Demolition Work SWMS
Structural demolition including soft-strip, hard demolition, and façade retention work on commercial structures.
SWMS variants reference your state's WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
This SWMS covers the full scope of demolition work on Australian construction sites — structural demolition of load-bearing walls, columns, beams, floors, and roofs; non-structural strip-out of fit-out, partitions, and services; mechanical demolition with excavator-mounted breakers, shears, and grapples; pre-demolition asbestos removal; soft-strip to shell condition; façade removal; chimney demolition; and concrete breaking with hydraulic and pneumatic hammers. It is written for licensed demolition contractors, demolition operators, asbestos removalists, and subcontractors engaged on refurbishment, partial-demolition, and whole-of-structure projects.
Demolition work is one of the highest-risk construction activities in the Schedule 1 HRCW catalogue of the WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW). Category 1 — structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse — is triggered by almost every structural demolition activity. Category 10 — work involving the disturbance of asbestos — applies across pre-2004 buildings. Category 17 — atmospheres exceeding the WES — applies to respirable crystalline silica and lead. Category 3 — falls above 2 metres — applies during soft-strip, façade, and roof demolition. Demolition in NSW also requires a Class 1 or Class 2 demolition licence under the Work Health and Safety (Demolition) Code. Section 299 of the WHS Regulation requires a SWMS before HRCW commences.
Hazards identified
12 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Fatal crush and entrapment from premature removal of load-bearing elements, inadequate temporary propping, or demolition out of engineered sequence.
Inhalation of respirable asbestos fibres during strip-out, drilling, or breaking of asbestos cement, lagging, or vinyl backing; latent mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Chronic lead toxicity from inhalation and ingestion during soft-strip, scraping, or thermal removal of leaded coatings on timberwork, metalwork, and masonry.
Accelerated and chronic silicosis from inhalation of RCS generated during hydraulic breaking, pneumatic jack-hammering, and slab saw operations.
Fatal fall from height from collapsed floor plates, unsupported edges, or unguarded penetrations in buildings undergoing active demolition.
Fatal or serious injury to ground workers, adjacent trades, or the public from uncontrolled drop of demolished material outside perimeter scaffolds or drop-zone barriers.
Electrocution from live electrical, ignition from gas, or flood from water services concealed in walls, floors, or undisturbed ground during mechanical demolition.
Major fire or deflagration from severed gas supply, hydrocarbon residues in tanks and pipe, or combustible dust accumulations in industrial demolition.
Fatal crush from excavator slew, dump truck movement, or material-handler operation in shared ground space without segregation or spotter control.
Permanent hearing loss from sustained exposure during demolition — hydraulic breakers routinely exceed 115 dB(A) at 1 metre.
Fatal crush from uncontrolled toppling of a narrow masonry chimney during progressive demolition from the top down or as a felled structure.
Fatigue and shortcutting of controls where demolition is squeezed between adjoining occupied buildings, active traffic, or tight programme windows.
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Pre-demolition engineering assessment of the structure to identify load paths, lateral stability, and demolition sequence. A structural engineer signs off the demolition method before work commences.
- 2Hazardous material survey to the Asbestos Code of Practice before any disturbance — destructive sampling of all suspect materials and a written hazmat register. Lead testing of pre-1970 coatings.
- 3Pre-demolition asbestos removal completed by a licensed Class A or Class B removalist before any structural demolition. Air monitoring by an independent licensed assessor where required. Clearance certificate before structural work begins.
- 4Service isolation: electrical, gas, water, and stormwater disconnected at the street by the service owner before demolition begins. Certificates retained on site. A temporary supply for welfare and plant is established separately.
- 5Engineered demolition sequence — top-down for multi-storey, progressive for chimneys and tall narrow structures, with temporary propping where floors are removed below bearing walls. No deviation from the sequence without engineer sign-off.
- 6Mechanical demolition controls: exclusion zone at 1.5 times the height of the structure for mechanical breaking, excavator operated from outside the collapse zone, and reach-arm machines for multi-storey demolition. Water-cannon dust suppression during breaking.
