Demolition Work Method Statement SWMS Template
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What is a Demolition Work Method Statement?
A Demolition Safe Work Method Statement enables a company or project to document the job steps involved with demolition work (it might be specific to this demolition job or demolition in general), and then lay out the hazards and respective control measures put in place to make those job steps as safe as possible. You could say it's a frontline defence against risks involving demolition processes.
By using a Safe Work Method Statement specifically for demolition processes, every step of the process is controlled and workers are safe. Although a document doesn't directly protect workers from harm, it keeps the team to stay informed and be reminded that safety is a non-negotiable priority. Clear plans mean fewer delays, and addressed hazards mean safe workers.
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How can a Demolition SWMS improve demolition safety among workers?
Demolition is some of the most dangerous work conducted on sites all over the world, and there have been countless measures and controls put in place to try to mitigate the risks and hazards associated with demolition works.
One of the most trusted and reliable documents for maintaining safe demolition practices is the safe work method statement for demolition. It's not a checklist where you jot down general details of what needs to be done and then mark it check. A SWMS for demolition is a detailed, step-by-step guide that outlines risks, precautions, and best practices. It's a straightforward plan, not a guesswork or something that causes even more confusion.
A Safe Work Method Statement is legally required in Australia, so a demolition activity, in specific, is mandated to have a SWMS if any of the following indicators under the 18 categories of High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) apply:
- If your demolition activity involves multi-story buildings, roofs, or elevated structures of at least 2 meters. Workers are at risk of falling, so it's important to have a SWMS that addresses fall from heights and other similar hazards.
- If the demolition site has asbestos or other toxic substances.
- If the work has to be carried out in confined spaces like basements, tunnels, and other tight spaces. There should be SWMS that lays out emergency exits and procedures.
- If your work is nearby public or traffic areas. There should be safety precautions that keep bystanders, pedestrians, and other regular citizens safe.
- If the demolition activity is at risk of fire or explosion, because of gas lines, flammable materials nearby, or dust that could ignite.
What are the mandated contents of a Safe Work Method Statement for Demolition as per WHS regulations?
There is no universal structure of a Safe Work Method Statement for Demolition, and the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations in Australia isn't really strict about the template, for as long as the SWMS include the mandatory requirements that comply within their regulations.
These are the mandatory contents inside your Safe Work Method Statement for Demolition:
- An identification of the High-Risk Construction Work (HRCW) the demolition activity falls in (apply all that counts). As much as possible, the rest of the HRCW must be included if they apply to the activity.
- A detailed description of the work, like the full scope, location, the persons involved, etc.
- Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control Measures: it's important to list all hazards related to the demolition activity you're going to be performing, assess the level of risk, and provide control measures
- A breakdown or a step-by-step of each phase of the demolition process. This section makes sure that each actionable step is backed up in safety controls.
- Emergency procedures in case there are emergencies like fire, exposure to hazardous materials, collapse, confinement, etc.
Who benefits from Demolition Work Method Statements?
A Safe Work Method Statement for Demolition greatly benefits multiple professionals especially, but not limited to, the construction industry.
Contractors and workers who do the demolition work need a proper SWMS for demolition so they clearly understand the step-by-step procedure, the hazards in place, emergency procedures, and everything because they are the first in line who will likely get affected or injured by the activity. If they perform the proper safety procedures, then they're more like safe from hazards and dangers.
Project managers and supervisors plan and coordinate the demolition work, and make sure everyone on site follows the procedures consistently and religiously by using a SWMS for demolition. And similarly, business owners and employers are more on the legal side and making sure everything is WHS compliant, by using a SWMS for demolition.
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This Safe Work Method Statement was generated with Dashpivot
This demolition SWMS is much easier to manage than word docs, PDFs and excel-based SWMS:
- Access, view and sign off on your SWMS while on site before demolition using a mobile or tablet, or back at the office online on your computer.
- Edit and customise the SWMS to better suit your processes with easy drag-and-drop functionality.
- Store your SWMS securely online where you can find it easily and get detailed audit trails of changes and updates.
- Download, print or send any of your safe work method statements as PDF or CSV documents with your private branding and colours.
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