Manual Hand Demolition SWMS
Manual demolition using crowbars, sledgehammers, hand-held power tools — used for heritage works, surgical demolition, areas inaccessible to plant. Slower sequenced approach with manual debris removal.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Manual hand demolition uses crowbars, sledgehammers and hand-held power tools for heritage, surgical or plant-inaccessible works with manual debris removal. This is High Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 1, requiring a documented SWMS before work commences on any Australian construction site.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Crush injuries or fatality from falling material
Back, shoulder and musculoskeletal injuries
HAVS, fractures, lacerations to operator
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Engineer-endorsed demolition sequence with exclusion zones, propping and continuous structural monitoring throughout works.
- 2Two-person lifts, mechanical aids and 20kg single-person limit; rotate tasks to manage fatigue.
- 3Low-vibration tools, anti-vibration gloves, impact PPE, eye/hearing protection and HAVS exposure logging.
- 4Hand-tool inspection register, dust suppression, RCD-protected leads and tool-specific operator competency verification.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Primary standard for demolition sequencing, planning and safety
Mandatory guidance on hazard control and supervision
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Manual removal of load-bearing walls, beams or columns directly engages Schedule 1 Category 5.
SWMS mandatory before work starts; penalties up to $30,000 (individual).
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS customisable to your project and PCBU details
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT)
- ✓Project-ready hazard and risk register with residual risk ratings
- ✓Worker sign-on and SWMS review register
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 (Cth) — sections 19, 20 duty of care
- WHS Regulation 2025 — Part 6.5 Demolition Work
- WHS Regulation 2025 — Schedule 1 High Risk Construction Work