Plumbing Strip-Out & Demolition Make-Safe SWMS
A Safe Work Method Statement for plumbing strip-out & demolition make-safe covering all key hazards, controls and regulatory requirements. This is classified as high-risk construction work under WHS Regulation 2025.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Plumbing strip-out and demolition make-safe involves isolating, capping and removing existing water, gas, sewer and stormwater services prior to building demolition or refurbishment. This is High Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 1, requiring a SWMS before work commences on site.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Scalding, gas explosion, asphyxiation
Mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer
Hepatitis, leptospirosis, gastrointestinal infection
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Verify isolation, lock-out and depressurise all services with gauge confirmation before any pipework is cut.
- 2Conduct asbestos register review and clearance air monitoring before disturbing pre-1990 pipe lagging or AC pipe.
- 3Wear P2 respirator, chemical gloves and eye protection when breaking sewer lines; vaccinate workers for Hep A/B.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Entry into pits, sumps and drainage chambers during strip-out
Removal of AC pipe and asbestos pipe lagging
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Strip-out of services penetrating slabs and walls forms part of structural demolition works.
Plumbing make-safe occurs adjacent to live electrical, gas and pressurised water services.
SWMS mandatory under WHS Reg 291; non-compliance penalties up to $30,000 PCBU.
What you receive
- ✓Editable Microsoft Word DOCX SWMS template
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)
- ✓Project-specific hazard and risk register
- ✓Worker sign-on and SWMS acknowledgement register
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025
- Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011