Product Overview

Summary: This Demolition Scaffolding Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for planning, erecting, modifying and dismantling scaffolding used in demolition work. It helps Australian businesses control the extreme risks associated with unstable structures, falling objects and working at height, while demonstrating compliance with WHS obligations and industry best practice.

Demolition work presents some of the highest-risk conditions on any construction site, with partially demolished structures, unpredictable loads and changing access routes. When scaffolding is introduced into this environment, the risk profile escalates significantly. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end-to-end approach for managing scaffolding measures specifically in demolition scenarios, from initial structural assessment and design consultation through to staged erection, ongoing inspections, controlled alterations and final dismantling.

The document is tailored to the Australian WHS framework and recognises the additional complexities of working around live services, public interfaces and neighbouring properties during demolition. It defines who can design and certify scaffolds, when engineering input is required, what inspections must occur, and how to manage load limits, ties, bracing and exclusion zones as the building is progressively removed. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce the likelihood of scaffold collapse, falls from height and falling debris, while also providing a clear, auditable system of work that satisfies regulators, clients and principal contractors.

Beyond safety, the procedure supports better project delivery by standardising how demolition scaffolding is planned and coordinated with other trades, crane operations and traffic management. It assists supervisors to communicate expectations, brief workers effectively and respond quickly to changes in structure or sequencing, minimising delays and costly rework.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of scaffold collapse and falls from height during demolition activities.
• Ensure demolition scaffolding is designed, erected and altered in line with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.
• Standardise communication between demolition crews, scaffolders, engineers and site management.
• Minimise project delays caused by unsafe scaffolds, non-compliance notices or unplanned rework.
• Provide clear evidence of due diligence and a defensible system of work in the event of an incident or regulator inquiry.

Who is this for?

• Demolition Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Scaffolding Companies and Leading Hands
• Principal Contractors
• Civil Engineers and Structural Engineers
• Safety Coordinators
• PCBU Directors and Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height from incomplete or altered scaffolding
• Scaffold collapse due to overloaded platforms, removed ties or weakened structures
• Falling debris and materials impacting workers or the public below
• Structural instability of partially demolished buildings affecting scaffold anchorage
• Struck-by incidents involving plant and equipment operating near scaffolds
• Trips, slips and manual handling injuries on cluttered or poorly maintained scaffold decks
• Contact with live services (electrical, gas, utilities) during demolition near scaffolds
• Exposure to dust, noise and vibration while working on or around scaffolds

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Demolition Scaffolding Measures
• 2.0 Definitions and Regulatory Context
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning, Design and Engineering of Demolition Scaffolds
• 5.0 Pre-Demolition Structural Assessment and Interface with Scaffold Design
• 6.0 Selection of Scaffold Type, Materials and Access Systems
• 7.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Demolition Scaffolding
• 8.0 Controls for Working at Height and Fall Prevention
• 9.0 Erection, Modification and Dismantling Procedures for Demolition Scaffolds
• 10.0 Load Management, Ties, Bracing and Stability Controls
• 11.0 Exclusion Zones, Edge Protection and Falling Object Controls
• 12.0 Interaction with Demolition Plant, Cranes and Other Trades
• 13.0 Inspection, Tagging and Ongoing Monitoring Requirements
• 14.0 Management of Environmental Hazards (Dust, Noise, Services) on Scaffolds
• 15.0 Emergency Response, Rescue and Incident Reporting
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Toolbox Talk Requirements
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Compliance Evidence
• 18.0 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 Regulations 2011 (particularly provisions relating to construction work, high risk construction work and scaffolding)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Demolition Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series)
• AS/NZS 4576: Guidelines for scaffolding
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures