Mechanical Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for mechanical demolition operations using excavators, demolition attachments, and heavy plant to demolish structures including commercial and industrial buildings.
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Mechanical demolition using excavators fitted with demolition attachments — hydraulic breakers, shears, pulverisers, and grapples — is HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations as demolition work involving structural elements, as well as due to the use of mobile plant. A SWMS must be prepared before work begins and must reflect the engineering-approved demolition sequence for the specific structure. The Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Demolition Work is the key reference.
Demolition contractors in most Australian jurisdictions require a demolition licence. Excavator operators must be trained and assessed as competent in the operation of the machine and the specific demolition attachments to be used; there is no separate excavator HRW licence requirement (excavators are excluded from the HRW licence framework) but competency is a legal obligation under the model WHS Act's general duty provisions. Operators of larger demolition excavators (typically over 100 tonne) should have manufacturer or supplier-delivered training specific to the machine configuration.
The structural engineer's demolition methodology report is a prerequisite for mechanical demolition of any multi-storey or structurally complex building. This document specifies the direction of pull or push for walls, the propping requirements for intermediate floors, the sequence for removing structural elements, and the reach height limit for the specific excavator in use. Operating an excavator beyond its design envelope — reaching to demolish above the safe working height — has caused crane and excavator collapses with fatal consequences.
Dust suppression is critical in mechanical demolition — water cannons or misting systems must be operational during demolition to suppress silica dust and prevent dispersion to adjacent properties and public areas. Noise and vibration management plans may also be required by local councils for inner-urban demolition sites.
Customise this template with the plant make, model, and attachment details; the structural engineer's methodology report reference; the dust suppression method; the exclusion zone dimensions; and the asbestos and hazardous materials clearance documentation. This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Demolition of load-bearing elements
- •Work involving structural alterations or additions requiring temporary support
- •Work involving use of plant — excavator with demolition attachment
- •Work near overhead power lines or underground services
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-demolition survey and services disconnection
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact with live electrical, gas, or water services during demolition | Catastrophic | Prior to any demolition, obtain a Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) response and mark all underground services on site. Engage the relevant service authorities (electricity, gas, water, telecommunications) to disconnect and certify all services at the boundary before demolition commences. Obtain written confirmation of disconnection for all services. Conduct an independent pre-demolition engineering survey to identify structural loads and any services not captured by DBYD. Post service disconnection certificates at site entry. | Moderate | Site Manager / Services Coordinator |
| Undetected hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, chemicals) | Catastrophic | Commission a hazardous materials survey (including asbestos inspection) by a licensed asbestos assessor before demolition commences. All identified hazardous materials (ACM, lead paint, PCBs, chemical residues) must be removed by licensed contractors before mechanical demolition begins. Obtain clearance certificates for all hazardous material removal. Brief all site workers on hazardous materials findings and clearance status before work starts. | Moderate | Site Manager / Hazmat Assessor |
2.Setting up site exclusion zones and traffic management
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorised persons entering demolition exclusion zone | Catastrophic | Establish a demolition exclusion zone of minimum 1.5 times the height of the structure being demolished. Erect solid hoarding (minimum 1.8 m high) or heavy-duty temporary fencing around the full perimeter with lockable gates. Post 'DEMOLITION IN PROGRESS — KEEP OUT' signage at all access points. Appoint a dedicated traffic controller during demolition operations adjacent to public areas. Lock gates when plant is not operating and site is unattended. | Moderate | Site Manager / Traffic Controller |
| Plant collision with site personnel | Catastrophic | Implement a strict plant-pedestrian separation policy — no persons on foot to be in the plant operating zone during demolition. Communicate via radio between excavator operator and spotter at all times. All plant to have a 360° camera system or proximity alarm. Conduct a pre-start walk-around of the operating area before commencing each shift. Stop all plant immediately if any unauthorised person enters the zone. | Moderate | Excavator Operator / Spotter |
3.Mechanical demolition of superstructure
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontrolled structural collapse causing plant entrapment or person injury | Catastrophic | Demolition engineer to prepare a sequenced demolition plan identifying the order of structural removal to prevent premature or uncontrolled collapse. Work strictly to the engineer's demolition sequence — no deviation without written engineer approval. Operator to work from the highest point downward, removing elements progressively. Keep all personnel at minimum 1.5 x structure height from the demolition face. Stop and reassess if any structural movement or distress outside the engineered sequence is observed. | Moderate | Demolition Engineer / Excavator Operator |
| Projectiles from demolished materials causing injury | High | Use water suppression (hose-down or spray attachment) on the excavator during active demolition to suppress dust and reduce projectile risk. Do not use a hammer attachment on masonry or concrete in close proximity to unprotected persons. Ensure the exclusion zone is sized to contain all projectiles — increase the zone if materials are flying beyond calculated distance. All nearby plant operators to remain in closed cab at all times during active demolition. | Low | Excavator Operator / Site Manager |
4.Sorting and loading demolition debris
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overloading skip bins or trucks causing vehicle instability | High | Do not overfill skip bins or trucks beyond the marked load line. Separate materials by type (concrete, steel, timber, mixed) per the waste management plan. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and do not protrude above bin sides. Trucks to be inspected by driver before leaving site — tarpaulins to cover all loads on public roads. Bin lifts to be conducted by licensed operator only. | Low | Excavator Operator / Truck Driver |
| Silica dust exposure during concrete breaking | High | Apply water suppression to all concrete breaking and crushing operations. All workers within 10 m of concrete breaking to wear minimum P2 respirators (AS/NZS 1716). Conduct air monitoring if breaking operations are prolonged or enclosed. Rotate workers to limit individual exposure. Provide decontamination facilities and instruct workers not to eat, drink, or smoke in dusty areas. | Low | Workers / Site Supervisor |
5.Demolition adjacent to retained structures
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to or collapse of adjacent structures during demolition | Catastrophic | Engage a structural engineer to assess all structures adjacent to or sharing a boundary with the demolition site. Install temporary propping or shoring as specified by the engineer before demolition of shared or adjacent walls. Monitor adjacent structures for movement using survey pins or crack gauges. Cease demolition immediately if any movement is detected and notify the engineer before recommencing. Notify neighbouring property owners and obtain written consent where legally required. | Moderate | Structural Engineer / Site Manager |
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.