Product Overview

This Structural Heavy Demolition and Induced Collapse Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, implement controls, and protect workers and the public during complex demolition operations. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of structural heavy demolition, induced collapse methods, and associated activities to support robust WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Addressing risks associated with unplanned or progressive structural collapse during demolition activities
• Managing alterations to the original building structure, including temporary propping, bracing, and stability assessments
• Safe removal of concrete piles, including cutting, breaking, lifting, and disposal controls
• Planning and execution of controlled structural collapse, including exclusion zones and fall direction controls
• Risk controls for controlled implosive demolition, including blast planning, vibration, dust, and debris management
• Creating new gateways and penetrations through existing walls while maintaining structural integrity
• Demolishing brickwork and blockwork using mechanical and hand tools, including dust and falling object controls
• Demolition of old or deteriorated structures with consideration of unknowns such as hidden services and weakened elements
• Developing and implementing a safe demolition plan, including engineering input, staging, and communication protocols
• Dismantling faulty or unstable masonry structures, including progressive removal and support methods
• Enlarging elevator openings and shafts, including edge protection, fall prevention, and debris containment
• Establishing safe layers and sequences of demolition to maintain stability at every stage of the works
• Making safe damaged or partially collapsed buildings prior to, and during, demolition activities
• Managing the risk of masonry wall collapse, including monitoring, exclusion zones, and emergency procedures
• Controlling hazards associated with partial building collapses, including rescue access, shoring, and secondary collapse prevention

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for demolition contractors, structural engineers, building and construction companies, and site supervisors involved in structural heavy demolition, induced collapse, and complex building alteration works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Demolition Work Code of Practice: Guidance on planning and undertaking demolition work safely, including structural and induced collapse methods
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for fall prevention and protection around edges, shafts, and openings
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for high noise levels from heavy demolition equipment
• Managing the Risk of Dust and Airborne Contaminants at the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for silica dust and other airborne contaminants generated during demolition
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• AS 2601 – The Demolition of Structures: Australian Standard for the safe planning and execution of demolition work