Demolition Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

People often ask, “Can I have a Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Demolition Work?” “A document that covers everything?”  The answer is not really. Well, you could create a document that covers most areas of Demolition work, but it would be hundreds of pages long and would contain more items that did not apply to your project, than items that did. 

A Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) needs to document step by step how you are going to do a particular job. Not all jobs are the same! Are you going to demolish or remove an existing kitchen or demolish a multi-story building?

Are there hazardous substances involved?

Demolition of a load-bearing structure is high-risk construction work.

Danger Zone: Unveiling the Hazards Lurking in Demolition Work

Demolition using an excavator SWMS
Demolition work is often a Hazardous Manual Task

Structural Collapse: The potential for buildings or structures to collapse unexpectedly during demolition poses a significant risk.

Falling Objects: Demolition activities can generate falling debris, posing a danger to workers and bystanders in the vicinity.

Dust and Airborne Particles: The release of dust, asbestos, or other hazardous materials into the air during demolition can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns.

Noise and Vibration: Demolition work generates high levels of noise and vibration, which can impact both workers and nearby residents.

Heavy Equipment: The use of heavy machinery and equipment in demolition can result in accidents, including collisions, rollovers, and equipment malfunctions.

Chemical Exposure: Demolition may involve exposure to hazardous substances, such as lead-based paint, asbestos, or other toxic materials present in the structure.

Electrical Hazards: Demolition work near power lines or electrical systems can pose risks of electrical shocks or fires.

Fire and Explosion: Explosion can pose serious safety and environmental risks during demolition works. Un-Isolated or hidden services, and unpurged gas lines  can ignite with a spark.

Unstable Materials: The presence of unstable or unpredictable materials in structures, such as weakened floors or walls, can lead to unforeseen hazards.

Manual Handling: Workers involved in demolition may be at risk of injuries related to manual handling of heavy objects, leading to strains, sprains, or musculoskeletal injuries.

Inadequate Planning: Poorly planned demolition projects may result in uncontrolled collapses, unexpected hazards, or insufficient protection measures.

Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of demolition waste can have adverse effects on the environment, including soil and water contamination.

Under the WHS act you must prepare a SWMS for High-Risk Construction Work. 

There are 18 high risk construction work activities defined in the WHS Regulations.

When undertaking Demolition work common high-risk activities include:

  • Demolition of load-bearing structure
  • Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
  • Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
  • Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
  • Likely to involve disturbing asbestos

A SWMS provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to perform a task safely.

It ensures that everyone involved understands the necessary steps, reducing the likelihood of accidents due to confusion or misunderstanding.
 
The JSEAsy Safety Management Software builds your site-specific SWMS for your demolition job by adding templates of the steps you are going to take, in the order in which you are going to take them.
 

Watch a detailed demonstration video on how to create a new site-specific SWMS using existing templates.

Making SWMS has never been easier, just pick your job steps and the JSEAsy safety management software does all the hard work for you.

When using a quick-cut demolition saw, prioritize safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, securing the work area, and following proper operating procedures.
Using a Jackhammer/ Demolition hammer can create silica dust. Aways wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
This is an extract of an example Full SWMS Report generated from the JSEAsy EHS Software.

JSEA/ SWMS Example

Below is an example of templates you may insert into your site-specific SWMS for a typical demolition project.

