Product Overview

Summary: This Demolition Site Setup Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely establishing and securing demolition work areas in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps businesses control high‑risk hazards from day one, ensuring the site is planned, barricaded, serviced and documented before any structure is disturbed.

Demolition work is classified as high-risk construction work under Australian WHS laws, and many of the most serious incidents occur before the first wall is even brought down. This Demolition Site Setup Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured approach to planning, establishing and controlling a demolition site before active demolition begins. It covers critical elements such as site access and egress, services isolation, exclusion zones, traffic management, public protection, waste and asbestos controls, and coordination with other trades and stakeholders.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence in how they prepare demolition sites, not just how they carry out the demolition itself. The document helps standardise pre-start checks, documentation, and communication so that every project—regardless of size or location—follows the same robust setup process. This reduces the likelihood of uncontrolled collapses, service strikes, public exposure, and regulatory non‑compliance, while providing supervisors with a practical, ready-to-use checklist and procedure they can apply on the ground across Australian demolition and construction environments.

Key Benefits

• Ensure demolition sites are established in accordance with WHS Regulations for high-risk construction work and demolition work.
• Reduce the risk of service strikes, uncontrolled collapses and unauthorised access through consistent planning and physical controls.
• Streamline site establishment by providing supervisors with a clear, repeatable setup process and checklists.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through documented pre-demolition planning and controls.
• Improve coordination between demolition crews, plant operators, subcontractors and the public via defined communication and traffic management arrangements.

Who is this for?

• Demolition Supervisors
• Site Managers
• Principal Contractors
• WHS Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Demolition Workers
• Safety Officers
• Civil Engineers
• Plant Operators
• PCBU Representatives

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled structural collapse during early demolition preparations
• Contact with live electrical, gas, water or telecommunications services
• Unauthorised public or worker access to hazardous areas
• Struck-by incidents involving mobile plant and vehicles entering or exiting the site
• Falls from height around edges, openings and partially demolished structures
• Exposure to asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous substances during site establishment
• Manual handling injuries during placement of barriers, signage and temporary works
• Noise, dust and debris affecting neighbouring properties and public areas
• Poor emergency access and egress due to inadequate site layout
• Slips, trips and falls from uneven ground, rubble and inadequate housekeeping at setup

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Demolition Planning and Documentation (SWMS, permits, notifications)
• 5.0 Site Assessment and Structural Review
• 6.0 Services Identification, Isolation and Verification
• 7.0 Site Layout, Access and Egress Planning
• 8.0 Traffic Management and Mobile Plant Controls
• 9.0 Public Protection, Hoarding, Fencing and Signage
• 10.0 Establishment of Exclusion Zones and No‑Go Areas
• 11.0 Temporary Works, Propping and Edge Protection
• 12.0 Environmental Controls (dust, noise, vibration and waste)
• 13.0 Hazardous Materials and Asbestos Considerations
• 14.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment for Site Setup
• 15.0 Step‑by‑Step Demolition Site Setup Procedure
• 16.0 Pre‑Start Checks, Inspections and Handover
• 17.0 Emergency Planning, Access and Communication
• 18.0 Monitoring, Review and Corrective Actions
• 19.0 Records, Forms and Checklists

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 299 and associated provisions for Demolition Work (as adopted in relevant states and territories)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Demolition Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Traffic Management in Workplaces (and relevant state guidance)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos (where applicable)
• State and Territory WHS Acts and Regulations (e.g. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 as applicable)