Demolition work involves many hazards and risks and when managed poorly, demolition work can have catastrophic outcomes and pose serious threats to the health of both members of the public and to employees. 

As such, demolition is defined as high risk construction work in the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic). As a result, employers who perform high risk construction work must prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS), prior to commencing any demolition work. The SWMS should be completed in consultation with the employees who will be performing the demolition work.

Prior to its commencement, duty holders must ensure that any hazardous substances, such as lead and asbestos, are safely removed or contained to prevent risks of ill health to employees and other persons. When it is unclear whether a product may have asbestos containing material (ACM), you should assume that it does until it is disproven, which can only happen by arranging for the material to be sampled in a NATA approved laboratory.

Partial demolition of structures can create risks of undermining the existing structural integrity of buildings. In these cases, engineering advice is essential. Additional bracing, props and supports may be required to be fitted to the remaining structure. If that's the case, this should be documented on plans and SWMS. Remember, setting up temporary supports to prevent structural collapse is in itself a form of high-risk construction work.

Demolition of a house often involves the use of large excavators. No other works should be undertaken during demolition on small residential projects. This is because it is difficult to separate people from plant, falling objects, dust, noise and other hazards associated with demolition on residential lots.

Before any demolition work starts, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring that the demolition contractor is licensed to perform the work;
• Ensuring that a demolition permit has been sought;
• Ensuring that a SWMS has been developed by the demolition contractor;
• Ensuring that a hazardous materials survey (HAZMAT) has been completed to identify the likely presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead;
• Arranging for a suitably qualified, competent and licensed company to remove the hazardous materials;
• Ensuring the hazardous materials are being disposed of correctly (obtain EPA waste certificates or similar);
• Ensuring that the site is appropriately fenced;
• Ensuring that the contractor has processes in place to reduce noise and dust generation.