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

Structural Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the demolition of structural elements including load-bearing walls, columns, beams, and slabs using manual and mechanical methods on construction projects.

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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)High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Hearing protection (AS/NZS 1269)Heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Demolition of load-bearing elements
•Work at height more than 2 metres
•Work involving structural alterations or additions requiring temporary support

Risk Assessment

1.Structural assessment and propping

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Premature structural collapse when load-bearing elements removed	Catastrophic	Engage a structural engineer to provide a written demolition methodology for all load-bearing elements. Install all temporary propping and shoring as per the engineer's specification before any structural elements are cut, broken, or removed. Props to be installed by a licensed scaffolder or rigger. Do not commence demolition until the engineer has inspected and approved all propping in writing. All workers to be briefed on the propping system and the consequences of unauthorised removal.	Moderate	Structural Engineer / Site Manager
Propping failure due to inadequate base or overloading	Catastrophic	Calculate propping loads from the structural engineer's documentation. Ensure all prop bases are on a surface capable of carrying the transferred load — install spreader boards on concrete slabs if the load exceeds the slab rating. Check all adjustable props for correct adjustment, locking pin engagement, and absence of damage before loading. Monitor props daily during demolition activities and document inspection results.	Moderate	Structural Engineer / Site Supervisor

2.Breaking and cutting structural concrete

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Exposure to silica dust from concrete cutting and breaking	Catastrophic	Use wet cutting methods with continuous water suppression for all concrete cutting operations. Where wet methods are not practicable, use on-tool dust extraction with H-class vacuum connected directly to the tool. All workers in the immediate area to wear P2 respirators as minimum — full-face powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) for extended tasks exceeding 30 minutes. Implement mandatory task rotation at 20-minute intervals. Conduct baseline and ongoing health monitoring per the Silica WES regulations.	Moderate	Workers / Site Supervisor / HSE Manager
Rebar or fragment ejection during concrete breaking	High	All workers and bystanders within 6 m of concrete breaking must wear full face shields over safety glasses. Erect physical debris screens (plywood or mesh) around breaking operations to contain fragments. Operator of hydraulic breaker to remain in cab. Conduct a toolbox talk on fragment ejection risks before commencing breaking operations.	Low	Site Supervisor / Workers

3.Manual demolition of masonry walls

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Masonry wall collapse during manual demolition	Catastrophic	Demolish masonry walls from the top down, one course at a time. Never undercut a wall or remove material from the base. Do not allow masonry to accumulate above 1.2 m height on the floor — remove and dispose of regularly. Workers to stand to the side of the demolition face — never directly in line with the wall. Install temporary propping to all adjacent walls before commencing. Stop work immediately if any cracking or bulging of the wall is observed.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Worker
Manual handling injuries from carrying masonry debris	High	Break masonry into manageable pieces — individual loads not to exceed 20 kg per person. Use mechanical means (mini excavator, bobcat, conveyor) to move large quantities of debris. Use wheelbarrows or carts for transporting debris — never carry on the back. Provide clear, unobstructed debris removal paths. Brief workers on correct manual handling technique and stop work to rest if any worker shows signs of fatigue.	Low	Workers / Site Supervisor

4.Floor slab demolition and penetrations

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Person or plant falling through slab opening or weakened area	Catastrophic	Mark all slab openings and edges with barrier tape and rigid covers rated for foot traffic and plant load immediately after creation. Never leave a slab penetration uncovered or unguarded. Assess slab load capacity before positioning any plant — obtain structural engineer approval for all plant on elevated slabs. Establish an exclusion zone below all slab demolition areas — no persons or plant below active slab demolition at any time.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Structural Engineer

5.Demolition waste removal and site rehabilitation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Exposure to hazardous materials in demolition waste	High	Segregate all demolition waste at point of generation per the waste management plan. Conduct a final visual inspection of all waste loads for potential ACM (asbestos-containing material) or other hazardous materials before disposal. Any suspected ACM found during waste removal must be stopped immediately — quarantine the area and call a licensed asbestos assessor. Dispose of all waste at licensed facilities and retain waste disposal receipts on site file.	Low	Site Manager / Waste Contractor

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: ___________________