3 . PLANNING THE DEMOLITION WORK
TECHNICAL STANDARDS Demolition specifications and procedures should be designed in accordance with acceptable engineering principles and published technical standards . Engineering principles would include , for example , mathematical or scientific procedures outlined in an engineering reference manual or standard .
3.4 Safe Work Method Statements
If the demolition work is or involves high risk construction work , a person conducting a business or undertaking must prepare a SWMS before the work starts . The SWMS must :
• identify the type of high risk construction work being done
• specify the health and safety hazards and risks arising from that work
• describe how the risks will be controlled
• describe how the control measures will be implemented , monitored and reviewed , and
• be developed in consultation with workers and their representatives who are carrying out the high risk construction work .
One SWMS can be prepared to cover all high risk construction work being carried out at the workplace by contractors and / or subcontractors . For example , demolition work might involve a number of types of high risk construction work , including work that :
• involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
• involves , or is likely to involve , the disturbance of asbestos
• involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
• is carried out on or near a confined space
• involves the use of explosives
• is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
• is carried out on or near chemical , fuel or refrigerant lines
• is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services
• is carried out at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant .
In this case , the contractors or subcontractors can consult and cooperate to prepare one SWMS . Alternatively they can prepare separate SWMS . If they choose to do this they must consult with each other to ensure all SWMS are consistent and they are not creating unintended additional risks at the workplace .
Further guidance on SWMS and an example SWMS template is available in the Code of Practice : Construction Work .
12 CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK