This Strip Out SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers removing workstations, partitions, ceilings and floor coverings during internal strip out work. It covers 20 activities, from preparing the work area and checking for asbestos to debris removal and end of day clean-up, 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
Strip out and demolition contractors
Commercial fit-out and refurbishment builders
Carpenters and shopfitters removing old fit-outs
Flooring contractors uplifting carpet, vinyl and tiles
Office relocation and make-good 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
Preparing the work area, with controls for unauthorised entry, lighting and electrocution
PPE selection and pre-operation inspection of tools and equipment
Housekeeping to prevent slips, trips and falls in cluttered areas
Removing workstations, partitions and ceilings, including manual handling and crush injuries
Power and hand tool hazards, including entanglement, vibration, noise, flying debris and electrocution
Ladder use, falls and falling objects
Uplifting carpet, vinyl and tiles by hand and with a jackhammer
Respirable crystalline silica from cutting, grinding, drilling or breaking materials
Adhesives, solvents, lead paint and other hazardous chemicals during removal
Asbestos checks before any removal starts, and confirming what is load bearing
Debris removal, waste, dust and noise, including plant overload and community complaints
Emergency response to injuries and equipment damage
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 20 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 jackhammers, ladders and an industrial vacuum with HEPA filter
Materials list flagging lead paint and asbestos that may be present
Daily pre-start checks, scheduled maintenance and the training each worker needs
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 strip out work?
A SWMS is legally required when strip out is high risk construction work, for example where it's likely to involve disturbing asbestos, demolishing a load-bearing element, or working near energised electrical services. That covers a lot of strip out jobs. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover asbestos and structural checks before removal?
Yes. It includes identifying asbestos in the building before any removal starts, and confirming what is load bearing so a structural or bracing element isn't removed by mistake.
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.
