Demolition Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

What Is a Demolition SWMS?

A Demolition Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a critical document for any construction business undertaking demolition work in Australia. It is not just a piece of paperwork. It is a written plan that outlines the high-risk work involved, the hazards associated with that work, and the control measures put in place to keep workers and the public safe.

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a primary duty of care. For demolition, this duty is specifically addressed through a SWMS. The document details the "how," "when," and "who" of the job. It ensures that risks are managed before the work starts.

Demolition is classified as "High Risk Construction Work" (HRCW). Because of this, the law states you cannot start the job without a compliant SWMS. It acts as a communication tool for the crew and a defence for the business if a safety inspector visits the site.

When to Use This Document

You must use a Demolition SWMS whenever your work involves the demolition of a structure. This applies to all types of demolition, from pulling down a single brick wall to demolishing an entire industrial complex. The Model WHS Regulations explicitly list demolition work in Schedule 3 as High Risk Construction Work.

The requirement is triggered if the work involves all of the following:

1. The demolition of a part of or a whole structure.
2. The use of load-shifting equipment on a suspended floor.
3. Manual handling of loads exceeding specified limits (where demolition creates the risk).

This requirement applies across most of Australia. If you operate in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, ACT, or NT, you follow the Model WHS Regulations. If you are in Western Australia, these requirements have been adopted under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2022 (WA).

In Victoria, the laws are slightly different but the outcome is the same. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (VIC), a SWMS is required for high-risk construction work, which includes demolition. You must prepare this document before work begins if you are a PCBU or employer.

You also need a specific SWMS if the demolition involves asbestos. Buildings built before 1990 likely contain asbestos. If your demolition disturbs this material, the Asbestos Removal Control Plan must be referenced within your SWMS or integrated into it.

Key Sections and Required Elements

A SWMS must meet strict content requirements set out in Regulation 299 of the Model WHS Regulations. It cannot be a generic checklist. It must be specific to the site and the task. Below are the key sections every Demolition SWMS must include.

Section 1: Job Details and Scope of Work

This section sets the scene. It must clearly identify the site and the work. You need to include the specific address, the name of the PCBU, and the ABN.

Crucially, you must describe the structure. Is it a double brick residential dwelling? Is it a concrete tilt-panel warehouse? You must state the date of preparation and reference the relevant legislation. For example, "This SWMS is prepared in accordance with Reg 299 of the WHS Regulations."

Section 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

This is the core of the document. You must identify the hazards that are specific to the demolition site. Common hazards include unexpected collapse, falling objects, noise, vibration, and manual handling.

You must also consider hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, synthetic mineral fibres, and lead paint. The assessment usually involves a risk matrix. You rate the consequence and likelihood of each risk occurring. This helps determine the priority of your control measures.

Section 3: Risk Control Measures

Regulation 299 requires you to describe how the risks will be controlled. You must apply the Hierarchy of Controls. This means you cannot just write "wear PPE." You must start from the top.

• Elimination: Can you demolish the structure in a way that removes the hazard entirely?
• Substitution: Can you use a quieter machine to reduce noise?
• Isolation: Can you install concrete barriers to separate the public from the work?
• Engineering: Can you use a high-reach excavator so workers do not have to enter the collapse zone?
• Administrative: Can you rotate workers to reduce fatigue?
• PPE: This is the last resort, used to manage the residual risk.

Section 4: Implementation, Monitoring and Review

You must explain how the controls will be put into action. This includes listing the Safe Work Procedures. For example, "No entry to the exclusion zone without written authority from the supervisor."

You must also outline how you will monitor the controls. This might involve daily site inspections. If a control measure fails or conditions change, you must review and revise the SWMS immediately.

Section 5: Sign-Off and Acknowledgement

The SWMS is not valid until it is signed. For construction projects valued over $250,000, the Principal Contractor must sign. The PCBU whose workers are doing the work must also sign.

Most importantly, the workers doing the high-risk work must sign. Their signature confirms they have been consulted and understand the content. This usually happens during a toolbox talk.

How to Write a Demolition SWMS (Step by Step)

Writing a compliant SWMS takes time. You cannot rush it. Follow these steps to ensure your document is legally sound and practically useful.

Step 1: Plan and Consult

Start by looking at the site. Do not do this from the office. Walk the site with your team. Consultation is a legal requirement. Ask the workers what they think the risks are. They often spot things you might miss. Use the Australian Standard AS 2601:2001 (Demolition of Structures) as a guide for your planning. It covers pre-demolition investigations and engineering surveys.

Step 2: Define the High Risk Work

Write down exactly what the high-risk construction work is. Be specific. Do not just write "demolition." Write "Mechanical demolition of load-bearing brick wall using excavator." This clarity helps in identifying the right hazards.

Step 3: Identify the Hazards

List every hazard you can think of. Think about the structure itself. Is it unstable? Think about the surroundings. Are there overhead powerlines? Think about the methods. Will you be using oxy-cutters? If so, fire is a hazard.

Check for asbestos. You must review the asbestos register if one exists for the property. If you are demolishing a house built before 1990, assume asbestos is present until you prove otherwise.

