Hydrologic data such as rainfall and stormwater runoff are required for better understanding of the rainfall runoff process, and the development and calibration of computer models used for the design and analysis of urban stormwater drainage systems. Victoria University of Technology, in collaboration with ten local government city/shire councils in Victoria, has undertaken a major data acquisition program for 30 urban catchments. This program involves the installation, operation and maintenance of a large number of flowmeters in stormwater conveyance systems and raingauges in selected urban catchments. Many urban stormwater systems consist of a network of underground pipes, except in a few places where open channels are used. Therefore, most flowmeter installations are in confined spaces inside underground conveyance systems. The raingauges are normally installed on a roof of a building where there is no obstruction from surrounding structures or tall trees. The Australian standard for working in a confined space is followed and necessary height safety measures are taken to ensure the occupational health and safety of persons who install, operate and maintain the flowmeters in underground pipes and raingauges on buildings respectively. This paper describes the hazards associated with different stages of the project and occupational health and safety measures followed in prevention of these hazards.
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