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

Manual Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for manual demolition of internal and external building elements including walls, ceilings, partitions and roofing. Applies where structural integrity of adjacent elements may be affected.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Hard HatSafety Glasses / Full Face ShieldP2 Dust RespiratorSafety Boots (Steel Capped)High Visibility VestHeavy Duty GlovesHearing Protection

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Demolition of an element of a structure that affects the physical integrity of the structure
•Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-demolition survey and service disconnection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Contact with live electrical services	Catastrophic	Engage licensed electrician to disconnect and isolate all electrical services before demolition commences. Obtain disconnection certificate. Visually confirm isolation.	Low	Licensed Electrician / Site Supervisor
Contact with live gas or water services	High	Engage licensed plumber to cap and disconnect gas and water supplies. Obtain as-built drawings. Use cable and service locator. Mark all known services.	Low	Licensed Plumber / Site Supervisor
Asbestos-containing materials disturbed without identification	Catastrophic	Commission asbestos survey (AS 4964) before any demolition. Review survey report. All ACM identified, labelled and managed per asbestos removal SWMS before demolition begins.	Low	Site Supervisor

2.Establishment of exclusion zone and site preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unauthorised personnel entering demolition zone	High	Erect hoarding or solid barrier around demolition zone. Signage at all entry points. Security/access control where required. Daily site induction for all personnel.	Low	Site Supervisor
Dust affecting neighbouring properties or public	Moderate	Wet demolition methods where possible. Dust suppression sprays. Hoarding to contain dust. Notify neighbours. Wind direction monitoring.	Low	Site Supervisor

3.Manual demolition of non-structural elements (walls, ceilings, partitions)

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Collapse of structural element onto workers	Catastrophic	Demolition engineer to review structural drawings and issue written demolition sequence. Temporary propping installed before adjacent structural elements removed. Do not deviate from approved sequence.	Moderate	Demolition Contractor / Site Supervisor
Eye and face injuries from flying debris	High	Full face shield over safety glasses mandatory. All workers facing away from breaking direction where possible.	Low	All Workers
Respiratory exposure to silica dust or hazardous fibres	High	P2 respirator mandatory. Wet demolition where practicable. Air monitoring where silica risk identified. Air monitoring records to be kept.	Low	All Workers

4.Removal and disposal of demolition materials

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from manual handling of heavy debris	Moderate	Break large elements into manageable pieces before manual handling. Use skip chutes, conveyors or mechanical equipment for bulk debris. Team lifts for items over 16 kg.	Low	All Workers
Incorrect disposal of hazardous waste	High	Separate waste streams. Hazardous materials to licensed waste contractor only. Manifest/consignment notes retained. No mixing of ACM with general waste.	Low	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: ___________________