  1. Site Orientation/ Induction
    1. Undertake a site induction
  2. Claim work area
    1. Access the site
    2. Establish safe perimeter
  3. Deliver fencing to site and unload manually
    1. Establish area to accept delivery
    2. Drive vehicle to appropriate area
    3. Untie load if secured
    4. Unload goods manually
  4. Installation of temporary fencing
    1. Carry temporary base to desired location
    2. Carry fence panel to desired location and insert into temporary base
    3. Tension nuts using a battery powered rattle gun
  5. Isolate water to premises 
  6. Isolate Gas to premises
    1. Purge Gas Lines
  7. Isolate Power to Premises
    1. Test power and lighting circuits
  8. Delivery and unloading of mobile plant
    1. Direct delivery vehicle
    2. Release machine restraints
    3. Activate or place ramps in position
    4. Board the Machine
    5. Unload and drive machine to ground
    6. Moving or driving the machine
  9. Safety check and operation of Excavator for site levelling, demolition and truck loading
    1. Safety check of unit.  Fill out Pre-trip/ Daily Inspection
    2. Boarding the machine
    3. Operating / traveling with or without a load
    4. Pull down structures with bucket
    5. Dig
    6. Load the truck
    7. Backing up
  10. Inspect and drive Tip Truck/ Dump Truck
    1. Pre-operation Inspection
    2. Board truck
    3. Start the truck
    4. Drive the truck
  11. Clean up demolished materials using a shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow.
    1. Pick up all off cuts / rubbish from work area
    2. Put all off cuts into bin or designated area provided on site
    3. Clean up or spread with rake or shovel
    4. Ensure work area is left clean and free of debris
  12. Push Wheelbarrow on site
    1. Push wheelbarrow
    2. Tip the Wheelbarrow to empty
SWMS templates included in the JSEAsy EHS Software

Automating the process

 

When you insert a template using the JSEAsy EHS Software, it automatically brings with it:

  1. The main process step
  2. The sub process steps associated in undertaking the task
    1. The potential hazards associated with undertaking the task (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    2. The Risk Rating for undertaking the task (You can also change this if you want to)
    3. The Hazard Control measure (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    4. The revised risk rating after applying the control (You can also change this if you want to)
    5. Any required PPE (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    6. Any applicable licences or qualifications required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    7. Any preoperational inspections required (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
    8. Any applicable legislation or codes of practice (you can also delete or add any of these with a simple click)
JSEAsy Award winning Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Software
Ensure house demolition safety by meticulous planning, proper structural assessment, use of protective gear, and adherence to established safety protocols.
Consider Environmental impacts like - Noise/ vibrations (offsite Impacts). Only work within designated work times (as per council or EPA requirements)

Creating Site-Specific SWMS Reports with JSEAsy Safety Management Software

Creating a site-specific SWMS is easy using JSEAsy . Once created, you can print/ save a pdf of either a full or simplified SWMS report. 

Download an example of a full SWMS report generated from the JSEAsy EHS Software.

Download an example of a simplified SWMS report generated from the JSEAsy EHS Software.

The JSEAsy software comes preloaded with hundreds of templates (job steps) to build your site-specific SWMS with.

Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) and Plant and Equipment Risk Assessments (PERA) are also included in all versions.

The JSEAsy Premium EHS Software is your total WHS management system.

The JSEAsy safety management software is available for download and install on a PC, or hosted in the cloud

JSEAsy Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Software

Process: Click the Links below to learn more about JSEAsy Safety Management Software and the process.

View an Infographic about How JSEAsy Software works.

See the different versions of the JSEAsy software.

When you buy or Rent JSEAsy you have access to all of the latest version SWMS templates, for all trades and industries.

Download the JSEAsy latest version SWMS template register.

This is a register sorted by industry type and industry specific of all of the SWMS templates included in the latest version of the JSEAsy Safety Management Software.

Establish an exclusion zone and have clearly defined areas to keep pedestrians separate from mobile plant during all mobile plant operations.
There are over 1000 SWMS templated included in the JSEAsy Safety Management Software for a multitude of industries.

Save time and Money!

Hundreds of templates included – 1 low price – Exceptional value!

When you buy or rent the JSEAsy Safety Software, not only to get all of the templates specifically for demolition work but you also get all of the templates for all of the other industries and trades as well. Demolition contractors don’t just knock down structures!

You will also benefit from many of the Truck, Civil, and other building trades templates.

Order Now!

A list of all the templates included in all versions of the JSEAsy EHS software is shown below.

  • You can search by scrolling through the list of all templates.
  • You can apply filters to the list by selecting an Industry Type
  • You can further refine the list by selecting and industry type and an industry specific.
  • You can do key word searches for templates.  If you can’t find what you are looking for try:
    • Shortening the search term. For example, searching for “deliv” would show deliver and deliveries, but if you searched for deliveries, it would exclude deliver.
    • Look for a synonyms/ alternate word for what you are looking for. E.g. tube or pipe

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