Product Overview

Summary: This Structural Modifications Standards Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, compliant framework for planning, approving and executing structural changes in workplaces and facilities across Australia. It helps organisations control engineering and construction risks, protect building integrity, and meet their WHS and statutory obligations whenever walls, beams, floors, roofs or load‑bearing elements are altered.

Any modification to a building’s structure – from removing a wall to cutting penetrations in slabs or strengthening existing members – can significantly change how loads are carried and how the building performs in service. Without a disciplined, documented process, organisations risk structural failure, uncontrolled collapse, damage to services, and serious injury to workers and building occupants. This Structural Modifications Standards SOP provides a robust, step‑by‑step method for initiating, assessing, designing, approving and carrying out structural changes in line with Australian WHS duties and building legislation.

The procedure guides you from the initial concept and risk assessment through to engaging competent structural engineers, coordinating with certifiers, obtaining approvals, managing site controls during works, and verifying that modifications are built as designed. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between the PCBU, project management, contractors and designers, and embeds key controls such as temporary propping, exclusion zones, permits to cut or core, and structural inspections. By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, avoid costly rework or non‑compliance notices, and ensure that every structural modification – no matter how minor it appears – is planned, checked and executed safely and consistently.

Key Benefits

• Ensure structural modifications are planned, designed and executed in accordance with Australian WHS and building requirements.
• Reduce the risk of structural failure, collapse and damage to existing building elements and services.
• Standardise the approval process for structural changes, improving governance and traceability of engineering decisions.
• Streamline coordination between project managers, structural engineers, contractors and building certifiers.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through clear documentation and sign‑off records.

Who is this for?

• Directors and PCBU Representatives
• Project Managers
• Construction Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Structural Engineers
• Building Surveyors and Certifiers
• Maintenance Managers
• Property and Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Partial or progressive structural collapse during demolition or modification works
• Overloading of floors, beams or temporary supports
• Uncontrolled movement or settlement of structural elements
• Damage to critical services (electrical, gas, fire systems, plumbing) within structural components
• Falling objects from cutting, coring or demolition activities
• Worker falls from height during access to structural elements
• Exposure to hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos, lead paint) within existing structures
• Noise, vibration and dust impacting workers and building occupants
• Plant and equipment incidents associated with lifting, propping and demolition

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Regulatory and Standards Framework
• 5.0 Structural Modification Planning and Initiation
• 6.0 Preliminary Structural Risk Assessment and Site Investigation
• 7.0 Design Requirements and Engagement of Structural Engineers
• 8.0 Approvals, Permits and Certification (Council, Certifier, Internal)
• 9.0 Construction Methodology and Temporary Works (Propping and Shoring)
• 10.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures for Structural Modifications
• 11.0 Permit to Work for Cutting, Coring and Demolition of Structural Elements
• 12.0 Site Controls: Exclusion Zones, Access, Housekeeping and Services Isolation
• 13.0 Monitoring, Inspections and Hold Points During Structural Works
• 14.0 Verification of Compliance, As‑Built Documentation and Sign‑off
• 15.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response for Structural Incidents
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 17.0 Document Control, Records Management and Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• National Construction Code (NCC), Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• AS 1170 series: Structural design actions
• AS 3600: Concrete structures
• AS 4100: Steel structures
• AS 1684 series: Residential timber-framed construction (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 5131: Structural steelwork – Fabrication and erection
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines