There aren’t many things you can do in a modern world without the necessary required documentation and consents. Most building structures including any demolition works automatically trigger the requirement of a building permit.

A registered practitioner undertaking demolition works has a primary duty of care under the Work Heath Safety Act to ensure workers and the public are not exposed to health and safety risks associated from the undertaking of works.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be specifically tailored for each work site and is directly correlated with the main principles mentioned in the relevant Australian Standard AS2601-2001 Demolition for structures. The importance of this document is often underestimated and particularly ignored by those who cannot comprehend the severity when incidents such as that contained within the linked article, occur. ARTICLE

“As the worker used the excavator bucket to pull down guttering at the front of the house, it struck overhead power lines. The worker heard a loud bang and saw a blue flash so he shut down the machine and got out.

The court heard that the company failed to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement for demolition before work commenced, failed to ensure the work was performed in accordance with that statement and failed to obtain a permit for the work”.

Typically, Safe Work Method Statements must contain the following:

  • Identify the type of risk (Low, Medium, High) of proposed work being done
  • Specify the health and safety hazards and risks associated from carrying out the work
  • Describe how the risks will be mitigated and controlled
  • Describe how the risk control measures will be implemented, monitored and reviewed

Other precautions are to also be considered; and may include the removal of hazardous and contaminated materials i.e. asbestos/soil, traffic management control plans, disconnection of mains (gas, electricity, water, etc.), security fencing to prevent unauthorized entry to site, adequate fire extinguisher in the event of fire and consents from council for protection of the public.

The above is to be relied upon as guidance only and it is encouraged that the registered practitioner exercises their discretion relative to the works involved. Alternatively, failing to consider the risk contingencies and appropriate measures will inevitably put all persons and their safety at risk.