Demolition of a Load-Bearing Structure
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Demolition involving a load-bearing part of a structure is high risk construction work because of the risk of uncontrolled collapse. A SWMS is required, and larger demolition also has notification and licensing duties.
Why this is high risk construction work
Removing a load path can bring down more than intended, onto workers or the public. Sequence and structural understanding are safety-critical, which is why a SWMS is mandatory.
Because it is one of the 18 high risk construction work categories, a SWMS is legally required before the work starts (your state's WHS Regulations, provision 299; s 299 in NSW), not a nice-to-have.
The controls a SWMS should set out
In hierarchy of controls order, highest first:
- ✓ Structural engineer input on the demolition sequence and temporary support
- ✓ Demolition worked top-down in a planned, recorded sequence
- ✓ Exclusion zones and hoarding to protect workers and the public
- ✓ Services isolated and hazardous materials (including asbestos) removed first
- ✓ Continuous monitoring for unplanned movement
The SWMS for this work
This category has a dedicated guide and generator: Demolition SWMS. It covers the specific hazards and controls above and produces a site-specific document in minutes.
Trades that do this work
These trades commonly need a SWMS for this category. Each has a trade-specific SWMS:
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