Product Overview

Summary: This Demolition and Debris Removal Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for planning and carrying out demolition works and waste removal safely and efficiently. It is designed to help Australian businesses control high‑risk demolition hazards, meet WHS obligations, and maintain orderly, compliant sites from initial strip‑out through to final clean‑up.

Demolition and debris removal activities are among the highest risk tasks on any construction or refurbishment project. Unstable structures, hidden services, falling objects and airborne contaminants can all lead to serious injury, property damage and regulatory action if they are not systematically controlled. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, repeatable approach for planning and executing demolition and material removal works in accordance with Australian WHS requirements, from pre‑start inspections and service isolation through to waste segregation and site sign‑off.

The document helps businesses translate legislative and code of practice requirements into practical, on‑the‑ground actions that supervisors and workers can follow. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, specifies required permits and documentation (including where licensed demolition or asbestos removal is required), and defines the controls needed for different demolition methods and debris handling techniques. By adopting this SOP, organisations can reduce the likelihood of structural collapse, uncontrolled dust, unauthorised access and unsafe manual handling, while also improving productivity through well‑planned sequencing of demolition, loading and transport. The result is safer workers, cleaner and more orderly sites, and stronger evidence that due diligence obligations have been met if an incident or regulator inspection occurs.

Key Benefits

• Ensure high‑risk demolition and debris removal activities are planned and executed in line with Australian WHS laws and codes of practice.
• Reduce the risk of structural collapse, falling objects and struck‑by incidents through systematic pre‑planning and exclusion zone management.
• Minimise worker exposure to dust, noise and hazardous materials by embedding effective engineering controls and PPE requirements.
• Streamline site operations by standardising sequencing, communication, and waste handling across supervisors, contractors and labour hire workers.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through clear documentation of risk assessments, permits and control measures.

Who is this for?

• Demolition Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Principal Contractors
• Civil Works Supervisors
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Local Government Infrastructure Managers
• Labour Hire Providers in Construction and Demolition
• Safety Representatives and Health and Safety Committees

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled structural collapse during partial or full demolition
• Falling objects and debris striking workers or members of the public
• Contact with live electrical, gas, water or other services
• Exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, silica dust, lead paint and contaminated materials
• Airborne dust, noise and vibration impacting workers and neighbouring properties
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, carrying and loading debris
• Mobile plant interactions, including collisions with people, structures or other vehicles
• Trips, slips and falls on uneven, cluttered or debris‑strewn surfaces
• Fire and explosion risks from residual fuels, gases or flammable materials
• Cuts, punctures and crush injuries from sharp or unstable debris
• Fatigue and reduced situational awareness during extended or high‑intensity demolition works

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Legislation
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Demolition Planning and Approvals
• 5.0 Site Assessment, Service Isolation and Hazard Identification
• 6.0 Permits, Notifications and Licensing (Including High Risk and Asbestos Work)
• 7.0 Required Plant, Tools, PPE and Safety Equipment
• 8.0 Demolition Method Selection and Sequencing
• 9.0 Establishing Exclusion Zones, Signage and Traffic Management
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Demolition Procedure
• 11.0 Debris Handling, Segregation and Manual Handling Controls
• 12.0 Loading, Transport and Disposal of Waste and Recyclables
• 13.0 Dust, Noise, Vibration and Environmental Control Measures
• 14.0 Working Around Services, Confined Areas and Adjacent Structures
• 15.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (Collapse, Strikes, Exposure)
• 16.0 Housekeeping, Site Clean‑up and Handover
• 17.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Record‑Keeping Requirements
• 18.0 Training, Induction and Toolbox Talks
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (including provisions for high risk construction work and demolition work)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Demolition Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding (series, where temporary access or protection is used)
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets