What is demolition work?

This guide explains the typical tasks for demolition work. If you are asked to an assessment interview, some of your interview questions will be based on this information.

Demolishers completely or partly dismantle buildings and other structures using pre-planned and controlled methods. Their work often combines the structural demolition of load bearing elements with the stripping of internal fixtures and fittings, services and non‐load bearing elements.

Demolition work must consider risks to both people and property:

• Demolition work can expose workers and the public to significant risks that may cause injury or death. These risks exist whether the work is undertaken at ground level or at heights. If the work is conducted above ground level, then fall protection equipment is required.
• Demolishers must consider not only the condition of the structure to be demolished, but also the structure’s proximity to adjacent buildings and other assets that the demolition work may adversely affect, and the condition of those adjacent structures and assets.

What are the three classes of registration?

In this section, special buildings means:

• buildings of composite, precast or tilt-up panel construction; or
• buildings incorporating prestressed concrete elements; or
• stressed skin structures, chimneys, towers, masts or similar structures.

Demolisher (low rise)

People registered in the class of Demolisher (low rise) are responsible for managing, arranging and carrying out:

• the complete or part dismantling of buildings and other structures (other than special buildings) up to two storeys in height
• the demolition and stripping of internal fittings, fixtures, services and non‐load bearing elements of unoccupied buildings up to two storeys in height.

To do this work, the registered Demolisher must ensure appropriate demolition permits are in place.

Demolisher (medium rise)

People registered in the class of Demolisher (medium rise) are responsible for managing, arranging and carrying out:

• the complete or part dismantling of buildings and other structures (other than special buildings) up to five storeys in height
• the demolition and stripping of internal fittings, fixtures, services and non‐load bearing elements of unoccupied buildings up to five storeys in height.

To do this work, the registered Demolisher must ensure appropriate demolition permits are in place.

Demolisher (unlimited)

People registered in the class of Demolisher (unlimited) are responsible for managing, arranging and carrying out of:

• the complete or part dismantling of all buildings and structures, including special buildings
• the demolition and stripping of internal fittings, fixtures, services and non-load bearing elements of all buildings and structures, including special buildings.

To do this work, the Demolisher must ensure appropriate demolition permits are in place.

What do registered Demolishers need to know and do?

A registered Demolisher must have capacity to carry out, manage or arrange the following activities in a competent manner and to a professional standard:

• preparing quotes to undertake demolition work
• consulting with endorsed building engineers on proposed demolition works and processes
• developing site‐specific demolition work plans
• applying for demolition permits
• establishing and administering contracts for the provision of demolition services
• identifying site and work-related hazards, and developing risk management strategies (including identification of hazardous materials)
• developing a site‐specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
• arranging fall protection equipment
• establishing and managing an asbestos risk register (for commercial buildings and structures)
• identifying (in consultation with endorsed building engineers) suspended elements that may require propping
• undertaking manual demolition, including the dismantling or demolishing and removing of materials and component parts of a building or structure
• removing fixtures and fittings, roofs, trusses, ceilings, external and internal walls, floors and floor support systems of small buildings and structures, and sorting materials for reuse and recycling
• arranging waste transportation, disposal and transfer to landfill or recycling depots, as appropriate to the site and client requirements
• undertaking the demolition and stripping of internal fittings and non‐load bearing elements of buildings up to five storeys.

What knowledge do you need to demonstrate?

If you have successfully completed a certificate III or IV in Demolition, you will satisfy the technical knowledge requirements for registration.

If you have not completed the relevant certificate, the VBA will assess your knowledge against the competencies included in the Certificate III or IV in Demolition.