Apply for demolition licence

When is a Demolition Licence Required?

A demolition licence is required for certain demolition work regulated by WorkSafe WA.

Class 1 Demolition Licence

Required for higher-risk demolition work, including:

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

Class 2 demolition work 

Is work comprising demolition work involving a structure that is less than 10 metres in height when measured from the lowest ground level of the structure to the
highest part of the structure, excluding:

• demolition work involving a single storey dwelling;
• demolition work on a structure; and involving the use of load shifting equipment on a suspended floor;
• demolition work on pre-tensioned or post-tensioned structural components of a structure; demolition work on a structure containing precast concrete elements erected by the tilt-up method of construction;
• work involving the removal of key structural members of a structure so that the whole or a part of the structure collapses;
• work done to a structure involving explosives;
• work comprising demolition work on a structure that involves the use of a tower crane or any crane with a safe working load greater than 100 tonnes.

Typical Class 2 projects may include:

• Small commercial buildings 
• Low-rise industrial structures 
• Warehouses and sheds 
• Internal structural demolition 
• Smaller-scale demolition projects

When is a Licence Not Required?

A demolition licence is generally not required for:

• 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.
• Demolition involving a single story dwelling - Regulation 142C (1) (a)
• the dismantling of formwork, falsework, scaffolding or other structures designed or used to provide support, access or containment during construction work, or
• the removal of power, light or telecommunication poles

Where demolition work other than Class 1 or Class 2 demolition work is carried out, the PCBU or principal contractor must ensure the work is carried out in accordance with AS 2601.

How to apply

Read the Applicant guide.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you meet the licence and supervisor requirements.

Step 2: Nominate a Supervisor

Demolition licence holders can only engage one nominated supervisor at a time.

Every application must include a Nominated Supervisor (which can be you). Individual applicants may engage a different person as the nominated supervisor. 

The nominated supervisor is responsible for overseeing demolition work and must demonstrate competency in safe demolition practices.

The nominated supervisor must provide:

• Proof of identification
• Evidence of competency of the below units issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Equivalent units may also be accepted.
  • CPCCWHS2001 — Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures 
  • CPCCCM2009 — Carry out basic demolition 
• Recent demolition experience relevant to the licence class being applied for
  • Experience must be a minimum of three (3) substantial jobs within the past 5 years, in the class for which you are applying. Note: Demolition jobs will be referenced against Demolition of Work Notifications submitted to the WorkSafe Commissioner under regulation 142F.
• Two written references by two separate referees confirming the experience listed on the Statement of Experience. 
  • Referees should:
  • Have direct knowledge of the work completed, be independent and credible and be able to verify project details and responsibilities provided in the nominated supervisor experience 
  • Referees need to: 
    • explain of the referee’s relationship and the capacity to independently verify and endorse the nominated supervisor’s experience 
    • the type of work completed by the nominated supervisor i.e. occupation, duties, roles, and responsibilities; 
    • the start and finish date of each project the referee is verifying; 
    • verify the address of each demolition project listed on the Statement of Experience;
    • Full name, email address, and telephone number of the referee.
    • Sign and date the reference.
  • Referees may be contacted by Licensing Services to verify your experience. 

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

• Provide evidence of a safety Management Plan 
  • Must address all of the following management criteria in relation to the class of demolition work applied for:
    • Planning
    • Consultation
    • Hazard management 
    • Training
• If using a business trading name, provide a business extract issued by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).

Step 4: Complete the application form 

Complete all sections of the application form. Provide as much detail as possible. For further assistance completing this application consult the Application guide or contact us. 

• Application form for a demolition licence [Class 1 and Class 2]

Step 5: Apply for your licence

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