What WHS Documents Does a Demolition Contractor Need?

Quick answer: A demolition contractor in Australia generally needs a demolition SWMS, demolition work notification (where required), asbestos survey and removal documents, hazardous materials register, structural assessment or demolition engineering plan, WHS policy, plant and equipment register, site induction records, contractor licences, incident register, services disconnection records, and evidence of insurances. Demolition is classified as high risk construction work, and many demolition projects are also notifiable to the WHS regulator.

Last reviewed: 12 June 2026

Demolition work carries some of the highest WHS risks in the construction industry. It involves deliberate structural collapse, hazardous materials including asbestos and lead, operation of heavy plant in confined or unstable environments, and the removal of services including gas, electricity, and hydraulics. The WHS documentary requirements for demolition contractors reflect this — they are more extensive than for most other trades, and non-compliance can have serious legal and safety consequences.

This guide sets out the core WHS documents that demolition contractors commonly need in Australia, explains the purpose of each, and highlights the additional obligations that apply when asbestos or other hazardous materials are present.

Note: WHS legislation in Australia is based on the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 developed by Safe Work Australia, but each state and territory has its own laws and regulators. Demolition licensing requirements in particular vary significantly by jurisdiction. Always check the requirements in your state or territory.

At a glance

Core WHS documents required

The following table summarises the documents most commonly required or expected for a demolition contractor operating in Australia.

Demolition SWMS

Demolition work is classified as high risk construction work (HRCW) under the model WHS Regulations. This means a Safe Work Method Statement is required before any demolition activity commences — regardless of project size, contract value, or whether the work is notifiable.

A demolition SWMS must identify the specific HRCW activities involved, the hazards associated with each activity, and the controls that will be applied to eliminate or minimise the risks. For demolition, the SWMS typically addresses:

• Structural collapse and unplanned wall or floor failure
• Operation of plant including excavators with demolition attachments, cranes, and elevated work platforms
• Hazardous materials including asbestos, lead, synthetic mineral fibres, and contaminated soil
• Falling objects and overhead hazards
• Energised services and proximity to live utilities
• Dust and noise generation
• Working near pedestrians, adjacent properties, and public areas
• Stability of partly demolished structures

Workers who will perform the demolition work must be involved in the development of the SWMS and must be consulted before it is finalised. Each worker performing the activity must sign on to the SWMS, and the SWMS must be kept on site and accessible throughout the work.

For detailed guidance on preparing a compliant demolition SWMS, see our Demolition SWMS Guide.

Asbestos documents

Asbestos is present in a very large proportion of Australian structures built before 1990, and can be found in buildings constructed up to 31 December 2003. For demolition contractors, asbestos management is one of the most significant WHS obligations — and one where non-compliance carries severe regulatory and health consequences.

Asbestos survey

Before demolition commences on any structure that may contain asbestos, an asbestos survey (also called a demolition asbestos assessment or type 2 asbestos survey) must be completed. A demolition asbestos survey is more comprehensive than a management survey — it involves intrusive inspection and sampling to identify all ACM that could be disturbed during demolition, including materials inside wall cavities, under flooring, in plant rooms, and in areas not accessible during normal building use.

The survey must be conducted by a competent person. The results are documented in an asbestos assessment report, which is used to plan asbestos removal and update the site asbestos register.

Asbestos register

A site asbestos register must be maintained and made available to workers, contractors, and anyone else at the workplace who may be at risk. The register documents the location, type, condition, and quantity of ACM identified on site. It must be kept current — if additional ACM is discovered during demolition, the register must be updated.

Asbestos removal documents

Where ACM must be removed before or during demolition, additional documents are required depending on the type and quantity of asbestos:

• Bonded (non-friable) asbestos removal up to 10 m²: Can be removed by a competent person who is not a licensed asbestos removalist, but a SWMS is still required. See our Asbestos SWMS Guide for further detail.
• Bonded asbestos removal above 10 m²: Must be carried out by a licensed Class B asbestos removalist. Notification to the relevant WHS regulator is required before removal commences. An asbestos removal control plan is required.
• Friable asbestos removal (any quantity): Must be carried out by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist. Notification to the WHS regulator is required. An asbestos removal control plan and air monitoring plan are required.