- 7Dust controls for RCS and asbestos: misting systems on hydraulic breakers, shrouded sawing, wet suppression of loading and crushing, and P3 PAPR hoods for operators outside enclosed cabs. Respiratory selection per AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716.
- 8Perimeter protection: hoarding or catch-platform scaffold rated to contain debris, covered pedestrian walkways where the footpath is within the drop zone, and a drop-zone radius based on the engineer's fall-cone analysis.
- 9Fall protection per the Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces. Edge protection preserved as long as possible; temporary barriers during partial strip; fall-arrest harness per AS/NZS 1891.1 only where higher-order controls are not practicable.
- 10Plant/pedestrian segregation: traffic management plan with physical separation of excavators, loaders, and haul routes from ground workers. Spotters for every plant movement where ground workers are nearby. Reverse alarms and beacons on all plant.
- 11Hot-work and ignition control: no uncontrolled hot work until all flammable residues have been cleared. Hot-work permits for controlled cutting and welding per AS 1674.1-1997 with a 10-metre combustibles-clear zone and fire watch.
- 12Chimney demolition: engineer-designed progressive dismantling from the top, climbing frame or scaffold with encapsulation, rubble descent through a chute rather than free drop, and exclusion zone at the base.
- 13PPE baseline: hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection (Class 5 near breakers), P2 or P3 respiratory protection as the task warrants, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210.3), and cut-resistant gloves.
- 14All demolition workers hold a valid White Card (CPCCWHS1001). Demolition supervisors hold the relevant state demolition licence. Plant operators hold the relevant high-risk work licence. Asbestos removalists licensed per WHS Regulation r485.
- 15Psychosocial controls per WHS Regulation 2025 r55A-55D: realistic daily targets, scheduled breaks, task rotation out of sustained breaking work, and a documented stop-work right where collapse, service, or weather hazards arise.
- 16Conduct a daily pre-start toolbox talk covering scope, sequence, exclusion zones, dust controls, and adjacent-occupancy status. Record attendance.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Primary binding guidance for all demolition including sequence, temporary support, and exclusion zones.
Governs identification of asbestos before demolition and removalist licensing.
Binding guidance for Class A and Class B removal preceding demolition.
Baseline for HRCW categorisation, SWMS content, and principal contractor interaction.
Applies to soft-strip, façade, and roof demolition above 2 metres.
Applies to concrete breaking, slab sawing, and masonry demolition.
Technical standard referenced for demolition method, sequence, and exclusion zone design.
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Most structural demolition requires temporary propping or strong-back support during the removal of load-bearing elements — the core trigger for demolition HRCW.
Demolition of pre-2004 buildings routinely disturbs asbestos cement, lagging, vinyl, and loose-fill insulation.
Concrete breaking and masonry demolition generate RCS; lead paint disturbance generates airborne lead; both routinely exceed the WES.
Soft-strip, façade, and roof demolition place workers above 2 metres on unstable partially-demolished structures.
Because demolition work routinely triggers multiple HRCW categories, Section 299 of the WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW) requires the SWMS to be prepared before work commences, kept available on site for inspection, reviewed and updated if the work changes, and provided to the Principal Contractor on request. Failure by a PCBU to prepare or maintain a current SWMS for HRCW is an offence under Section 300; maximum penalty for a body corporate is $36,000 per offence and $7,200 for an individual. Asbestos disturbance triggers additional notification, licensing, and air-monitoring obligations under Part 8 of the Regulation; licensed demolition work under state demolition licensing is a parallel obligation.
Who this is for
- →Licensed demolition contractors holding Class 1 or Class 2 demolition licence.
- →Demolition operators and machine operators working on mechanical and hand demolition.
- →Asbestos removalists (Class A and Class B) engaged on pre-demolition removal work.
- →Strip-out subcontractors engaged by a Principal Contractor on refurbishment packages.
- →Site supervisors and WHS leads reviewing demolition subcontractor SWMS during pre-start.
