Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Demolition

Internal Strip-Out — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for complete internal strip-out of commercial and residential buildings, including removal of all fit-out elements, services, and finishes in preparation for new construction works.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Full face shield (AS/NZS 1337)P2 dust respirator (AS/NZS 1716)Safety footwear with steel toe cap (AS/NZS 2210)Cut-resistant glovesHigh-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Hearing protection (AS/NZS 1269)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Demolition of load-bearing elements
•Work involving energised electrical installations
•Work at height more than 2 metres

Risk Assessment

1.Services isolation and hazardous materials clearance

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Electrocution from live services during strip-out	Catastrophic	Engage a licensed electrician to de-energise and isolate all electrical circuits at the main switchboard before strip-out commences. Implement full LOTO on the switchboard. Have the electrician test and verify isolation of all circuits with a calibrated test instrument. Engage a licensed plumber to cap and isolate all gas and water services at the boundary. Obtain written isolation certificates for all services before any workers enter the strip-out area.	Moderate	Licensed Electrician / Licensed Plumber / Site Manager
Asbestos or lead exposure during strip-out of pre-1990 building	Catastrophic	Commission a licensed asbestos inspector to conduct a comprehensive hazardous materials survey before any works commence. The survey must cover all areas of the strip-out including ceiling spaces, wall cavities, and floor void. All identified ACM and lead paint to be removed by licensed contractors and clearance certificates obtained before strip-out commences. Post a copy of the hazardous materials register and clearance certificates at the site entry point.	Moderate	Site Manager / Licensed Hazmat Contractors

2.Removing mechanical services (ductwork, pipework)

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Residual gas, chemical, or fluid release from pipework	High	Before cutting any pipework, verify system isolation and depressurisation with the licensed plumber. Bleed all pressure from systems before cutting — never cut pressurised lines. Ensure adequate ventilation when removing ductwork from areas with potential VOC contamination. Have spill kits available for fluid-bearing systems. If any gas odour or chemical smell is detected, evacuate the area immediately and ventilate before re-entry.	Low	Licensed Plumber / Workers
Fall from height during ductwork removal at ceiling level	High	Use a rated work platform (mobile scaffold, scissor lift, or EWP) for all ductwork removal above 2 m. Do not use ladders for sustained ductwork removal work. Ensure platforms are set on level, firm ground with wheels locked. Have a second worker assist to control and lower duct sections — large duct sections to be lowered using rope and tag line. Wear a hard hat during all overhead work.	Low	Workers / Supervisor

3.Strip-out of kitchen and bathroom fitouts

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Sharp edges on removed fixtures causing lacerations	High	Wear heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves rated to EN388 Level 4 or higher for all fixture removal. Inspect removed fixtures for sharp edges, broken glass, or protruding fixings before handling. Wrap sharp edges with tape or rag before carrying. Place sharp debris (glass, tile fragments, broken fixtures) in dedicated sealed bins — never in general waste bags that are carried by hand. Provide adequate first aid supplies including wound dressings on site.	Low	Workers / Supervisor

4.Removing structural partitions under engineer direction

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Structural collapse during load-bearing wall removal	Catastrophic	Work strictly to the structural engineer's written demolition sequence. Install all specified temporary props and needle beams before commencing removal. Have the structural engineer inspect and sign off on all propping before the first cut is made. Remove only the portions of wall specified in the engineer's instructions. Do not remove propping until the engineer's written instruction to do so is received. Establish exclusion zone within 3 m of removal area during structural element removal.	Moderate	Structural Engineer / Site Manager

5.Progressive waste removal and skip loading

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from repetitive heavy lifting during waste removal	High	Plan waste removal strategy before starting strip-out — position skip bins as close as practicable to the work area. Use mechanical aids (trolleys, wheelbarrows, conveyor chutes through windows) to move all materials. Set a maximum individual carry weight of 20 kg. Rotate workers on waste removal tasks every 30 minutes. Brief workers on correct manual handling technique at each daily toolbox talk. Conduct job task analysis if musculoskeletal pain is reported.	Low	Workers / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________