After removal is complete, an independent licensed asbestos assessor must conduct a clearance inspection and issue an asbestos clearance certificate before other workers re-enter the area or demolition continues.

Demolition work notification and licensing

Demolition work notification

In most Australian states and territories, the demolition contractor must notify the relevant WHS regulator before structural demolition work commences. The notification requirements, forms, and lead times vary by jurisdiction — in some states this notification is separate from and in addition to any notification required under the notifiable construction work provisions.

The demolition work notification typically requires details of the site, the scope of demolition, the demolition methodology, asbestos management arrangements, and key personnel. It is a document worth preparing carefully — regulators may inspect based on notifications received.

WHS management plan

Where the demolition project is also notifiable construction work — generally work valued at $250,000 or more, subject to jurisdictional thresholds — the principal contractor must prepare a WHS management plan before work commences. If the demolition contractor is also the principal contractor, this obligation falls directly on them.

Contractor licences and high risk work licences

Demolition licensing requirements vary by state and territory. Most jurisdictions require a contractor licence with a demolition category or a specific demolition contractor licence for structural demolition above certain thresholds. In addition, individual workers operating prescribed plant — including cranes, forklifts, elevated work platforms, and certain excavator attachments — must hold the relevant high risk work licence. Copies of current contractor licences and individual high risk work licences should be held on site and recorded in the training and competency register.

Structural engineering and demolition plan

Before demolition of a structure commences, a structural assessment or demolition engineering plan is typically required. Prepared by a structural engineer or a suitably qualified demolition engineer, this document sets out:

• The assessed structural condition of the building
• The proposed demolition sequence and methodology
• Temporary propping, shoring, or bracing requirements
• Anticipated risks arising from the structure or the demolition methodology
• Any specific conditions or constraints affecting the demolition sequence

The demolition plan supports the preparation of the SWMS and should be referenced within it. It may be required by the WHS regulator as part of the demolition work notification.

Services disconnection records

One of the most common causes of serious incidents during demolition is contact with live services — electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, and hydraulics. Before demolition commences, all services must be formally disconnected, isolated, or capped by the relevant service authority or a licensed tradesperson.

Written evidence of services disconnection should be obtained and held on site. This typically includes written confirmation from the electricity distributor that the supply has been disconnected at the point of supply, written confirmation from the gas network that the gas service has been capped, and records from the demolition contractor confirming the disconnection of any private services such as LPG, hydraulics, or fire suppression systems.

Services disconnection records should be referenced in the demolition SWMS as a prerequisite control.

Registers and records

Well-maintained registers are essential for demolition contractors. Key records include:

• Incident register: All incidents, near misses, dangerous occurrences, and work-related illnesses should be recorded in real time. Serious incidents — including any incident involving asbestos exposure, structural collapse, or serious injury — must be notified to the WHS regulator.
• Plant and equipment register: Tracks all plant on site, inspection and maintenance history, and operator licences. Plant on a demolition site typically includes excavators, skid steers, elevated work platforms, cranes, and specialised demolition attachments.
• Training and competency register: Records qualifications, high risk work licences, asbestos awareness training, and inductions for each worker. This is particularly important on demolition sites given the number of licenced activities involved.
• Hazardous materials register: In addition to the asbestos register, demolition sites frequently involve other hazardous materials including lead-based paint, synthetic mineral fibres, contaminated soil, PCBs, and stored chemicals. A hazardous materials register documents all identified hazardous substances, their location, quantity, and the controls in place for their management or removal.
• Toolbox talk records: Demolition contractors should conduct regular toolbox talks covering the activities for that day or week, changes to site conditions, any incidents or near misses, and reminders about specific hazards such as asbestos controls, structural stability, and plant exclusion zones.

Insurances

Demolition contractors are typically required to hold evidence of:

• Public liability insurance — the minimum level required varies by project and contract, but $20 million is commonly required for demolition work
• Workers compensation insurance — required for any business with workers in most jurisdictions
• Contract works insurance — often required for the demolition project itself, particularly where the contractor is responsible for the site

Insurance certificates should be current, and copies are commonly required by the principal contractor or client before site access is granted.

