Demolition

There are two types of demolition licence (Class 1 and Class 2). Each licence is valid for a period of three years and is endorsed with a number of conditions and legislation that relate to the way demolition work is carried out in Western Australia.

A demolition licence is required for the demolition or dismantling of:

• a structure 2 metres or higher which is not a single storey dwelling, or
• a fence or wall 1.8 metres or higher.

It is an offence to do any of the work described as Class 1 or Class 2 demolition work unless licensed to do the work.

Class 1 demolition work

Class 1 demolition work is work:

• comprising the total demolition of a building or structure that is 10 metres or more in height when measured from the lowest ground level of the building or structure to the highest part of the building or structure
• comprising the partial demolition of a building or structure that is 10 metres or more in height when measured from the lowest ground level of the building or structure to the highest part of the building or structure
• affecting the structural integrity of the building or structure
• comprising the total or partial demolition of a building or structure
• involving the use of load shifting equipment on a suspended floor
• comprising the total or partial demolition of pre-tensioned or post-tensioned structural components of a building or structure
• comprising the total or partial demolition of a building or structure containing precast concrete elements erected by the tilt-up method of construction
• involving the removal of key structural members of a building or structure so that the whole or a part of the building or structure collapses
• done to a building or structure involving explosives
• comprising the demolition or partial demolition of a building or structure that involves the use of a tower crane or any crane with a safe working load greater than 100 tonnes
• involving the removal of an area of brittle or fragile roofing material in excess of 200m² from a building or structure if any part of the area to be removed is 10 metres or more above the lowest ground level of the building or structure.

Class 2 demolition work

'Class 2' means demolition work comprising the total or partial demolition of a building or structure that is less than 10 metres in height when measured from the lowest ground level of the building or structure to the highest part of the building or structure but does not include:

• the total or partial demolition of a single storey dwelling
• work of a kind referred to in paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), or (8) of the definition of 'Class 1'.

'Licensed person', in relation to Class 1 or Class 2 demolition work, means a person who has been issued with a licence that allows that person to do that class of demolition work.

'Licence' means a licence issued under regulation 142S, that is, a person who satisfies the WorkSafe Commissioner that they are able to do that class of demolition work in a safe and proper manner.

When is a licence not required?

A licence is not required for demolition work on:

• a fence or wall less than 1.8 metres in height
• a structure less than 2 metres in height
• a structure by a person in the metal fabrication or engineering industry in the course of maintaining, refurbishing, upgrading, modifying or decommissioning plant.

Nominated supervisors 

Applicants for demolition licences must engage a nominated supervisor. If the applicant is an individual, they may be the nominated supervisor but must meet the requirements of experience and training. Individual applicants may also engage a different person as the nominated supervisor. Demolition licence holders can only engage one nominated supervisor at a time.

Mutual recognition of licences

Under mutual recognition, an individual who is registered for an occupation in one State or Territory is entitled to a registration in a second State for an equivalent occupation, without further assessment of their qualifications, skills or experience.

Learn more about mutual recognition and automatic mutual recognition. 

Compliance requirements

The WorkSafe Commissioner must be notified at least 5 working days before any Class 1 or Class 2 demolition work is intended to begin.

A copy of the notification form must be kept at the demolition site while the work is being done. A copy of Australian Standard AS 2601 The demolition of structures and a copy of the workplan required by the Regulations must also be kept at the site.