Managing High-Risk Structural Lifting and Support Work

House Raising and Restumping SWMS

Compliant with Australian WHS High-Risk Construction Work Regulations
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This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a framework for the high-risk construction work of house raising and restumping. This complex operation involves lifting an entire building and replacing its foundational stumps, presenting significant risks of structural collapse, crushing injuries, and falls. This document is essential for ensuring the work is meticulously planned and executed in compliance with Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

House raising and restumping are highly specialised construction activities aimed at modifying or repairing a building's foundation. The process involves separating the house from its existing stumps, using a network of synchronised hydraulic jacks to lift the entire structure, and holding it in place with temporary supports (cribbing). Once elevated and secured, the old, often decayed or sunken stumps are removed, new footings are prepared, and new steel or timber stumps are installed. The house is then carefully lowered onto the new stumps. This work requires meticulous planning, engineering oversight, and a crew experienced in managing immense structural loads.

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Why this SWMS matters

The consequences of failure in house raising are catastrophic, making a SWMS an absolute necessity. The primary risk is the uncontrolled movement or collapse of the structure, which would almost certainly be fatal for anyone working underneath. WHS regulations classify this as high-risk construction work, mandating a SWMS. This document provides the formal, written plan to ensure the lift is executed safely. It covers critical elements like verifying the structural integrity of the building, ensuring the ground can support the immense point loads from jacks, following a precise jacking sequence to avoid over-stressing the frame, and using correctly engineered temporary supports. It is the definitive record of how these life-threatening risks will be controlled.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for House Raising and Restumping crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Catastrophic Structural Collapse

high

The building could shift, slip, or collapse during lifting or while on temporary supports due to equipment failure, ground subsidence, or an incorrect support configuration.

Consequence: Multiple fatalities, complete destruction of the property.

Crushing Injuries

high

Workers underneath or near the house can be crushed by the structure if it moves unexpectedly, or by failing jacks or supports.

Consequence: Fatal crushing injuries, amputation, severe trauma.

Hydraulic System Failure

high

A hydraulic hose can burst, or a jack can fail, leading to a sudden loss of pressure and a rapid, uncontrolled drop of the section of the house it is supporting.

Consequence: Structural collapse, violent ejection of hydraulic fluid under high pressure causing severe injection injuries.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

medium

Disturbing old building materials can expose workers to asbestos, lead paint, or hazardous dusts (silica) from old concrete stumps.

Consequence: Long-term respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis, silicosis, or lead poisoning.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Engineering Design and Supervision

Engineering

All work must be based on a certified design from a qualified structural engineer.

Implementation

1. Engage a structural engineer to design the lifting plan, jacking points, and temporary support structure. 2. The engineer must certify that the plan is safe and the structure can withstand the lifting process. 3. An engineer should ideally be on-site to supervise the critical lifting and lowering phases. 4. Do not deviate from the engineering plan without written approval from the engineer.

Controlled and Synchronised Jacking Procedure

Administrative

Lift the house slowly and evenly to avoid putting undue stress on the building frame.

Implementation

1. Use a synchronised hydraulic jacking system that allows for controlled, even lifting across all points. 2. Lift the house in small increments (e.g., 50-100mm at a time). 3. After each small lift, pause to install or adjust temporary cribbing and supports. 4. Continuously monitor the structure for any signs of stress, cracking, or movement.

Exclusion Zones and Confined Space Management

Isolation

Prevent personnel from being in hazardous locations during critical operations.

Implementation

1. Establish and enforce a strict exclusion zone around and under the house. 2. No worker is to be under the house during the actual lifting or lowering process. 3. Treat the underfloor area as a confined space. Access is only permitted once the structure is confirmed to be stable and securely supported on temporary cribbing. 4. Maintain clear communication between the jack operator and workers at all times.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Administrative

Ensure all lifting equipment is certified, maintained, and fit for purpose.

Implementation

1. Use only certified and load-rated hydraulic jacks, beams, and supports. 2. Inspect all hydraulic hoses, fittings, and jacks for leaks or damage before each use. 3. Ensure jacks are placed on solid, level footings capable of bearing the load without subsiding. 4. Maintain a logbook of all equipment inspection and maintenance.

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Personal protective equipment

Hard Hat

Requirement: AS/NZS 1801

When: Mandatory for all personnel on site due to the high risk of falling objects.

Steel-Capped Safety Boots

Requirement: AS/NZS 2210.3

When: Mandatory at all times to protect against crushing hazards from heavy materials.

Safety Glasses

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1

When: Required when cutting, grinding, or performing any task that could create dust or projectiles.

P2 Dust Mask

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716

When: When working in the underfloor area or cutting materials that may generate hazardous dust (e.g., concrete, old timber).

