Product Overview

This Building Inspection Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive safety and risk management document designed to control hazards associated with professional building inspections and structural assessments. It provides detailed, task-specific procedures and controls covering multiple aspects of building inspection work to support WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assessment of overall building integrity, including identification of visible structural defects and unsafe conditions
• Safe work practices for licensed building inspectors conducting internal and external inspections
• Checking and testing of emergency telephones, alarms, and communication systems in buildings
• Conducting pre-purchase and general home inspections in occupied and unoccupied dwellings
• Damage repair assessments following wear, impact, or deterioration of building elements
• Inspection of earthquake-resistant structural features and identification of potential seismic vulnerabilities
• Exterior wall inspections, including cladding, facades, balconies, and external fixings
• Fireplace and chimney inspections, including checks for structural soundness and fire hazards
• Foundation and subfloor inspections, including access to confined or restricted spaces under buildings
• Heat leakage and thermal efficiency inspections using appropriate tools and equipment
• Inspection of buildings post-fire or flood, including entry into damaged or partially collapsed structures
• Performing moisture and dampness checks in walls, floors, ceilings, and substructures
• Structural failure investigations and documentation of critical defects and collapse risks
• Working around substandard, condemned, or partially demolished structures with elevated collapse risk
• Working near old or unstable buildings, including controls for falling objects and unexpected movement
• Use of ladders, portable access equipment, and safe access to roofs, voids, and elevated areas for inspection
• Hazard identification, reporting, and communication with clients, site management, and other trades

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for building inspectors, structural engineers, building consultants, insurance assessors, property inspectors, and site supervisors managing inspection activities on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on working at heights during roof, façade, and elevated inspections
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks during inspection activities
• Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access to subfloors, crawl spaces, and other confined areas under or within buildings
• Managing the Risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls where hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos, mould treatments, fuels) may be present during inspections
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Ensuring appropriate first aid arrangements for inspectors working alone or in remote locations
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Referenced for safe use of harnesses and associated equipment where applicable during elevated inspections
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Referenced for safe use and testing of portable electrical inspection tools