Demolition

Demolition work in Australia requires specific qualifications depending on the scope and nature of the project. For structural demolition or demolition involving removal of load-bearing elements, workers must hold a Demolition Work High Risk Work Licence issued by the relevant state or territory WorkSafe authority. This licence requires completion of approved training and assessment in demolition work practices, structural stability, hazard identification, and safe work procedures. Supervisors and site managers typically require additional qualifications in construction management or structural engineering. For asbestos removal during demolition, separate asbestos removal licenses (Class A or Class B) are mandatory, and this work must be performed by licensed asbestos removalists before general demolition begins. Plant operators must hold appropriate High Risk Work Licences for equipment such as excavators, loaders, and cranes used in demolition. Additionally, the demolition contractor must hold appropriate builder's licenses or demolition contractor licenses as required by state regulations. Before commencing any demolition project, verify that all personnel hold current, valid licenses appropriate to their roles and the specific demolition activities being undertaken.

Australian Standard AS 2601 (The Demolition of Structures) requires a structural engineering assessment for all demolition work except simple, single-storey structures with no complex structural elements. The structural engineer must inspect the building, assess its current condition and stability, identify load-bearing elements and their support requirements, specify the safe sequence of demolition to maintain structural integrity throughout the process, and detail any temporary support structures (such as acrow props or bracing) required during demolition. This engineering report forms a critical part of your SWMS and demolition plan. The report must be prepared before demolition commences and must be available on-site during the work. For complex structures, multi-storey buildings, or buildings with structural damage or deterioration, the structural engineer may need to provide ongoing monitoring and advice during demolition. The engineering assessment also helps identify unexpected hazards such as pre-stressed concrete, post-tensioned elements, or concealed structural members that could cause sudden collapse if disturbed. Engaging a qualified structural engineer is not only a regulatory requirement but essential for worker safety—many demolition fatalities result from unplanned structural collapse that proper engineering assessment would have prevented.

Before any demolition work commences, WHS regulations require a comprehensive asbestos survey conducted by a licensed asbestos assessor. This survey identifies the presence, location, type, and condition of all asbestos-containing materials within the structure. Common asbestos materials in buildings constructed before 1990 include asbestos cement sheeting (walls, roofs, eaves), vinyl floor tiles and backing, pipe lagging and insulation, gaskets and seals, textured ceilings, and fire protection materials. Once identified, all friable asbestos (easily crumbled materials) must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist, and non-friable asbestos exceeding 10 square metres must be removed by Class A or Class B licensed removalists before general demolition begins. Small amounts of non-friable asbestos (less than 10 square metres) may be removed by appropriately trained workers following specific procedures, but this still requires notification to the regulator and strict controls. The asbestos survey and removal documentation must be included in your demolition SWMS. Never commence demolition until all asbestos removal is complete, clearance certificates are obtained, and the site is confirmed safe for general demolition activities. Disturbing asbestos during demolition can result in serious health consequences for workers and significant legal penalties for the contractor.

Demolition work notification requirements vary by state and territory, but generally include notifying the relevant WorkSafe authority at least five business days before demolition commences. Notification is typically required for all demolition work involving structures over a certain value (often $20,000) or that involve load-bearing demolition work classified as high-risk construction work. The notification must include details of the demolition contractor, the location and description of the structure, the proposed demolition method and sequence, evidence of hazardous materials surveys (particularly asbestos), structural engineering reports and assessments, and the expected duration of demolition activities. Additionally, local council approval or development consent is usually required before demolition can proceed, with councils often requiring detailed demolition plans, traffic management plans, and environmental protection measures. Notification to utility providers is essential to arrange disconnection or isolation of electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications services. Adjoining property owners should also be notified of demolition activities, particularly where vibration, noise, or potential damage to adjacent structures may occur. Keep all notification documentation on-site and ensure that demolition does not commence until all required approvals and clearances are obtained. Commencing demolition without proper notifications can result in stop-work orders, prosecution, and significant financial penalties.

Comprehensive emergency procedures are essential for demolition sites due to the high-risk nature of the work and potential for sudden, catastrophic incidents. Your demolition SWMS must include specific emergency response procedures for structural collapse, including immediate evacuation protocols, headcount and accountability systems, and designated assembly areas at safe distances from the structure. Procedures for workers trapped or injured under collapsed materials must detail immediate response actions, emergency service contact numbers, and site access routes for emergency vehicles. For asbestos exposure incidents, document the immediate response including evacuation of affected areas, notification to the asbestos assessor and regulator, and medical assessment protocols. Equipment or plant incidents require procedures for shutting down machinery, isolating power, and securing the scene. Fire or explosion procedures must address the unique challenges of demolition sites, including potential accelerants from fuel, gas, or chemical residues, and the difficulty of firefighting in partially demolished structures. All demolition sites must have trained first aid personnel, adequately stocked first aid facilities, and clear communication systems. Emergency contact numbers for ambulance, fire, police, utility providers, structural engineers, and senior management must be prominently displayed. Regular emergency drills ensure all workers understand evacuation routes and procedures. Crucially, maintain clear access routes for emergency vehicles at all times—congested sites with debris and plant must still provide emergency vehicle access. Review and update emergency procedures before each demolition project to address site-specific risks and access challenges.