Product Overview

Summary: This Demolition Work Safety Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step system for planning and carrying out demolition activities safely on Australian worksites. It helps businesses control high‑risk hazards such as structural collapse, falling debris, plant movement, and hazardous materials while demonstrating compliance with WHS legislation and client requirements.

Demolition work is classed as high‑risk construction work in Australia and carries a unique combination of structural, environmental and health hazards. Without a structured procedure, businesses are exposed to uncontrolled collapses, unplanned falls of materials, contact with live services, hazardous dusts and noise, as well as significant regulatory scrutiny. This Demolition Work Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a practical, end‑to‑end framework for planning and executing demolition tasks, from initial site assessment and engineering review through to waste removal and site hand‑back.

The SOP translates WHS and construction law requirements into clear actions for supervisors and workers on the ground. It covers pre‑demolition surveys, service isolation, exclusion zones, traffic management, plant interface controls, hazardous materials management (including asbestos and lead‑based paints), and staged demolition sequencing. By implementing this procedure, organisations can standardise how demolition work is scoped, communicated, supervised and documented, reducing the likelihood of incidents, project delays, neighbour complaints and enforcement action from regulators.

Designed for Australian conditions, this SOP supports compliance with Safe Work Australia and state/territory WHS requirements while remaining practical for small contractors and large principal contractors alike. It provides the documentation backbone needed for SWMS development, tender submissions, contractor management and on‑site inductions, giving clients and regulators confidence that demolition work is being undertaken in a controlled and professional manner.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and Codes of Practice for high‑risk demolition work.
• Reduce the risk of structural collapse, falling objects and plant‑person collisions through clear planning and control measures.
• Standardise demolition sequencing, communication and supervision across all projects and crews.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and principal contractors with documented procedures and records.
• Support efficient project delivery by minimising unplanned outages, damage to adjoining structures and costly re‑work.

Who is this for?

• Demolition Contractors
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Principal Contractors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Civil Engineers
• Plant Operators (Excavators, Skid Steers, Cranes)
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Maintenance and Facilities Managers
• Local Government Infrastructure Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled structural collapse of buildings or building elements
• Falling objects and debris striking workers or the public
• Falls from height during roof, floor and façade removal
• Contact with live or unidentified services (electrical, gas, water, telecommunications)
• Interaction between workers and mobile plant (excavators, skid steers, trucks, cranes)
• Exposure to asbestos, lead‑based paint, silica dust and other hazardous substances
• Noise and vibration affecting workers and neighbouring properties
• Manual handling injuries from handling heavy or awkward demolition waste
• Fire and explosion risks from flammable materials or gas lines
• Environmental contamination from improper waste handling or runoff

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Demolition Planning and Engineering Assessment
• 5.0 Site Assessment, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Service Location, Isolation and Verification (Electrical, Gas, Water, Comms)
• 7.0 Demolition Methodology and Sequencing (Manual and Mechanical)
• 8.0 Plant, Equipment and Tool Requirements
• 9.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 10.0 Exclusion Zones, Barricading and Traffic Management
• 11.0 Working at Heights and Edge Protection Controls
• 12.0 Hazardous Materials Management (Asbestos, Lead, Silica and Other Contaminants)
• 13.0 Dust, Noise, Vibration and Environmental Controls
• 14.0 Waste Segregation, Handling, Transport and Disposal
• 15.0 Communication, Induction and Toolbox Talks
• 16.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures
• 17.0 Incident, Near Miss and Damage Reporting
• 18.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Hold Points During Demolition
• 19.0 Post‑Demolition Site Clean‑up and Handover
• 20.0 Document Control, Records and Review

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Demolition Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 6.3 Demolition Work
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• State and Territory WHS Acts and Regulations (e.g. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated Regulations)