Free demolition permit template

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Free demolition permit template (PDF-ready). Covers asbestos assessment, services isolation, structural review and exclusion zones. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

• ✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
• ✓Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
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Benefits of using this demolition permit template

• Asbestos risk control: the permit prompts a mandatory asbestos assessment and clearance before any demolition work begins, preventing uncontrolled fibre release.
• Services isolation verification: confirms that all services (electrical, gas, water, telecommunications, fire systems) have been identified, isolated and locked out before demolition starts.
• Structural safety: requires structural engineer sign-off on the demolition methodology, sequence and temporary support requirements.
• Exclusion zone management: documents the perimeter, barriers, signage and access controls to keep unauthorised persons out of the demolition zone.
• Regulatory compliance: supports compliance with WHS Regulations, AS 2601 and state demolition codes of practice, providing documented evidence for regulators and insurers.
• Waste management: the disposal plan section ensures hazardous and general demolition waste is classified, handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

How to use this demolition permit template

1. Complete the permit details, demolition scope and list all competent persons involved. Record licence numbers for the demolition supervisor and assessor qualifications.: Assign a unique permit number and record the date, validity period, site address and project name. Describe the structure or section to be demolished, the type of demolition (mechanical, manual or implosion), the estimated duration and any key constraints such as working hours or boundary setbacks. List all competent persons involved, including the demolition supervisor (with licence class and number), structural engineer (registration number), licensed asbestos assessor and site safety officer. This information establishes the scope and accountability framework for the entire demolition activity.
2. Confirm the asbestos assessment is complete and a clearance certificate has been issued. Record the assessor, date and certificate number. Do not proceed without asbestos clearance.: Verify that a licensed asbestos assessor has completed a survey of the structure and issued a report identifying all asbestos-containing materials (ACM), their type (friable or non-friable), location and condition. If ACM is present, confirm that a licensed asbestos removalist has removed all material and that a clearance inspection has been carried out by an independent assessor. Record the clearance certificate number, assessor name and date on the permit. Under Australian WHS Regulations, no demolition work may begin until the asbestos clearance certificate has been issued.
3. Work through the services isolation checklist. Confirm each service has been identified, isolated and locked out. Mark Pass, Fail or N/A for each item. Contact relevant authorities for fire services and utilities isolation.: Check each service systematically: electrical supply confirmed de-energised by a licensed electrician with a certificate of disconnection; gas supply isolated and capped by the gas authority or a licensed gas fitter; water supply isolated at the mains; telecommunications disconnected by the provider; fire protection systems isolated with written confirmation from the fire authority and building owner; and stormwater and sewer connections addressed per local council requirements. Mark each item Pass, Fail or Not Applicable. Do not issue the permit if any critical service remains connected.
4. Confirm the structural engineer has reviewed and approved the demolition method statement, sequence and any temporary support requirements. Record the engineer name, date and approval reference.: Obtain written confirmation that the structural engineer has reviewed the demolition method statement, including the proposed sequence of demolition, temporary propping or bracing needed to maintain stability of adjacent structures, load paths during progressive demolition, and any restrictions on simultaneous loading. The engineer should confirm that the proposed method will not cause uncontrolled collapse of the structure or adjacent buildings. Record the engineer name, registration number, date of approval and the document reference on the permit.
5. Establish the exclusion zone. Define the perimeter on the site plan, erect physical barriers and signage, and assign spotters or traffic controllers as required.: Mark the exclusion zone perimeter on the site plan, extending at least 1.5 times the height of the structure being demolished (or as determined by the demolition method and risk assessment). Erect solid hoarding, chain-mesh fencing or jersey barriers to physically prevent unauthorised access. Install signage at all entry points stating "Demolition in Progress, No Unauthorised Entry." Assign trained spotters or traffic controllers at vehicle and pedestrian access points. Where the exclusion zone encroaches on public roads or footpaths, obtain the necessary road occupancy and traffic management permits from the local authority.
6. Confirm dust and noise controls are in place, the disposal plan is documented, and the pre-demolition checklist is complete. All personnel must be inducted and briefed.: Verify that dust suppression measures are ready, such as water carts, hose points at the demolition face, dust screens and boundary monitoring if required by the EPA permit. Confirm noise controls are in place, including scheduling noisy work within permitted hours, establishing hearing protection zones with signage, and notifying adjacent occupants and neighbours. Review the waste disposal plan to confirm hazardous and general waste streams have been classified, licensed transport is arranged and the disposal facility is confirmed. Walk through the pre-demolition checklist to confirm the SWMS is signed, all workers are inducted and the emergency plan is in place.
7. Obtain signatures from the demolition supervisor, structural engineer, site manager and safety officer to authorise the permit.: Each signatory reviews the completed permit and confirms that all pre-conditions, checklists and approvals are in place. The demolition supervisor signs to confirm they are satisfied all safety controls are verified and the demolition can proceed per the approved method statement. The structural engineer signs to confirm the methodology is sound. The site manager and safety officer sign to authorise the work. If any signatory identifies an unresolved issue, the permit must not be issued until it is corrected. File the signed permit on site and upload a copy to MapTrack.
8. When demolition is complete, conduct a final inspection, secure the site, close out the permit, and sign off.: Walk the demolition footprint and confirm all structural elements have been removed or stabilised as per the scope. Check that no unstable remnants, hanging debris or unsecured materials remain. Verify that temporary shoring or bracing for adjacent structures is intact. Confirm waste has been removed from the site and the disposal documentation is complete. Reinstall or verify perimeter fencing and signage. The demolition supervisor and site manager sign the close-out section of the permit with the date and time. Cancel the permit and archive the completed record for audits and regulatory inspections.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Frequently asked questions