What you receive
- ✓Editable Microsoft Word document (.docx, Word 2016 or newer compatible).
- ✓Title page with PCBU name, ABN, site address, project, demolition licence number, and revision date fields.
- ✓Signed approval block for PCBU, Principal Contractor, and nominated demolition supervisor.
- ✓Hazard register with the 12 hazards above, each with consequence, inherent risk, controls, and residual risk scored on a 5x5 matrix.
- ✓Hierarchy-of-control measures cross-referenced to WHS Regulation sections and the Demolition, Asbestos, and RCS Codes of Practice.
- ✓Hazmat register template with asbestos, lead, and hazardous chemicals columns.
- ✓Consultation record for HSR sign-off and worker input per Section 47 of the WHS Act.
- ✓Worker sign-on register for daily acknowledgement with space for demolition and asbestos licences.
- ✓Legislation schedule pre-populated for NSW with variance table for VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT.
- ✓Emergency contacts, collapse and rescue procedure, and review-and-update log.
Worked example
A six-person demolition crew — one licensed demolition supervisor, one excavator operator, three demolition labourers, and one Class B asbestos removalist — is subcontracted to demolish a single-storey 1965-era commercial unit in Botany to slab level. Pre-demolition asbestos survey identifies AC sheet roofing, eaves lining, and vinyl floor-tile backing. The supervisor completes this SWMS: pre-demolition asbestos removal triggers HRCW Category 10 and requires Class B licensed removal, clearance certificate, and an enclosure; mechanical demolition triggers Category 1 and requires engineer sign-off of the sequence; concrete breaking triggers Category 17 with water cannon dust suppression and P3 PAPR for ground workers. The SWMS is signed, the clearance certificate is posted, and mechanical demolition proceeds only after sign-off. Neighbouring shop noise complaints on day two are managed through a revised working-hour window captured in the SWMS review record.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) — Section 19 primary duty; Section 27 officer due diligence; Section 47 worker consultation.
- WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW) — r. 298-300 (SWMS); r. 412-530 (asbestos); r. 49-51 (WES/WEL); r. 78-82 (managing falls); r. 55A-55D (psychosocial).
- Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) — demolition consent.
- Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) — demolition waste and air-quality management.
- Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (NSW) — where demolition is on contaminated land.
- Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2008 (NSW) — transport of hazardous waste.
Frequently asked questions
Does this SWMS replace a demolition licence?
No. Class 1 and Class 2 demolition licensing under state legislation is a separate obligation. The SWMS documents the method, hazards, and controls; the licence qualifies the PCBU to perform the work. Both are required.
How does this SWMS handle asbestos?
The document requires a hazardous material survey before any disturbance, pre-demolition removal by a licensed removalist (Class A for friable, Class B for non-friable), air monitoring where required, and a clearance certificate before structural demolition begins. It references Parts 8 of WHS Regulation 2025.
Can I use this SWMS in Victoria?
You can use it as a starting point. Victoria operates under the OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017, and demolition is regulated under Part 5.3. Update the legislation schedule and cite WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Codes in place of SafeWork Australia Codes of Practice.
Does the SWMS cover chimney and façade demolition?
Yes. Specific hazards and controls for progressive chimney dismantling and façade removal are included. Complex or engineered façade retention work requires a project-specific method statement in addition to this SWMS.
How often does this SWMS need to be reviewed?
Review whenever the work, structure, or hazards change materially, after an incident, or when a worker raises a concern. At minimum, every 12 months and at the start of each demolition project. The 1 December 2026 WES-to-WEL transition is a mandatory review trigger.
Is this SWMS compliant with the 1 July 2026 Section 26A changes?
Yes. From 1 July 2026, 34 approved Codes of Practice become legally binding under Section 26A of the amended WHS Act. This SWMS cites the currently-approved Codes that will become binding — Demolition Work, Asbestos Management, Asbestos Removal, Construction Work, Managing the Risk of Falls, and RCS. No amendment is required for the 2026 transition.
Document details
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