AS 2601-2001 The demolition of structures

Demolition work is to be carried out in accordance with AS 2601. If the work is not
covered by or included in AS 2601, the work must be done in a manner acceptable to the
WorkSafe Western Australia Commissioner. As compliance with AS 2601 is mandatory,
the detail of AS 2601 is not repeated in the Regulations or these Guidelines. However,
the content and safety and health issues covered in the AS 2601 are summarised below.
AS 2601 The demolition of structures:
(i)

sets out requirements for the planned demolition of buildings and certain other
structures so that the risk of injury to workers, other site personnel and the public,
and the risk of damage to adjacent property and the immediate environment is
minimised;

(ii)

covers the methods and safety procedures applicable to demolition work in

general as well as procedures for some types of structures;

(iii)

deals with manual and mechanical demolition techniques including those

employing specialised earth-moving type machinery;

(iv)

includes informative appendices covering the demolition of pre-stressed

concrete structures, some contractual considerations, a checklist for
contractors and qualifications for site personnel;

(v)

safety and health issues are addressed under the headings of:

(vi)

Health and safety of the public - covering general requirements, lighting,

falling materials, fencing, hoardings and warning notices, scaffolding,
overhead protection for footpaths, and hazardous materials and conditions;

Safety and health of site personnel - covering general safety, personal

protective clothing and equipment, cutting and welding, fire protection, first
aid, amenities, removal of hazardous material and electrical safety;

Protection of adjoining buildings and protection of immediate environment

- covering requirements relating to access and egress, damage and
structural integrity, vibration and concussion, weatherproofing, burning,
dust control, noise control, protection of public roads and protection of
sewers and water courses; and

protection of the site.

AS 2601 is not intended to apply to the demolition of road and railway bridges or of other
specialised civil engineering structures such as dams or nuclear reactors.
The regulations require a copy of AS 2601 to be at every demolition site while demolition
work is being carried out, except where the thing to be demolished is a fence or wall less
than 1.8 metres in height or a building or structure less than 2 metres in height.
A1254200
Westcentre 1260 Hay Street
West Perth WA 6005
Telephone:
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Email:
safety@commerce.wa.gov.au
Website:
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe