Activity Method Statement (AMS) submission guidelines

Intended audience

This guide has been written for plumbers, panel plumbers, engineering consultants, contractors, surveyors, developers, other authorities, landowners and Barwon Water personnel involved with the development and/or engaged in operational activities involving Barwon Water’s assets.

The guide provides an overview of Barwon Water’s expectations of anyone completing an AMS in conjunction with Work on or near Barwon Water assets.

When is an AMS required?

An AMS must be provided when the proposed work (including plant and equipment movement) is within three (3) metres of any main, 300 mm or greater in diameter, including decommissioned mains, a sewer pressure main, water transfer main or water feeder main of any diameter.

Barwon Water may also, at their discretion, require an AMS be provided for any works occurring on or near Barwon Water assets to ensure the works do not pose a risk to the asset and its operation, the safety of those working around it, the public and our customers.

If you have a design plan approved by Barwon Water, this should nominate any works which trigger the requirement for an AMS.

AMS submission guidelines

  • All revisions of AMS are to be checked and approved by Consulting Engineer to ensure proposed clearances and construction methodologies comply with relevant MRWA Codes.
    (Where proposed methods do not or cannot comply with required standards, a detailed explanation of proposed asset protection measures is to be provided).
  • Detailed sketches of proposed works relating to BW assets to be provided for each interaction with a BW asset.
  • Proposed dates and times for works to be provided, taking into account possible review and approval times (up to 20 business days), and possible customer notification requirements (e.g. minimum 10 business days for shutdown).
  • Confirmation of asset locations and diameters, confirmation that suitable repair fittings are available from local supplier and the contractor is familiar with use of fittings, if damage occurs. (Do not assume BW has fittings in stores, or personnel immediately available to conduct repairs)
  • Provide detailed step-by-step methodology of works impacting on BW assets.
    (If works are time critical e.g. Shutdown, then provide timeline of proposed works within defined window)
  • Provide details of steps to be taken to ensure works have not, and will not in the future, impact negatively on Barwon Water assets. (e.g. CCTV, additional testing, compaction etc.).
  • Provide list and copies of associated SWMS and ITPs for proposed works.
  • Ensure you have conducted appropriate checks on locations of all services (e.g. Dial Before You Dig), and confirmed information where possible.

The AMS revision process

The AMS revision process can take up to 15 business days to allow for adequate assessment of risks and control measures. It is recommended to submit your AMS as early as possible to avoid delays in planned works.

What should I do if the scope of works changes during construction?

If the scope of the proposed works changes, or a non-typical risk or hazard is identified, the applicant should contact Barwon Water immediately with the details. Barwon Water will consider the desired changes and the applicants proposed controls, and provide instruction relevant to the works assets or OHS obligations.

Where the hazard cannot be immediately rectified, the area or equipment should be made safe with barricades, warning signs, out of service tags or other suitable isolation and/or alert mechanisms. These hazards shall be immediately reported to the site supervisor.

Who is responsible for reporting of incidents?

Barwon Water accredited contactors/consultants and or other third parties must report to Barwon Water incidents involving Barwon Water assets and must report all other regulatory reportable incidents to Barwon Water.  Incidents are to be reported via the Barwon Water duty office 1300 656 007.

The developer/consultant/contractor must have a process in place to internally induct its own employees to their own safety management system requirements.

Role of Barwon Water performing audits

Barwon Water may audit Plumbing Service Panel Contractors or any other works performed on Barwon Water assets. The developer/consultant/contractor are entirely responsible for the quality of the works and for the health and safety of employees during the works.

Barwon Water will retain the right to audit OHS. The consultant/contractors will be formally advised of any identified issues and expected to action them within stipulated timeframes. Barwon Water may maintain records of audits in a confidential register for performance reporting, future auditing and management of risk.

Additional information

For further information, please telephone Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 or email the relevant department below:

Sub-divisions/new infrastructure/other authority’s works:
Contact Developer Works - development@barwonwater.vic.gov.au

Dial Before You Dig:
Contact Operations - is-operations-coordinators@barwonwater.vic.gov.au