Product Overview

This Internal Strip-Out Soft Demolition and Refurbishment SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for internal demolition and refurbishment activities. It provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to soft demolition work and refurbishment tasks to support strong WHS compliance on Australian construction sites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Carrying out internal demolition work prior to re-flooring, including removal of existing floor coverings and substrates
• Commencing tile tear-off using manual and powered tools, with controls for flying debris, dust, and noise
• Demolition of cold rooms and cool rooms, including safe isolation of services and handling of insulated panels
• Dismantling units, joinery, cabinetry, and built-in furniture with appropriate manual handling techniques
• Performing demolition tasks related to cleaning, clearing debris, and maintaining safe housekeeping standards
• Removing doors, door frames, and glazing to create access while managing structural stability and glass hazards
• Removing existing internal walls, ceilings, and linings, including plasterboard and light partitions
• Removing fixtures, fittings, and services-connected items (e.g. sinks, vanities, shelving) in a controlled manner
• Use of rubble chutes for waste removal from upper levels, including exclusion zones and falling object controls
• Soft demolition methods to strip out non-structural building elements while protecting retained structures and finishes
• Taking down temporary structures, hoardings, and non-load-bearing partitions safely
• Working with demolished plasterboard and other waste materials, including dust suppression and waste segregation
• Selection and use of hand tools and small power tools for internal demolition tasks
• Management of noise, dust, and vibration impacts on workers, other trades, and building occupants
• Planning work areas, exclusion zones, and access/egress to maintain safe movement through the demolition zone

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for demolition contractors, refurbishment builders, shopfitters, maintenance teams, and site supervisors involved in internal strip-out and soft demolition works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Demolition Work Code of Practice: Guidance on planning and carrying out demolition work safely, including soft and internal demolition
• How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice: Referenced where asbestos-containing materials may be identified during strip-out (for separate, specific controls)
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working at heights, on ladders, and near voids during internal strip-out
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for controlling noise from demolition tools and equipment
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling debris, fixtures, and building components
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on maintaining safe access, egress, and amenities during demolition and refurbishment
• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Requirements for coordinating work with other trades and building occupants
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites: Requirements for temporary electrical installations and equipment used during demolition
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures: Australian Standard for planning and conducting demolition work
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017