Example scenario

Consider a demolition contractor engaged to demolish a two-storey commercial building constructed in 1975 in New South Wales. Before work commences, the contractor would typically hold and prepare:

• A demolition asbestos assessment completed by a licensed asbestos assessor, identifying ACM throughout the building including floor tiles, pipe lagging, and wall sheeting
• An asbestos removal control plan and notification to SafeWork NSW submitted by the licensed Class A asbestos removalist engaged to remove friable asbestos pipe lagging
• A site asbestos register maintained on site and updated as removal progresses
• An asbestos clearance certificate issued by an independent licensed assessor after removal is complete
• A demolition work notification lodged with SafeWork NSW before structural demolition commences
• A structural engineering / demolition plan prepared by a structural engineer addressing the demolition sequence and propping requirements
• Services disconnection records from the electricity distributor, gas network, water authority, and telecommunications provider
• A demolition SWMS covering plant operation, hazardous materials, structural collapse risks, falling objects, exclusion zones, and dust controls
• A WHS management plan (if the contractor is also the principal contractor and the project value exceeds the notifiable threshold)
• Site induction records for all workers, plant operators, and the asbestos removalist's crew
• A plant and equipment register covering the excavator with demolition attachment, elevated work platform, and other plant on site
• A training register documenting demolition contractor licence, high risk work licences, and asbestos awareness training for each worker
• Insurance certificates for public liability and workers compensation

Frequently asked questions

Is demolition work always notifiable to the WHS regulator?

Not always, but demolition work frequently triggers notification obligations. Under the model WHS Regulations, demolition work is classified as high risk construction work (HRCW), so a SWMS is required before any demolition activity commences. Separately, where the demolition work is also notifiable construction work — generally work valued at $250,000 or more, or involving specific prescribed activities — the principal contractor must notify the relevant WHS regulator before work begins. Some states and territories also require a separate demolition work notification independent of the notifiable construction work threshold, particularly for structural demolition or asbestos removal above certain quantities. Always check the requirements in your jurisdiction.

Does a demolition contractor need a demolition licence?

In most Australian states and territories, a contractor licence or specialist demolition contractor licence is required to carry out demolition work above certain thresholds, particularly for structural demolition. Licensing requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction — some require a specific demolition licence, others require a building or construction contractor licence with a demolition category. Workers on site may also need individual high risk work licences for plant operation (e.g. excavators with attachments, cranes). Check with the relevant licensing authority in your state or territory to confirm the current requirements.

What asbestos documents are required before demolition begins?

Before demolition commences on any structure built before 2004, an asbestos survey (also called an asbestos assessment or asbestos inspection) should be completed by a competent person to identify the presence, location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACM). If ACM is found, a SWMS for asbestos removal and a site-specific asbestos removal control plan are required before removal begins. For licensed asbestos removal work (friable asbestos or bonded asbestos above 10 square metres), the licensed asbestos removalist must notify the relevant WHS regulator before removal commences. An asbestos clearance inspection and clearance certificate are required after removal is complete and before other trades re-enter the area.

How often should demolition SWMS be reviewed?

A demolition SWMS should be reviewed before each new project and updated whenever there is a change to the scope of work, demolition methodology, site conditions, or identified hazards. If conditions on site change during the demolition — for example, unexpected hazardous materials are identified, structural conditions differ from those anticipated, or the demolition sequence changes — the SWMS must be reviewed and updated before work continues. Workers performing the activity must be consulted in any review and must sign on to the updated SWMS. A documented review date on the SWMS helps demonstrate due diligence.

Get your WHS documents in order

Blue Safe Online provides ready-to-use WHS document systems for Australian demolition contractors. Whether you are setting up a WHS system from scratch, preparing for a new demolition project, or updating outdated documents, the Blue Safe Online platform gives you access to professionally prepared WHS policies, SWMS, demolition-specific procedures, registers, and more — tailored to demolition and hazardous materials work.

Browse demolition WHS documents on Blue Safe Online

This guide provides general information only and does not replace legal advice or consultation with the relevant WHS regulator. WHS document requirements may vary by state or territory, project type, contract conditions, and the nature of your role on site.