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

Shopfitting Removal — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the removal of shopfitting and fit-out elements including partitions, ceilings, joinery, floor finishes, and fixtures in occupied or partially occupied commercial premises.

Download this template

Personal Protective Equipment

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Safety glasses / face shield (AS/NZS 1337)P2 dust respirator (AS/NZS 1716)Safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210)Cut-resistant glovesHearing protection (AS/NZS 1269)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving energised electrical installations
•Work at height more than 2 metres

Risk Assessment

1.Isolation of services and hazardous materials check

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Contact with live electrical wiring during removal	Catastrophic	Obtain a copy of the existing electrical drawings before commencing. Engage a licensed electrician to de-energise and isolate all electrical circuits in the work zone by locking out at the switchboard — apply LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out) before any demolition commences. Test all circuits with a non-contact voltage tester before touching. Do not assume circuits are isolated without testing. If as-built drawings are unavailable, treat all wiring as live and have the electrician map and isolate all circuits.	Moderate	Licensed Electrician / Site Supervisor
Disturbing asbestos or lead paint in older fit-outs	Catastrophic	Commission a hazardous materials survey before commencing in any premises built before 1990. Licensed asbestos assessor to identify all ACM and lead paint. Remove or encapsulate all identified hazardous materials before shopfitting removal commences. Obtain clearance certificate. If suspected ACM is found during removal, stop work immediately, isolate area, and contact a licensed asbestos removalist.	Moderate	Site Manager / Hazmat Assessor

2.Removing partitions and walls

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unexpected load-bearing partition causing collapse when removed	Catastrophic	Obtain structural engineer's written advice on which partitions are non-load-bearing before any partition removal begins. Mark all load-bearing elements clearly in red on the site drawing and post at the site entry. If structural status is uncertain, treat as load-bearing and obtain written engineer's advice before removing. Install temporary propping as specified by the engineer for all adjacent structures. Brief all workers on load-bearing identification before commencing.	Moderate	Structural Engineer / Site Manager
Plasterboard sheets falling and striking workers	High	Remove plasterboard sheets systematically — score and snap, remove fixings, and lower sheets in manageable sections. Two workers required for sheets over 1.2 m — one supports while the other removes fixings. Wear gloves and face shield during plasterboard removal. Remove sheets from top of wall down. Stack sheets flat on the floor, not against walls or partitions.	Low	Workers / Supervisor

3.Removing suspended ceilings and ceiling fixtures

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker fall from ladder or scaffold during ceiling removal	High	Use an appropriate work platform — mobile scaffold, platform ladder, or scissor lift — for all ceiling work above 2 m. Do not use A-frame ladders for extended ceiling work. Ensure the platform is set up on a level, stable surface. On mobile scaffolds, set all wheel brakes before ascending and do not move the scaffold while occupied. Maintain three-point contact when ascending and descending.	Low	Worker / Supervisor
Falling ceiling tiles or hidden objects striking workers	High	Before removing ceiling tiles, check the void above for stored materials, pipes, conduit, and structural elements by removing one tile at each end of the run and using a torch to inspect. Remove tiles by pushing up and sliding — control descent with both hands. Wear hard hat and face shield throughout ceiling removal. Have a second worker receive tiles from the platform. Establish a 2 m exclusion zone below the ceiling work area.	Low	Workers / Supervisor

4.Removing floor finishes and adhesives

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Exposure to adhesive fumes and solvents	High	Identify all floor adhesive types before removal — vinyl tile adhesives in buildings pre-1990 may contain asbestos (black mastic). Commission hazardous materials assessment for suspected black mastic. Ensure adequate mechanical ventilation during all floor finish removal — open all doors and windows and use forced-air fans. Wear P2 respirators as a minimum during grinding or scarifying adhesive. If solvent-based strippers are used, provide chemical-resistant gloves and read the SDS.	Low	Workers / Site Supervisor

5.Handling and disposing of waste materials

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Manual handling injuries during waste removal	High	Use mechanical aids (trolleys, sack trucks, pallet jacks) to move all heavy materials. Individual lifts not to exceed 20 kg per person — request assistance or use mechanical lifting for heavier loads. Maintain clear, unobstructed paths to waste bins. Provide adequate bin placement to minimise carrying distance. Rotate workers on heavy lifting tasks every 30 minutes. Brief all workers on correct manual handling technique at toolbox talk.	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: ___________________