Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, task-specific approach to safely planning and carrying out mechanical demolition using excavator attachments and demolition robotics, with a strong focus on controlling high-risk hazards. It is a comprehensive document that integrates multiple demolition methods and attachment types to support WHS compliance and safe use of mechanical demolition equipment on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and sequencing of mechanical demolition works, including identification of services, exclusion zones, and structural stability checks
• Low risk groundworks and site clearing activities prior to mechanical demolition, including debris removal and surface preparation
• Safe operation of demolition plant, including excavators fitted with a range of hydraulic demolition attachments
• Selection, inspection, and maintenance of hydraulic demolition attachments to ensure they are fit for purpose and in safe working condition
• Use of hydraulic croppers for controlled breaking, cropping, and removal of concrete elements and piles
• Mechanical hammering activities, including operation of hydraulic rock breakers and hammers on concrete, masonry, and rock
• Operation of hydraulic shear cutters for cutting steel beams, reinforcing bar, pipework, and structural steel members
• Use of pulverisers (polygrinders) for crushing, pulverising, and processing concrete and masonry for removal or recycling
• Robotic demolition operations, including remote-controlled plant set-up, positioning, and movement in confined or high-risk areas
• Establishment and management of exclusion zones to protect workers and the public from flying debris, falling objects, and plant movement
• Controls for noise, vibration, dust, and airborne contaminants generated by mechanical demolition activities
• Emergency procedures for plant failure, hydraulic leaks, structural collapse, and worker injury during demolition works
• Traffic and pedestrian management around demolition plant, including spotter use and communication protocols

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for demolition contractors, civil and structural contractors, excavation and earthmoving businesses, and site supervisors managing mechanical demolition, excavator attachments, and robotic demolition works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Demolition Work – Guidance on planning and carrying out demolition safely, including mechanical methods and plant use
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of demolition plant and attachments
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for high noise levels generated by hammering, cropping, and pulverising activities
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Relevant where mechanical demolition occurs near edges, openings, or elevated work areas
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management framework applied to mechanical demolition and robotic operations
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Applicable to hydraulic oils, fuels, and any hazardous substances encountered during demolition
• AS 2601 Demolition of Structures – Australian Standard for planning and undertaking demolition of structures
• AS 2550 Cranes, Hoists and Winches (Safe Use) – relevant parts – Where lifting, positioning, or supporting demolition components with plant is required
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017