Shopfitting Removal — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the removal of shopfitting and fit-out elements including partitions, ceilings, joinery, floor finishes, and fixtures in occupied or partially occupied commercial premises.
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Shopfitting removal in occupied or partially occupied commercial premises introduces a unique set of WHS obligations beyond those of standard construction demolition — the PCBU must manage risks not only to their own workers but to the customers, staff, and visitors of the host business who may be present during or immediately adjacent to the work. Under the model WHS Act, this duty extends to all persons who may be affected by the work, and must be managed through consultation with the property owner and tenants.
Where shopfitting removal involves non-load-bearing partitions, suspended ceilings, and fixtures, it is not typically classified as HRCW demolition under Schedule 3. However, if any element being removed is load-bearing, connected to a structural system, or the removal creates a risk of falling more than 2 metres, HRCW obligations apply and a SWMS is mandatory. In practice, most commercial shopfitting removal projects warrant a SWMS regardless of formal classification, as the occupied environment creates significant public safety risks.
Asbestos is a common finding in older commercial fit-outs. Textured ceiling coatings (particularly "popcorn" or spray-on finishes applied before 1987), vinyl floor tiles, partition wall sheeting, and pipe lagging in ceiling spaces all commonly contain ACM in buildings constructed or fitted out before 1990. An asbestos assessment by a licensed assessor is strongly recommended before any removal commences in buildings of this era. Discovery of unexpected ACM mid-project must trigger an immediate work stoppage and engagement of a licensed removalist.
Working hours and site access controls are critical in occupied premises — works that generate dust, noise, or hazardous materials must be scheduled outside trading hours, and temporary hoardings separating the work zone from public areas must be maintained throughout. Waste management in an occupied retail environment requires careful staging to prevent trip hazards and blockages to emergency egress.
Customise this template with the tenancy details, operating hours and work window, asbestos assessment outcomes, and the hoarding and public protection plan. This SWMS applies in all Australian jurisdictions.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work involving energised electrical installations
- •Work at height more than 2 metres
Risk Assessment
1.Isolation of services and hazardous materials check
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contact with live electrical wiring during removal | Catastrophic | Obtain a copy of the existing electrical drawings before commencing. Engage a licensed electrician to de-energise and isolate all electrical circuits in the work zone by locking out at the switchboard — apply LOTO (Lock Out Tag Out) before any demolition commences. Test all circuits with a non-contact voltage tester before touching. Do not assume circuits are isolated without testing. If as-built drawings are unavailable, treat all wiring as live and have the electrician map and isolate all circuits. | Moderate | Licensed Electrician / Site Supervisor |
| Disturbing asbestos or lead paint in older fit-outs | Catastrophic | Commission a hazardous materials survey before commencing in any premises built before 1990. Licensed asbestos assessor to identify all ACM and lead paint. Remove or encapsulate all identified hazardous materials before shopfitting removal commences. Obtain clearance certificate. If suspected ACM is found during removal, stop work immediately, isolate area, and contact a licensed asbestos removalist. | Moderate | Site Manager / Hazmat Assessor |
2.Removing partitions and walls
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unexpected load-bearing partition causing collapse when removed | Catastrophic | Obtain structural engineer's written advice on which partitions are non-load-bearing before any partition removal begins. Mark all load-bearing elements clearly in red on the site drawing and post at the site entry. If structural status is uncertain, treat as load-bearing and obtain written engineer's advice before removing. Install temporary propping as specified by the engineer for all adjacent structures. Brief all workers on load-bearing identification before commencing. | Moderate | Structural Engineer / Site Manager |
| Plasterboard sheets falling and striking workers | High | Remove plasterboard sheets systematically — score and snap, remove fixings, and lower sheets in manageable sections. Two workers required for sheets over 1.2 m — one supports while the other removes fixings. Wear gloves and face shield during plasterboard removal. Remove sheets from top of wall down. Stack sheets flat on the floor, not against walls or partitions. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
3.Removing suspended ceilings and ceiling fixtures
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker fall from ladder or scaffold during ceiling removal | High | Use an appropriate work platform — mobile scaffold, platform ladder, or scissor lift — for all ceiling work above 2 m. Do not use A-frame ladders for extended ceiling work. Ensure the platform is set up on a level, stable surface. On mobile scaffolds, set all wheel brakes before ascending and do not move the scaffold while occupied. Maintain three-point contact when ascending and descending. | Low | Worker / Supervisor |
| Falling ceiling tiles or hidden objects striking workers | High | Before removing ceiling tiles, check the void above for stored materials, pipes, conduit, and structural elements by removing one tile at each end of the run and using a torch to inspect. Remove tiles by pushing up and sliding — control descent with both hands. Wear hard hat and face shield throughout ceiling removal. Have a second worker receive tiles from the platform. Establish a 2 m exclusion zone below the ceiling work area. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
4.Removing floor finishes and adhesives
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure to adhesive fumes and solvents | High | Identify all floor adhesive types before removal — vinyl tile adhesives in buildings pre-1990 may contain asbestos (black mastic). Commission hazardous materials assessment for suspected black mastic. Ensure adequate mechanical ventilation during all floor finish removal — open all doors and windows and use forced-air fans. Wear P2 respirators as a minimum during grinding or scarifying adhesive. If solvent-based strippers are used, provide chemical-resistant gloves and read the SDS. | Low | Workers / Site Supervisor |
5.Handling and disposing of waste materials
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual handling injuries during waste removal | High | Use mechanical aids (trolleys, sack trucks, pallet jacks) to move all heavy materials. Individual lifts not to exceed 20 kg per person — request assistance or use mechanical lifting for heavier loads. Maintain clear, unobstructed paths to waste bins. Provide adequate bin placement to minimise carrying distance. Rotate workers on heavy lifting tasks every 30 minutes. Brief all workers on correct manual handling technique at toolbox talk. | 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.