This Mechanical Demolition SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers demolishing structures with powered mobile plant, attachments and hand-held tools. It sets out the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for 19 activities, from planning and notifying the regulator to debris removal, post-work handover and emergency response. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Demolition contractors and their plant operators
Civil and earthmoving contractors
Builders managing strip-out and demolition stages
Plant hire operators working on demolition jobs
Site remediation and strip-out contractors
 
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 sequence, licensed workers, existing services and regulator notification
Pre-start checks, travel and safe access to site, including underground services
Public protection from falling debris and unauthorised entry
Plant delivery and use, including struck-by risks near a road or traffic corridor
Quick-hitch and attachment failure, and crane lifts with dropped loads
Electrical safety for tools and leads, plus contact with overhead electric lines
Structural collapse, falling material, entrapment and falls from height
Asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, silica dust and contaminated or flammable atmospheres
Noise, vibration, manual handling, broken glass, syringes and biological hazards
Gas services, hot works and fire protection
Debris removal, housekeeping, stored energy release and environmental waste handling
Post-work inspection and emergency response to collapse, entrapment, fire or gas leak
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 19 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, materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Qualifications, including high risk work licences 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 mechanical demolition?
Usually, yes. A SWMS is legally required for high risk construction work, and mechanical demolition often fits, for example demolishing a load-bearing element, work likely to disturb asbestos, or work where powered mobile plant is moving. Even where none of those apply, you still have to manage the risks, and clients and head contractors will almost always ask for one.
Does it cover notifying the regulator?
Yes. It includes an activity for notifiable demolition work, covering the risk of failing to notify the regulator, alongside planning the demolition sequence and checking workers are trained and licensed.
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.