Free WHS Inspection (Demolition Site) Template

Purpose of the Free WHS Inspection (Demolition Site) Template

Demolition sites are dynamic and high-risk environments where conditions can change rapidly. Conducting regular, thorough safety inspections is a cornerstone of managing these risks effectively.

This Free WHS Inspection (Demolition Site) Template provides a structured starting point for your site safety checks, helping you systematically identify hazards and document control measures. It is designed to align with Australian WHS principles and the model Code of Practice for demolition work, encouraging a proactive approach to safety management on your project.

The primary purpose of this Inspection template is to provide a systematic framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards specific to demolition activities. Demolition is classified as 'high-risk construction work' under Australian WHS regulations, involving significant risks such as unplanned structural collapse, falls from height, exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos, and interaction with heavy machinery.

Using a formal checklist ensures that key safety elements are not overlooked during routine site walks or pre-task assessments. It helps document due diligence and forms a critical part of your overall safety management plan. This also includes managing environmental risks, which you can support with resources like our Stormwater and Waterway Protection Toolbox Talk template.

How to use the Free WHS Inspection (Demolition Site) Template

This resource is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. Download the template and integrate it into your site's safety procedures.

The checklist format is designed for ease of use by supervisors, safety officers, or other competent personnel on site.

IMPORTANT: This template provides a general framework and is not exhaustive. It is essential that you customise this document to reflect the specific hazards, equipment, methodologies, and work procedures of your particular demolition site.

We are not liable for any incidents that may occur from the use of this template. For a holistic approach, this inspection document should be a component of your broader WHS management systems.

What this Inspection covers

A comprehensive demolition site inspection should cover a wide range of areas. Your customised checklist should include, but not be limited to:

• Site Security: Fencing, signage, and controls to prevent unauthorised entry.
• Hazardous Materials: Confirmation that asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, and other substances have been identified and removed or controlled.
• Structural Integrity: Assessment of the structure's stability, including any temporary supports or bracing.
• Fall Prevention: Checks for edge protection, scaffolding integrity, and safe work platforms.
• Plant and Equipment: Pre-start checks, maintenance records, and operator competency for machinery like excavators and cranes. You can formalise these checks with documents such as a free Pre-Start Checklist for an Electric Hoist for lifting equipment.
• Public Safety: Exclusion zones, overhead protection, and traffic management to protect the public.
• Emergency Preparedness: Accessibility of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and clear emergency evacuation routes.

When to use it

Regular inspections are vital for maintaining a safe demolition site. This inspection template should be used at various key stages:

• Daily: At the start of each shift to ensure the site is safe for work to begin.
• Before High-Risk Tasks: Prior to commencing specific activities like inducing a collapse or lifting heavy structural members.
• Weekly: A more thorough review of the entire site and safety systems.
• After an Incident: To identify contributing factors and prevent recurrence.
• Following Weather Events: After heavy rain or high winds that could affect site stability or environmental controls.

Consistent inspections also help maintain site security by regularly checking perimeter fencing and access points, a topic covered in our Site Security and Unauthorised Access Toolbox Talk.

Who should use it

This inspection template is intended for use by personnel with the authority and competence to identify hazards and direct corrective actions. This typically includes:

• Site Supervisors and Foremen
• Project Managers
• Work Health and Safety (WHS) Officers or Advisors
• Principal Contractors or their representatives

The person conducting the inspection must be familiar with demolition processes and relevant WHS legislation. The findings from these inspections are valuable inputs for management reviews and can be used to demonstrate compliance during a formal WHS compliance auditing process. If you need more templates and checklists, you can explore our entire free WHS resources library.