This Demolition SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers planning and carrying out demolition of structures, including plant, cranes and debris removal. It sets out 13 activities, from planning and notifiable demolition work to removing debris and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Demolition and strip-out contractors
Builders and renovators doing strip-outs and knock-downs
Excavation and earthmoving contractors on demolition jobs
Licensed asbestos removalists working with demolition crews
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Planning the job, including demolition sequence, services and licensed workers
Notifying the regulator of notifiable demolition work
Pre-start vehicle checks, site access, unstable ground and underground services
Public protection from falling debris and unauthorised access
Delivering and using plant near workers and traffic corridors
Diesel and hydraulic oil spills during plant operation or refuelling
Crane lifts, including dropped loads and incorrect calculations
Structural collapse when demolishing load-bearing elements
Asbestos, silica, hazardous materials and contaminated or flammable atmospheres
Overhead power lines, gas services and electrical hazards from tools and leads
Falls from height, falling material, glass, nails, noise and manual handling
Hot work fire protection, debris removal and emergency response to collapse or fire
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 13 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, from powered mobile plant and hoists to concrete saws and scaffolding
Qualifications needed, including a high risk work licence and asbestos removal where required
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for demolition work?
In most cases, yes. Demolition of a load-bearing element is high risk construction work, and demolition jobs often also involve disturbing asbestos, falls of more than 2 metres or powered mobile plant. In those situations a SWMS is legally required. Even on smaller strip-outs you still have to manage the risks, and clients, head contractors and prequalification portals usually ask for one.
Does it cover notifiable demolition work?
Yes. It has an activity for notifiable demolition work, covering the risk of failing to notify the regulator.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
