Structural Demolition — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the demolition of structural elements including load-bearing walls, columns, beams, and slabs using manual and mechanical methods on construction projects.
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Structural demolition — the removal of load-bearing walls, columns, beams, post-tensioned slabs, and other primary structural elements — represents the highest-risk category of demolition work. It is unambiguously HRCW under Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations and requires both a SWMS and, in most cases, a formal demolition methodology statement from a structural engineer before work commences. This is not a task that can be improvised on site; every structural element removed changes the load paths in the remaining structure, and the sequence of removal must be engineered.
A demolition licence is mandatory for this category of work in NSW (Demolition Contractor Licence Class 1 or 2), Queensland (QBCC demolition licence), South Australia, and other jurisdictions — users should confirm current requirements with their state building regulator. The principal engineer's demolition methodology must accompany this SWMS and must specify the propping, shoring, or temporary support requirements at each stage, and the order and direction of structural element removal.
Post-tensioned concrete slabs and pre-stressed concrete elements require specialist expertise. Cutting into a post-tensioned slab without releasing the pre-stress can cause catastrophic explosive release of the tendons or sudden slab collapse. A specialist structural engineer must identify all post-tensioned elements and specify the safe de-tensioning or cutting procedure before any saw cutting or breaking of suspected PT slabs commences. Detection of PT cables using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning prior to cutting is standard practice.
All hazardous materials must be identified and removed before structural demolition — asbestos removal, lead paint encapsulation, and PCB-containing equipment removal must precede structural work. The site must be effectively secured against public access throughout, with hoardings and exclusion zones proportionate to the fall and collapse radius of the work.
Customise this template with the engineer's methodology report, the PT slab detection results, the propping design, and the stage-by-stage work sequence. This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Demolition of load-bearing elements
- •Work at height more than 2 metres
- •Work involving structural alterations or additions requiring temporary support
Risk Assessment
1.Structural assessment and propping
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premature structural collapse when load-bearing elements removed | Catastrophic | Engage a structural engineer to provide a written demolition methodology for all load-bearing elements. Install all temporary propping and shoring as per the engineer's specification before any structural elements are cut, broken, or removed. Props to be installed by a licensed scaffolder or rigger. Do not commence demolition until the engineer has inspected and approved all propping in writing. All workers to be briefed on the propping system and the consequences of unauthorised removal. | Moderate | Structural Engineer / Site Manager |
| Propping failure due to inadequate base or overloading | Catastrophic | Calculate propping loads from the structural engineer's documentation. Ensure all prop bases are on a surface capable of carrying the transferred load — install spreader boards on concrete slabs if the load exceeds the slab rating. Check all adjustable props for correct adjustment, locking pin engagement, and absence of damage before loading. Monitor props daily during demolition activities and document inspection results. | Moderate | Structural Engineer / Site Supervisor |
2.Breaking and cutting structural concrete
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure to silica dust from concrete cutting and breaking | Catastrophic | Use wet cutting methods with continuous water suppression for all concrete cutting operations. Where wet methods are not practicable, use on-tool dust extraction with H-class vacuum connected directly to the tool. All workers in the immediate area to wear P2 respirators as minimum — full-face powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) for extended tasks exceeding 30 minutes. Implement mandatory task rotation at 20-minute intervals. Conduct baseline and ongoing health monitoring per the Silica WES regulations. | Moderate | Workers / Site Supervisor / HSE Manager |
| Rebar or fragment ejection during concrete breaking | High | All workers and bystanders within 6 m of concrete breaking must wear full face shields over safety glasses. Erect physical debris screens (plywood or mesh) around breaking operations to contain fragments. Operator of hydraulic breaker to remain in cab. Conduct a toolbox talk on fragment ejection risks before commencing breaking operations. | Low | Site Supervisor / Workers |
3.Manual demolition of masonry walls
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masonry wall collapse during manual demolition | Catastrophic | Demolish masonry walls from the top down, one course at a time. Never undercut a wall or remove material from the base. Do not allow masonry to accumulate above 1.2 m height on the floor — remove and dispose of regularly. Workers to stand to the side of the demolition face — never directly in line with the wall. Install temporary propping to all adjacent walls before commencing. Stop work immediately if any cracking or bulging of the wall is observed. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Worker |
| Manual handling injuries from carrying masonry debris | High | Break masonry into manageable pieces — individual loads not to exceed 20 kg per person. Use mechanical means (mini excavator, bobcat, conveyor) to move large quantities of debris. Use wheelbarrows or carts for transporting debris — never carry on the back. Provide clear, unobstructed debris removal paths. Brief workers on correct manual handling technique and stop work to rest if any worker shows signs of fatigue. | Low | Workers / Site Supervisor |
4.Floor slab demolition and penetrations
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Person or plant falling through slab opening or weakened area | Catastrophic | Mark all slab openings and edges with barrier tape and rigid covers rated for foot traffic and plant load immediately after creation. Never leave a slab penetration uncovered or unguarded. Assess slab load capacity before positioning any plant — obtain structural engineer approval for all plant on elevated slabs. Establish an exclusion zone below all slab demolition areas — no persons or plant below active slab demolition at any time. | Moderate | Site Supervisor / Structural Engineer |
5.Demolition waste removal and site rehabilitation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure to hazardous materials in demolition waste | High | Segregate all demolition waste at point of generation per the waste management plan. Conduct a final visual inspection of all waste loads for potential ACM (asbestos-containing material) or other hazardous materials before disposal. Any suspected ACM found during waste removal must be stopped immediately — quarantine the area and call a licensed asbestos assessor. Dispose of all waste at licensed facilities and retain waste disposal receipts on site file. | Low | Site Manager / Waste Contractor |
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.