What is a demolition permit?

A demolition permit is a formal written authorisation that must be obtained before any structural demolition work begins. It confirms that all critical safety controls are in place, including an asbestos assessment, services isolation, structural engineer review of the demolition methodology, exclusion zone establishment, dust and noise controls, and a waste disposal plan. In Australia, WHS Regulations and AS 2601 (The Demolition of Structures) require a systematic risk management approach for demolition work. The permit records the scope, competent persons, sequence and sign-off, creating a documented audit trail for regulators and insurers.

Why is an asbestos assessment required before demolition?

Australian WHS Regulations require that an asbestos assessment be carried out by a competent person before any demolition work begins on a structure built before 2004. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were widely used in Australian construction until the total ban in 2003. Demolition without proper assessment can release airborne asbestos fibres, which cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. The assessment identifies the location, type and condition of any ACM, and all asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before demolition proceeds. A clearance certificate must be issued before the demolition permit is authorised.

Who can authorise a demolition permit?

A demolition permit should be authorised by the demolition supervisor (who holds the appropriate demolition licence for the class of work), with sign-off from the structural engineer who reviewed the demolition methodology and the site manager or principal contractor. The demolition supervisor is responsible for ensuring all safety controls listed on the permit are in place before work begins. In most Australian jurisdictions, demolition of structures above a certain height or complexity requires a licensed demolition contractor and notifiable demolition work notification to the WHS regulator.

What services need to be isolated before demolition?

All services connected to the structure must be identified, isolated and confirmed disconnected before demolition begins. This includes electrical supply (confirmed de-energised by a licensed electrician), gas supply (isolated and capped by the gas authority or licensed gas fitter), water supply (isolated at the mains), telecommunications (disconnected by the service provider), fire services (isolated with notification to the fire authority and building owner), and stormwater and sewer connections (addressed per local authority requirements). The services isolation checklist on the permit must be completed and signed off before demolition is authorised.

How do I manage dust and noise during demolition?

Dust controls for demolition typically include continuous water suppression on the demolition face, enclosing the work area where practical, using dust extraction equipment, and monitoring dust levels at the site boundary. Noise controls include scheduling high-noise activities during permitted hours, using noise-attenuated equipment where available, establishing hearing protection zones with signage, and notifying neighbours before work begins. Both dust and noise must comply with EPA requirements for your jurisdiction. The demolition permit should document the specific controls in place and any conditions imposed by the local council or environmental authority.

Demolition Permit Template preview