This Manual Demolition SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for planning and carrying out demolition and removal of materials by hand. It covers 8 activities, from planning the job to oxy cutting, overhead powerlines 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 salvage contractors
Strip-out and renovation builders
Carpenters and builders doing small demolition jobs
Shopfitting and fit-out strip-out 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 demolition job before work starts
Electrocution from live wires and overhead powerlines next to the structure
Structural collapse and being struck by falling material
Falls from height during demolition work
Cuts from shattered glass, nails and salvaged materials
Manual handling, poorly maintained equipment and noise
Dust, mould and biological hazards from old plumbing and damp areas
Asbestos, lead, PCBs and synthetic mineral fibres
Syringes, contaminated waste and gas services
Oxy cutting and fire from hot work
Silica dust from cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, masonry and tile
Waste control, post-work checks and emergency response to collapse, falls, shock, fire or asbestos exposure
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 8 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, including a demolition saw and hand tools, with daily pre-start checks
Qualifications, including a High Risk Work Licence and asbestos removal training 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 manual demolition?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example demolishing a load-bearing element, work likely to disturb asbestos, or where someone could fall more than 2 metres. Most demolition jobs fall into at least one of these. Outside those situations you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover asbestos and other hazardous materials?
Yes. It covers asbestos where it may be present, and other hazardous chemicals including lead, PCBs and synthetic mineral fibres. It also lists asbestos removal qualifications where required.
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.
