SWMS template · Demolition
Shed and Outbuilding Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for demolishing backyard sheds, garages, carports and small outbuildings, including asbestos checks, service disconnection, roof sheet removal, frame dismantling and slab or footing removal.
- Category
- Demolition
- HRCW
- 3 categories
- Job steps
- 6
- Hazards rated
- 17
- PPE items
- 8
Pulling down a shed or old garage is often treated as a weekend job, but it has many of the same hazards as house demolition. Removing roof sheets usually involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, and taking down the frame is demolition of load-bearing elements. Both are High Risk Construction Work. Older sheds also very often contain asbestos, which adds a third HRCW category, so a SWMS is required.
Asbestos is the first thing to check. Fibro wall and roof sheets, corrugated asbestos cement roofing, eaves linings and old floor tiles were common in sheds and garages built before 1990. Removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos needs a licensed asbestos removalist, and friable asbestos always needs a Class A licensed removalist. Under 10 square metres can be removed without a licence, but it must still be done safely following the code of practice. If you are not sure whether it is asbestos, have it tested before touching it.
The other key hazards are partial collapse of the frame once bracing or sheets are removed, roof sheets catching wind, falls through brittle or rusted roofing, rusted fixings and sharp sheet edges, and services that are still live. Sheds often have a power supply run from the house, sometimes overhead, as well as water and gas. Have a licensed electrician disconnect power at the source. Before breaking out slabs or digging out footings, get Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) information and check for services running under or near the slab.
Licensing for demolition work differs between states and may depend on the size of the structure. Check your state or territory regulator, and check with your council whether a demolition permit is needed. Workers need training in the equipment used, and any excavator, skid steer or tipper operator must be competent.
Customise this template with the shed size and construction, the asbestos test results and removalist details, services and their disconnection, the demolition sequence, the access method for the roof, exclusion zones and neighbour boundaries, whether the slab and footings are to be removed, and the waste and recycling arrangements.
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
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- Demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or related to its physical integrity
- Work that involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos
Personal Protective Equipment
- Hard hat
- Safety boots (steel capped)
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Safety glasses
- P2 respirator; disposable coveralls if asbestos is present
- Hearing protection for grinders and breakers
- Long sleeves and trousers
- High visibility vest when plant is operating
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Inspection, asbestos check and service disconnection
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disturbing asbestos sheeting | Catastrophic | Inspect all sheets, linings and floor coverings. Have suspect materials tested. Over 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos removed by a licensed removalist; friable asbestos by a Class A removalist. No demolition until asbestos is removed or confirmed absent. | Low | Supervisor |
| Electric shock from live power to the shed | Catastrophic | Licensed electrician disconnects the supply at the house switchboard or source and removes any overhead or underground feed. Test before work. Lock and tag. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
| Water or gas services still connected | Moderate | Licensed plumber caps water, drainage and gas. Confirm before demolition. | Low | Licensed Plumber |
| Snakes, spiders and vermin in stored items and wall cavities | Moderate | Clear contents carefully with gloves. Use tools to move items rather than reaching by hand. First aid kit with pressure bandages on site. | Low | Workers |
Step 2Setting up the site
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public, occupants or neighbours entering the work area | High | Fence or barricade the work area with an exclusion zone at least equal to the height of the shed. Signs on entries. Agree work times and boundary access with neighbours. | Low | Supervisor |
| Plant striking people or structures | High | Plan the plant and skip bin access. Spotter when reversing. Keep plant clear of fences, trees and overhead lines. | Low | Supervisor / Plant Operator |
Step 3Removing roof sheets and gutters
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through brittle or rusted roofing | High | Remove roof sheets from below using a mobile scaffold or EWP where possible. Do not walk on the roof unless it has been checked and walk boards are used over purlins. Treat clear sheets as no-go. | Low | Workers |
| Fall from the roof edge or ladder | High | Use a mobile scaffold or EWP for roof sheet removal. Ladders only for access, footed or tied and extending 1 metre above the landing. | Low | Workers |
| Sheets catching wind and cutting or striking workers | High | No sheet removal in strong or gusty wind. Two workers per long sheet. Stack and weight down removed sheets straight away. | Low | Supervisor / Workers |
Step 4Dismantling the wall cladding and frame
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame collapsing once bracing and sheets are removed | High | Dismantle in the reverse order of construction, top down. Prop or brace the frame as sheets come off. Do not cut posts or bracing while anyone is inside or under the frame. Pull down any remaining frame from outside the collapse zone using ropes or plant. | Low | Supervisor |
| Cuts and eye injuries from grinding rusted fixings | Moderate | Safety glasses and face shield when grinding. Guard fitted to the grinder. Gloves and long sleeves. Fire extinguisher nearby when grinding near dry grass. | Low | Workers |
| Manual handling of steel or timber members | Moderate | Cut long members into manageable lengths. Team lift for heavy members. Keep the work area clear of trip hazards. | Low | Workers |
Step 5Breaking out the slab and footings
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striking buried services under or near the slab | High | Get BYDA information and check private services from the house. Locate services before breaking. Pothole by hand or vacuum excavation near marked services. | Low | Supervisor / Plant Operator |
| Silica dust and noise from breaking concrete | High | Wet the slab while breaking. Fit-tested P2 respirator. Hearing protection. Keep others out of the area. | Low | Workers / Plant Operator |
| Hand-arm vibration from jackhammers | Moderate | Use plant-mounted breakers for larger slabs. Rotate jackhammer operators and limit continuous use. | Low | Supervisor |
Step 6Waste handling and site clean-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos mixed into general waste | High | Keep asbestos waste wrapped, labelled and separate. Dispose only at a facility licensed to accept it and keep receipts. Do not put asbestos in general skips. | Low | Supervisor |
| Nails, screws and sharp offcuts left on the ground | Moderate | Sweep the area with a magnetic sweeper. Fill holes left by footings. Final walk-through before handover. | Low | Workers |
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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