Residential Demolition (Full Structure) — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for the complete demolition of residential buildings including pre-demolition hazard surveys, service disconnection, structural demolition sequence, material sorting, and site remediation per AS 2601.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.

5 work steps 8 hazards identified 8 control measures 7 PPE items specified 4 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Demolition Work At Height Falling Objects

Legislation Referenced

WHS Reg 2011, Reg 142 (demolition licensing) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 143 (demolition notification) WHS Reg 2011, Reg 291(1)(c) - Demolition of a load-bearing or structural element

PPE Requirements

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801) Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337.1) P2 respirator (AS/NZS 1716) High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602.1) Safety footwear (steel cap) (AS/NZS 2210.3) Cut-resistant gloves (AS/NZS 2161.3) Hearing protection (AS/NZS 1270)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS 2601 — The demolition of structures Safe Work Australia Code of Practice — Demolition work Safe Work Australia Code of Practice — How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace AS/NZS 1801 — Occupational protective helmets

$67.95

Buy This Document Buy Complete Demolition Pack — Save $255

WHS Reg s.299 Compliant Editable Word Format Instant Download

See a sample document →

Not sure your existing swms is compliant? Run the free WHS compliance check →

Also Available As

JSA — $16.95 Toolbox Talk — $20.95 SOP — $33.95

Using This SWMS On Site

Keep the SWMS where the work is being carried out and have it available if the principal contractor asks for it. Workers named on it sign the acknowledgement page before starting, and it gets reviewed whenever the method, the site conditions or the crew change.

SWMS — Common Questions

When is a SWMS legally required?

Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.

What should a SWMS include?

A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.

Who needs to sign a SWMS?

The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.