Hard Strip Demolition SWMS
Hard strip demolition removing structural elements — concrete walls, slabs, brickwork, steel framing. Uses jackhammers, concrete saws, oxy cutting. Engineered demolition sequence, debris management, edge protection.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Hard strip demolition involves removing structural elements including concrete walls, slabs, brickwork and steel framing using jackhammers, concrete saws and oxy-acetylene cutting. This work is High Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 1, requiring a SWMS before work commences due to structural collapse and respirable crystalline silica exposure risks.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Crush fatality, multiple worker entrapment
Silicosis, lung cancer, accelerated fibrosis
Burns, fire, metal fume fever
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Follow engineer-certified demolition sequence; exclusion zones and spotters before each load-bearing element removed.
- 2On-tool water suppression or H-class extraction on saws/jackhammers; P2 RPE and air monitoring per WES.
- 3Hot work permit, fire watch 60 minutes post-cut, LEV for fumes, combustibles removed 10m radius.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Primary code for demolition sequencing and structural risk
Mandatory controls for concrete and masonry cutting dust
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Removing load-bearing concrete, brickwork and steel framing alters structural integrity requiring engineered support and sequencing.
Hard strip of precast and tilt panels involves controlled lowering and rigging of heavy concrete elements.
SWMS mandatory before work starts; PCBU penalties to $15,000 per breach.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your demolition site and sequence
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT)
- ✓Hazard register covering collapse, silica, hot work and falling debris
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation and acknowledgement
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 sections 19 and 20 — PCBU primary duty of care
- WHS Regulation 2025 Chapter 6 Part 6.3 — Demolition work
- WHS Regulation 2025 Chapter 7 — Hazardous chemicals and airborne contaminants