SWMS template · Demolition
Load-Bearing Wall Removal — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for removing or opening up a load-bearing timber or masonry wall in a house or small building, including the engineer's design, temporary propping, beam installation and load transfer.
- Category
- Demolition
- HRCW
- 2 categories
- Job steps
- 7
- Hazards rated
- 17
- PPE items
- 7
Removing a load-bearing wall is High Risk Construction Work on two counts: it is demolition of an element that is load-bearing, and it is a structural alteration that needs temporary support to prevent collapse. A SWMS is required, and the job must not start until an engineer's design is on site. Opening up a kitchen wall looks simple, but the wall may be carrying ceiling joists, roof loads through struts or girder trusses, an upper floor or a masonry wall above.
The engineer's design should set out the new beam size and material, the bearing length and posts at each end, how the load is carried down to footings, and the temporary propping needed while the wall is out. Where the design does not cover propping, get the engineer or a competent temporary works designer to specify it. The props, needles or strongbacks must be on both sides of the wall, sitting on a floor or ground that can take the point loads. On a suspended timber floor this usually means propping right through to the ground below, not just onto the floorboards. Building approval or a certifier inspection may be needed; check with your council or building certifier.
Hazards specific to this job are sudden collapse if props are poorly placed or kicked, overloading floors and footings, removing the top plate or lintel too early, dust from cutting brick or render, cables and pipes hidden in the wall, and handling heavy LVL or steel beams. In older homes, wall and ceiling linings may contain asbestos and paint may contain lead, so check before demolition begins.
The work needs a licensed builder in most states, and in some states a demolition licence may apply depending on the scope. Check your state or territory regulator. Electrical and plumbing services in the wall must be isolated and relocated by licensed trades. Props must stay in place until the beam and posts are fully installed and fixed, and any inspection required by the engineer or certifier is complete.
Customise this template with the engineer's drawing reference, the wall type and what it carries, the propping layout and prop ratings, the floor and footing conditions, the asbestos and lead check results, services to be relocated, the beam size and weight and how it will be lifted into place, and who signs off before props come out.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or related to its physical integrity
- Structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
Personal Protective Equipment
- Hard hat
- Safety boots (steel capped)
- Safety glasses and face shield for cutting
- P2 respirator (fit tested) for cutting and demolition dust
- Hearing protection
- Heavy duty gloves
- Long sleeves and trousers
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Engineer's design, approvals and pre-start checks
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall removed without knowing what it carries | Catastrophic | Engineer inspects and issues a design for the beam, posts, footings and temporary propping before work. Check the roof space and subfloor for struts, girder trusses and point loads. Drawings on site. No deviation without the engineer's written approval. | Low | Builder / Engineer |
| Disturbing asbestos linings or lead paint | High | Check the asbestos register or have suspect linings tested before demolition. Asbestos removed under the asbestos removal SWMS first. Treat old paint as lead until tested; wet methods, no dry sanding. | Low | Builder |
| Electric shock or flooding from services in the wall | High | Licensed electrician isolates and relocates circuits in the wall. Licensed plumber caps or reroutes pipes. Confirm isolation before cutting into the wall. | Low | Licensed Electrician / Licensed Plumber |
Step 2Setting up the work area
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occupants or other trades entering under the propped structure | High | Barricade the area on both sides of the wall. Signs at doorways. Occupants told which rooms are out of bounds. No storage or traffic around props. | Low | Builder |
| Dust spreading through the house | Moderate | Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting. Cover floors. Turn off ducted air conditioning. HEPA-filtered vacuum for clean-up. | Low | Workers |
Step 3Installing temporary propping
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collapse because props are undersized or poorly placed | Catastrophic | Install props, needles or strongbacks exactly as the engineer or temporary works design specifies, on both sides of the wall. Use rated adjustable props within their rated load and extension. Props plumb and pinned. Supervisor checks before any demolition starts. | Low | Builder / Supervisor |
| Floor or footings failing under prop point loads | High | Spread loads with sole plates or timber spreaders. On suspended timber floors, prop through to the ground under each prop line as designed. Check the subfloor for soft ground or rotten bearers before loading. | Low | Builder |
| Props knocked or loosened during work | High | Keep a clear zone around each prop. Check and re-tighten props at the start of each shift and after any impact. No barrows or materials moved through prop lines. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
Step 4Removing linings and demolishing the wall
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removing members in the wrong order | High | Remove linings first, then studs or masonry from the top down. Leave the top plate or lintel until the engineer's sequence allows. Stop and call the engineer if the structure is different from the drawings. | Low | Supervisor |
| Silica dust from cutting brick, block or render | High | Use saws with water suppression or on-tool extraction. Fit-tested P2 respirator as a minimum. Keep other people out of the area while cutting. Wet down debris. | Low | Workers |
| Struck by falling bricks or debris | High | Work from a stable platform, not standing on rubble. Hard hats and face shields. Remove debris often so it does not build up against props. | Low | Workers |
Step 5Lifting and installing the beam and posts
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushing or back injury handling a heavy beam | High | Check the beam weight. Use a material lift, beam lifter or chain block for steel and long LVL beams. Team lift only for light beams. Plan the lift path through the house before starting. | Low | Builder / Workers |
| Beam or post not bearing correctly | High | Bearing length, packing, posts and fixings as per the engineer's drawing. Posts sit on footings or members confirmed by the engineer. No temporary packing left as permanent bearing. | Low | Builder |
Step 6Load transfer and removing props
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Props removed before the beam is fully fixed or inspected | Catastrophic | Props stay until all fixings are complete and any engineer or certifier inspection is passed. Release props slowly and evenly, watching for movement or cracking. Stop and re-prop if the structure moves. | Low | Builder / Engineer |
| Props falling when released | Moderate | Two workers to lower and remove each prop. Keep feet clear of the base. | Low | Workers |
Step 7Making good and clean-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuts and manual handling injuries clearing debris | Moderate | Gloves and boots. Bag or bin debris in manageable loads. Use a barrow or chute to the skip. | Low | Workers |
| Services restored before they are checked | Moderate | Licensed electrician tests and signs off relocated circuits before re-energising. Plumber pressure tests relocated pipes. | Low | Licensed Electrician / Licensed Plumber |
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.
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