location of certain services

(1) If there is a risk that work to be conducted at a workplace might interfere with any gas,
water, sewerage or electrical service then a person who, at the workplace, is an employer,
the main contractor, a self-employed person or a person having control of the workplace
must ensure that
(a) the location of the service that might be affected is established; and
(b) an accurate diagrammatic representation of the service that might be affected is
available at the workplace before the work commences.
Appendix 2 Useful pipeline protection planning checklist

This generic planning checklist is provided to help with project or job planning. This
checklist indicates the typical issues which should be considered during any project. It
relates to planning for Water Corporation asset protection only. There are many other items
which could be included. This list may be useful as is, but it is recommended that it be
adapted as required to suit the needs of individual organisations and circumstances.
Define the work area / boundary
Request plans from DBYD (This will identify Water Corporation and other DBYD
members plans but not necessarily all buried infrastructure owners.)
Request plans from other asset owners if applicable (i.e. Non-DBYD members)
Receive all asset owners plans
Review and understand all plans
Determine relevance of plans to the planned work
Seek additional information or clarification from Water Corporation if necessary
Conduct a damage risk assessment (Refer to these guidelines)
Create (or modify) work plans based on the damage risk assessment
Determine the need to engage a services locater to conduct a detailed utilities
survey
Determine the need to contact the Water Corporation for a damage risk
assessment
If so, schedule a damage risk assessment meeting. (This must be attended by

the person with direct site control.)
Plan / select appropriate excavation methods, work methods, controls and other
activities (including potholing)
Establish arrangements for site marking and protection of assets (e.g. signs,
bunting barricades)
Ensure site-related information and plans are current (especially if there is a

delay between planning and construction)
Ensure site-related information and plans are available for site crews
Select appropriate excavation or construction equipment
Plan a briefing for site crews addressing the following typical items:
pipeline locations
damage risks and mitigation actions
work methods to be used / modified (e.g. compaction methods, potholing)
compliance, control requirements (e.g. excavation spotter)
site information pack (DBYD, utilities plans, permits, etc.)
arrangements for handover to alternative crews
other
Conduct the briefing
Review any asset protection issues which appear during the project for
improvements to project procedures
Appendix 3 References
1. Code of Practice Excavation, WA Government, 2005

2. Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (1996)
3. Restoration and Reinstatement Specification for Local Governments, Institute of
Public Works Engineering (IPWEA)
4. Utility Providers Code of Practice, Main Roads Western Australia
5. AS/NZS4853:2000 Electrical Hazards on Metallic Pipelines

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Working near our Pipelines

Guidance for planning and working near our

Manager Maintenance Management

Phone 9420 2420

Date Revisions Approval

2 About water pipelines 3

5 Notification of planned work 17

6 Technical considerations for works near pipelines 20

6.7 Chemical discharges and spillages 22

Appendix 1 Applicable legislation 40

Appendix 2 Useful pipeline protection planning checklist 49

Damage or other interference to water infrastructure can have significant impacts on

1.2 Who does this guideline apply to?

This guideline applies to anyone planning or conducting ground disturbing works in

What is ground disturbing work?

Typical ground disturbing activities

Who MUST KNOW ABOUT buried pipes?

1.3 Legislative requirements

1.4 Working on Water Corporation sites

1.5 Duty of care

2 About water pipelines

High pressures and flow rates

Detection of buried pipes

anchor and thrust blocks

Consequences of pipe failure

A burst water or sewer main could have the following consequences:

Consequences of damaging a pipeline

3.1 Responsibility for site safety

3.2 Hazards associated with working near water infrastructure

Potential hazards are:

3.3 Health risks from contact with wastewater

Infection may occur through:

contact with open wounds and lacerations

hand-to-mouth contact if thorough hand washing is not performed prior to eating,

cease work immediately

4.1 General responsibilities for parties working near Water Corporation

Parties working near Water Corporation assets must do the following:

4.2 Plan the work early

Dial Before You Dig

The first step is to request Water Corporation plans

Plan requests can be made on-line at www.1100.com.au or by calling 1100.

choice of work methods such as whether to use open trench or trenchless,

4.3 Do a damage risk assessment

General questions for a damage risk assessment

Will the site work ? yes no not

4.4 About Water Corporation plans

What the Water Corporation will provide

Additional plan information if required can be obtained from Water Corporation

What the plans show

Private water or sewer mains also may not be shown.

Plans only provide an indication

4.5 Documentation to be kept on site

4.6 Locating assets on site

See some examples in Section 6.20.

Services for locating buried utilities

Assistance with asset location

4.7 Guidance for planners and project managers

4.8 Guidance for site supervisors, excavators, site workers, machine

4.9 Guidance for services locators

5 Notification of planned work

Proceeding with the work

5.1 When must the Water Corporation be notified?

5.2 How to notify the Water Corporation