Building Inspection SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers building inspection activities from planning and site establishment through to documenting findings and sign-off. It supports planning, hazard identification and risk management across inspection areas and changing site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the inspection scope and prepare for identified site hazards
• Establish the site and manage access, vehicles and overhead hazards
• Confirm services, emergency arrangements and communication
• Assess external stability, edges, walls and balconies
• Inspect exterior walls, rooflines, foundations and subfloor areas
• Inspect internal structures, stairs, ceilings and concealed services
• Conduct moisture and thermal checks
• Inspect fireplaces and heating areas
• Inspect post-fire or flood-affected areas
• Manage asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Document defects and inspection findings
• Demobilise, manage residual hazards and complete sign-off

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out building inspection activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Safe Work Australia model Codes of Practice, as adopted or approved in the relevant jurisdiction: Construction work; Managing the risk of falls at workplaces; Managing electrical risks in the workplace; Confined spaces; Hazardous manual tasks; Managing the work environment and facilities; Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace; How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace; How to safely remove asbestos; Demolition work.
• Technical guidance: AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices; AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders; AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—construction and demolition sites; AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 5532 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at heights; AS 2601 The demolition of structures; AS 4349.1 Inspection of buildings—pre-purchase inspections—residential buildings.
• Model Codes are guidance only unless adopted, approved or otherwise given legal effect in the jurisdiction where the work is performed. The Construction work Code explains that Codes provide practical guidance and may be used as evidence of reasonably practicable controls.
• For fire-damaged, ruinous or structurally unsound buildings, obtain a competent-person report addressing hazardous materials, structural integrity and required controls before entry or intrusive work.
• Manage suspected asbestos by identifying hazards, eliminating exposure where reasonably practicable, applying the hierarchy of controls and reviewing controls; do not disturb materials until their status is confirmed.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections