Australia Demolition Safety Checklist (AS 2601)

This demolition safety checklist ensures compliance with AS 2601 (The Demolition of Structures), WHS Regulations, SafeWork Australia Demolition Work Code of Practice, and relevant state/territory requirements. Demolition work is classified as high-risk construction work requiring a SWMS. An asbestos survey must be completed before demolition of any structure built before 2003.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Before demolition / Daily during works
Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
Role: Demolition Supervisor / WHS Officer
Total Items: 29
Compliance: AS 2601, WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Demolition Work Code of Practice, How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice

Pre-Demolition Planning

Planning requirements before demolition per AS 2601.

Written demolition work plan prepared?
Structural engineering assessment completed?
Asbestos survey completed (pre-2003 buildings)?
All services disconnected (gas, water, electrical, comms)?
SWMS prepared for high-risk demolition work?

Permits & Notifications

Required permits and regulatory notifications.

Council/authority demolition approval obtained?
WHS regulator notified (if required)?
Licensed asbestos removalist engaged (if ACM present)?
Demolition contractor holds required licence/registration?
Adjacent property owners notified?

Site Controls & Barriers

Site security and public protection.

Hoarding/fencing installed around demolition zone?
Exclusion zone established and enforced?
Public pedestrian/traffic protection in place?
Dust suppression measures operational?
Noise management plan in place (working hours)?

Structural Stability During Demolition

Ongoing structural stability monitoring.

Demolition sequence being followed per plan?
Temporary supports in place where required?
Adjacent structures monitored for cracking/movement?
Floor loading not exceeded from debris accumulation?

Hazardous Materials Management

Hazardous material handling during demolition.

All identified asbestos removed before demolition?
Lead paint managed per applicable guidelines?
Synthetic mineral fibres (SMF) managed?
PCB-containing materials identified and removed?
Waste classified and disposed at licensed facility?

Plant & Equipment

Plant safety during demolition operations.

Plant suitable for demolition method?
ROPS/FOPS fitted to plant in demolition zone?
Plant operators qualified and experienced in demolition?
Spotters assigned for plant movements?
Additional observations