Internal Strip-Out — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for complete internal strip-out of commercial and residential buildings, including removal of all fit-out elements, services, and finishes in preparation for new construction works.
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Internal strip-out — the complete removal of all non-structural fit-out elements including flooring, ceilings, partitions, joinery, and mechanical and electrical services — is a common preparatory activity for major refurbishment projects. While it may not always meet the HRCW threshold for demolition of structural elements, the combination of working at height on elevated ceilings, exposure to hazardous materials, and electrical services work almost always warrants a SWMS on any construction project site.
The pre-strip-out hazardous materials assessment is the most critical preliminary step. Buildings constructed before 1990 may contain asbestos in numerous locations — floor tiles, ceiling tiles, lagging on pipes and ductwork, fire collars around services penetrations, rope gaskets, and textured coatings. A licensed asbestos assessor must complete a comprehensive survey of the full strip-out scope before any work commences. Lead paint on walls and joinery in pre-1970 buildings must also be identified. PCBs in older electrical capacitors and fluorescent light ballasts are another hazardous material commonly encountered in commercial strip-outs. A hazardous materials register must be completed and provided to all contractors before they begin work.
Services isolation is the second critical prerequisite. All electrical circuits in the strip-out area must be isolated at the switchboard and tested dead by a licensed electrician before non-electrical trades commence work. Gas services must be isolated at the meter and confirmed by a licensed gasfitter. Water services must be capped off by a licensed plumber. Mechanical services including refrigerant pipework must be decommissioned by a licensed refrigeration mechanic in accordance with the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) requirements under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
Customise this template with the hazardous materials register, the services isolation confirmation record, the floor-by-floor or zone-by-zone work sequence, and the waste management and skip placement plan. This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Demolition of load-bearing elements
- •Work involving energised electrical installations
- •Work at height more than 2 metres
Risk Assessment
1.Services isolation and hazardous materials clearance
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrocution from live services during strip-out | Catastrophic | Engage a licensed electrician to de-energise and isolate all electrical circuits at the main switchboard before strip-out commences. Implement full LOTO on the switchboard. Have the electrician test and verify isolation of all circuits with a calibrated test instrument. Engage a licensed plumber to cap and isolate all gas and water services at the boundary. Obtain written isolation certificates for all services before any workers enter the strip-out area. | Moderate | Licensed Electrician / Licensed Plumber / Site Manager |
| Asbestos or lead exposure during strip-out of pre-1990 building | Catastrophic | Commission a licensed asbestos inspector to conduct a comprehensive hazardous materials survey before any works commence. The survey must cover all areas of the strip-out including ceiling spaces, wall cavities, and floor void. All identified ACM and lead paint to be removed by licensed contractors and clearance certificates obtained before strip-out commences. Post a copy of the hazardous materials register and clearance certificates at the site entry point. | Moderate | Site Manager / Licensed Hazmat Contractors |
2.Removing mechanical services (ductwork, pipework)
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residual gas, chemical, or fluid release from pipework | High | Before cutting any pipework, verify system isolation and depressurisation with the licensed plumber. Bleed all pressure from systems before cutting — never cut pressurised lines. Ensure adequate ventilation when removing ductwork from areas with potential VOC contamination. Have spill kits available for fluid-bearing systems. If any gas odour or chemical smell is detected, evacuate the area immediately and ventilate before re-entry. | Low | Licensed Plumber / Workers |
| Fall from height during ductwork removal at ceiling level | High | Use a rated work platform (mobile scaffold, scissor lift, or EWP) for all ductwork removal above 2 m. Do not use ladders for sustained ductwork removal work. Ensure platforms are set on level, firm ground with wheels locked. Have a second worker assist to control and lower duct sections — large duct sections to be lowered using rope and tag line. Wear a hard hat during all overhead work. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
3.Strip-out of kitchen and bathroom fitouts
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp edges on removed fixtures causing lacerations | High | Wear heavy-duty cut-resistant gloves rated to EN388 Level 4 or higher for all fixture removal. Inspect removed fixtures for sharp edges, broken glass, or protruding fixings before handling. Wrap sharp edges with tape or rag before carrying. Place sharp debris (glass, tile fragments, broken fixtures) in dedicated sealed bins — never in general waste bags that are carried by hand. Provide adequate first aid supplies including wound dressings on site. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
4.Removing structural partitions under engineer direction
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural collapse during load-bearing wall removal | Catastrophic | Work strictly to the structural engineer's written demolition sequence. Install all specified temporary props and needle beams before commencing removal. Have the structural engineer inspect and sign off on all propping before the first cut is made. Remove only the portions of wall specified in the engineer's instructions. Do not remove propping until the engineer's written instruction to do so is received. Establish exclusion zone within 3 m of removal area during structural element removal. | Moderate | Structural Engineer / Site Manager |
5.Progressive waste removal and skip loading
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal injury from repetitive heavy lifting during waste removal | High | Plan waste removal strategy before starting strip-out — position skip bins as close as practicable to the work area. Use mechanical aids (trolleys, wheelbarrows, conveyor chutes through windows) to move all materials. Set a maximum individual carry weight of 20 kg. Rotate workers on waste removal tasks every 30 minutes. Brief workers on correct manual handling technique at each daily toolbox talk. Conduct job task analysis if musculoskeletal pain is reported. | Low | Workers / Site Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.