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Confirm all services (electricity, gas, water, sewer) have been professionally disconnected and made safe.
  • ✓Verify the engineering plan has been received and is understood by the entire crew.
  • ✓Inspect the ground conditions at all jacking and support points to ensure they are stable.
  • ✓Conduct a thorough inspection of all jacks, hoses, beams, and cribbing material before use.

During work

  • ✓Continuously monitor the building for any signs of distress (e.g., cracking plaster, doors jamming).
  • ✓Check hydraulic lines for leaks and monitor pressure gauges.
  • ✓Ensure temporary supports are being placed correctly and are stable as the lift progresses.
  • ✓Monitor weather conditions and cease operations in high winds or heavy rain.

After work

  • ✓After lowering, inspect the house to ensure it is sitting securely on the new stumps.
  • ✓Check that all new stumps are plumb and properly braced.
  • ✓Conduct a final inspection of the work area to ensure all temporary supports and equipment have been removed.
  • ✓Ensure the site is left in a clean and safe condition.

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Preparation and Service Disconnection

Prepare the site by providing clear access for equipment and materials. Excavate around stumps as required. Critically, ensure a qualified professional disconnects all services, including electricity, water, gas, and sewerage, before any structural work begins.

Safety considerations

Attempting to lift a house with services still connected can lead to ruptured pipes, gas leaks, or electrocution. This step must be formally signed off.

2

Positioning of Lifting Beams and Jacks

Following the engineer's plan, insert the main steel lifting beams under the house at the designated structural points. Position the hydraulic jacks under the beams, ensuring they are on solid, level footings designed to spread the load.

Safety considerations

Incorrect placement of beams or jacks can over-stress the building frame, causing it to crack or fail. The ground under the jacks must be firm enough to prevent subsidence.

3

The Lift and Temporary Support

From a central control point, operate the jacks in a synchronised manner to lift the house slowly and evenly. Lift in small increments (50-100mm). After each increment, pause the lift and install temporary supports (cribbing) next to the jacks. No one is permitted under the house during this phase.

Safety considerations

A slow, controlled lift is essential. The person operating the jacks must have a clear view of the entire operation and be in constant communication with the crew.

4

Restumping and Lowering

Once the house is securely resting on the temporary cribbing, workers can access the underfloor area to remove old stumps, prepare new footings, and install the new stumps. Once all new stumps are in place and secure, reverse the lifting process, lowering the house in small increments and removing cribbing as you go.

Safety considerations

Never work under a house that is supported only by hydraulic jacks. It must be securely supported on solid, stable cribbing before any access is permitted.

5

Reconnection and Final Checks

After the house is securely on its new stumps, remove all lifting equipment. Arrange for qualified professionals to reconnect all services. Conduct a final check of the entire structure, ensuring the house is level and all work has been completed as per the engineering design.

Safety considerations

Do not re-occupy the house until all services have been safely reconnected and certified by the relevant trades.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important control for house raising?

Having the entire process designed and supervised by a qualified structural engineer. Their expertise is essential for calculating loads, determining jacking points, and designing the temporary support structure. Attempting this work without an engineering plan is extremely reckless.

What is 'cribbing'?

Cribbing is a temporary structure made by stacking blocks of timber or composite material in a crisscross pattern. It is used to support the immense weight of the house after it has been lifted by jacks. It is more stable and reliable than relying on hydraulic pressure alone.

Can I be under the house while it is being lifted?

No. No one should be under the house during the dynamic phases of lifting or lowering. Access is only permitted once the house is stationary and securely supported on the temporary cribbing structure, and has been declared safe by the site supervisor.

What happens if a hydraulic hose bursts?

A burst hose will cause a sudden loss of pressure in that jack, causing that part of the house to drop. This is why lifting in small increments and immediately installing solid cribbing is vital. The cribbing catches the load, preventing a catastrophic collapse. It also highlights the importance of inspecting all hydraulic equipment before use.

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Overview of House Raising and Restumping

House raising and restumping are major structural renovation processes. Raising involves lifting the entire house structure off its foundations to increase its height, often to build underneath or move the house. Restumping (or reblocking) involves replacing the existing stumps or piers that support the house, which may have rotted or subsided over time. The process requires hydraulic jacks, extensive temporary supports (cribbing), and often excavation. It is a highly specialised task that demands engineering oversight and a deep understanding of structural loads.

Why a SWMS is Critical for This Work

A SWMS is non-negotiable for house raising and restumping because a miscalculation or procedural error can lead to catastrophic structural failure. The entire weight of the house is transferred onto temporary supports, and any instability can cause the building to shift or collapse, with a high probability of causing fatalities. This SWMS is a legal requirement that formalises the safety-critical sequence of operations. It ensures that engineering designs are followed, jack capacities are not exceeded, temporary supports are correctly placed, and the structure is monitored for movement at all times. It is the primary tool for managing the immense risks involved and demonstrating that the PCBU has taken every reasonable step to prevent a disaster.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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