Step 4: Assess the Risks

Assign a risk rating to each hazard. Use a simple matrix (e.g., Low, Medium, High, Extreme). This helps you focus your energy on the most dangerous parts of the job.

Step 5: Select Controls Using the Hierarchy

Go through your list of hazards and select controls. Start at the top of the hierarchy. Try to eliminate the risk first. If you cannot eliminate it, isolate it. For demolition, engineering controls like remote-controlled machinery are very effective.

Write down exactly how the control works. Instead of "use scaffolding," write "install heavy-duty aluminum scaffold with toe boards and perimeter protection to a height of 4 meters."

Step 6: Describe Implementation

Explain how the controls will be used on site. Who is responsible? For example, "Site Supervisor to inspect scaffolding daily before work starts." When will it happen? "Inspection to occur at 6:00 AM."

Step 7: Review and Finalise

Read over the document. Does it make sense? Is it easy to read? If a worker cannot understand it, it is useless. Ensure it meets the format requirements in the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice - Construction Work.

Step 8: Sign and Distribute

Print the document or load it onto your tablet. Gather the crew. Read through the SWMS with them. Discuss the hazards and controls. Ask questions to ensure they understand. Once everyone is happy, get the signatures. Keep the signed copy accessible on site.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses get into trouble because they treat the SWMS as a tick-and-flick exercise. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

Using Generic "Cut and Paste" Documents

One of the biggest mistakes is using a SWMS from a previous job. Regulators frequently issue Stop Work Orders for this. If your SWMS says the site is flat but there is a steep slope, you are in trouble. The hazards on the paper must match the physical reality of the site.

Focusing Only on PPE

A SWMS that only lists PPE is non-compliant. You must show you have considered higher-level controls. PPE is the least effective control. Relying on it alone suggests you have not properly managed the risk.

Not Consulting Workers

The law says you must consult workers. If the workers have not seen the SWMS until the inspector arrives, you have failed. The "signing" of the SWMS should be part of a "toolbox talk." It should be a live discussion, not just a signature collection.

Ignoring Asbestos

If you are demolishing a bathroom in an old house, there is a good chance of asbestos. Failing to include specific controls for asbestos is a serious breach. You need to reference the Asbestos Register and the Code of Practice for asbestos removal.

Failing to Review When Conditions Change

Demolition sites change fast. You might pull down a wall and find a hidden structural fault. If the work changes, the SWMS must change. If a control measure does not work, you must stop and revise the document.

Forgetting Principal Contractor Signatures

On projects over $250,000, the Principal Contractor must sign the SWMS. If you are the Principal Contractor, you need to sign off on the work before it starts.

Legal Considerations (AU)

The legal landscape for demolition in Australia is strict. The penalties for non-compliance are severe.

Model WHS Regulations

Under the Model WHS Regulations, failure to prepare a SWMS for high-risk construction work is a criminal offence. It can result in hefty fines for the PCBU and officers. Individuals can be prosecuted as well. Safe Work Australia provides the model codes, but each state enforces the laws.

Victorian Regulations

In Victoria, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 drives the requirements. WorkSafe Victoria actively inspects demolition sites. They have specific guidance for SWMS. If you are working in VIC, you must ensure your SWMS meets the requirements of Part 5.3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Western Australian Regulations

Western Australia has recently harmonised its laws. The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) sets out the duties. A PCBU in WA must comply with the same standards regarding SWMS as the rest of the country.

Duty to Consult

The Fair Work Act and WHS laws emphasise consultation. You have a legal duty to consult with your workers about health and safety matters. The SWMS is the primary evidence of this consultation.

Duty of Care to the Public

Demolition often happens near public spaces. Your SWMS must consider public safety. This includes managing dust, noise, and falling debris outside the site boundary. You must ensure your control measures protect the neighbours and passers-by.

Frequently Asked Questions (preview)

Do I need a SWMS for every small demolition job? Yes, if the work is considered "High Risk Construction Work." Even pulling down a small garage can be high risk if it involves structural instability or asbestos. If the work matches the definition in the regulations, you need a SWMS.

Can I keep my SWMS on my phone? Yes. Digital SWMS are common in Australia. Platforms like SiteDoc or SafetyCulture are widely used. However, the document must be easily accessible to workers. If the signal is poor and they cannot open the file, you are not compliant. It is often good practice to have a printed copy on site as a backup.

Who is responsible for the SWMS, the site manager or the business owner? The PCBU is legally responsible. In practical terms, this is usually the business owner or the employer. However, officers of the PCBU (like directors or senior managers) have a duty to exercise due diligence. They must ensure the PCBU has the resources and processes to comply.

How long do I need to keep the SWMS? You must keep the SWMS while the work is being carried out. You must keep it for at least 28 days after the work is completed. If a notifiable incident occurs, you must keep the SWMS until the incident investigation is finished. It is often best practice to keep it as part of your permanent business records for that project.

Does a SWMS replace the need for a Site Safety Plan? No. A SWMS focuses on the high-risk activities. A Site Safety Plan covers the broader management of the site, including amenities, site rules, and emergency procedures. You usually need both.