Demolition Safety Considerations and Information

When it comes to demolition, there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than most people realise. At Get It Away, we don’t just knock things down — we do it with purpose, precision, and most importantly, with safety at the core of everything we do. I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that one careless decision can change everything. That’s why we approach every single job site with caution, respect for the environment around us, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our team, our clients, and the public.

Site Safety Assessment

Before we so much as touch a wall, we conduct a full safety assessment of the site. This includes structural analysis, identifying the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos, mapping out access and egress points, and evaluating any risks tied to the surrounding environment. We’ve developed our own internal Demolition Safety Policy, which every member of our crew is trained in and adheres to on every job — no exceptions. It’s a step-by-step framework that covers everything from pre-demolition planning and hazard identification to PPE requirements and emergency protocols.

One of the most important things we do is communicate. Clear and early communication with clients, neighbours, and local councils means we can coordinate work around community needs and reduce disruption. For larger demolitions, we carry out pre-works notifications and even temporary safety fencing to keep the site secure before work begins. And when it comes to traffic and public safety, we work closely with traffic management specialists if the project borders roads or footpaths.

What people might not see is how much prep goes into the machinery and equipment we use. Every excavator, tipper, and tool is checked and serviced before heading to site. We have a strict maintenance regime because we know that a safe job starts with reliable equipment. We also ensure that only qualified operators handle heavy machinery — no cutting corners.

Dust suppression is another area we take very seriously. Whether we’re doing a full residential knockdown or a tight-access site clearance, we use water spray systems and mesh netting to control debris. Airborne particles can be harmful, especially in built-up areas, and we never take that risk lightly. It’s about doing the job properly, not just quickly.

Waste management

Demolition produces a lot of material, but we’re committed to sustainable practices — that means sorting, recycling, and responsibly disposing of debris. Our team is trained to separate recyclable materials like brick, concrete, and steel on-site. What can’t be reused goes straight to licensed disposal facilities, and we provide full documentation for transparency.

Our team is our biggest asset, and we look after each other. Every site starts with a toolbox talk — we walk through the day’s plan, highlight potential risks, and assign responsibilities. If someone spots a hazard mid-job, they’re empowered to call a stop and reassess. No questions asked. That culture of safety is something we’re proud of.

At Get It Away, demolition isn’t just about clearing space. Demolition is about doing it the right way. We believe that with the right planning, experience, and commitment to safety, any site can be transformed smoothly and responsibly. That’s how we’ve built trust across Sydney, and that’s the standard we bring to every single project. If you’re considering demolition or excavation, let’s talk. We’ll walk you through the process with honesty, professionalism, and care, because safety should never be negotiable.

Our Commitment to NSW Government Compliance in Demolition & Excavation

At Get It Away, every project we take on across Sydney and greater New South Wales is carried out with total compliance to government regulations. We understand the weight of responsibility that comes with demolition and excavation work — it’s not just about clearing a site, it’s about doing it legally, safely, and with accountability to the communities and environments we operate in.

Working With SafeWork NSW: Safety Is Non-Negotiable

From day one, we’ve built our processes around strict safety protocols. SafeWork NSW plays a major role in how we plan and execute demolition and excavation jobs. Our team follows structured procedures, carries the right certifications, and undertakes regular training to keep up with safety legislation. Whether we’re removing a simple structure or preparing a site for large-scale construction, our safety assessments, job-specific risk controls, and method statements are all aligned with the law.

For projects that fall under high-risk categories — such as tall buildings or sites involving hazardous materials — we notify SafeWork NSW well in advance. This not only ensures we’re compliant, but it also gives our clients peace of mind knowing that everything has been properly registered and approved.

Council Approvals and Local Requirements

Each council in New South Wales has its own planning rules, and we handle all the necessary checks before work begins. Whether your site is in a residential street or a commercial zone, we liaise directly with the relevant local council to confirm that all zoning, usage, and planning regulations are followed. If demolition requires a Development Application or a Complying Development Certificate, we take care of it for you.

In cases where a building is heritage-listed or sits within a conservation area, we prepare the detailed documentation councils require and manage the process of obtaining consent. This includes ensuring that demolition doesn’t begin until we’ve met every legal and procedural condition.

Managing Noise, Dust, and Site Disruption

We respect the people and places we work near. That means sticking to permitted work hours, using low-noise equipment, and keeping dust levels under control. We use water suppression systems, cover debris in transit, and monitor conditions throughout the job to reduce environmental impact. Our trucks are cleaned down before leaving site, and all waste is sorted for recycling or taken to licensed facilities.

Local councils often set clear boundaries on when we can work, how loud we can be, and how we manage disruptions. We not only follow these requirements to the letter — we go a step further. We notify neighbours ahead of time if needed, and we take feedback seriously, because we know that good relationships matter just as much as good results.

Licensing, Training, and Professional Oversight

You’re in safe hands when you choose Get It Away. We hold all required licences for demolition and excavation under NSW law, and every team member who operates machinery or handles high-risk work is certified. Before stepping on site, our crew is briefed with a tailored safety plan. Throughout the job, we carry out regular toolbox talks, maintain communication across all roles, and keep our standards high — not just because we’re required to, but because it’s how we work.

We also review our own performance. Post-job audits, incident prevention reviews, and internal reporting help us continuously improve. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties — for us, it’s a reflection of the care and pride we put into our work.

Environmental Responsibility: No Corners Cut

Waste, pollution, and site cleanliness are all part of the broader responsibilities we carry. Site remediation and site cleaning are an important factor of demolition projects.

NSW regulations make it clear: all materials removed during demolition must be disposed of legally and responsibly. We don’t just meet that standard — we exceed it. Our team tracks and records every load that leaves site, making sure it ends up at the correct destination. We also prioritise recycling, separating bricks, metal, concrete, and timber wherever possible.

Air quality matters too. By using misting equipment and barrier screening, we minimise dust and airborne debris. Our clients often tell us they’re surprised at how tidy and controlled our demolition sites are — and that’s exactly the result we aim for.

Demolition That Meets Every Obligation — And Goes Beyond

Navigating government regulations in NSW can be complex — but it’s second nature to us. We know the legislation. We’ve built long-standing relationships with councils and regulators. And we’ve earned a reputation for doing things properly, with no shortcuts. Whether you’re planning to demolish a home, an office block, or a small commercial structure, you can rely on Get It Away to manage the process from start to finish — safely, legally, and with respect for everyone involved.

If you’d like a consultation, we’re ready to walk you through the steps, permits, and requirements tailored to your site. Contact us today.