12 Aug Demolition – JSA

Demolition Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job / Task

Planning, preparing, dismantling, cutting, breaking, removing, and disposing of structures, building components, equipment, concrete, masonry, piping, and other materials during demolition activities.

Purpose

This Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifies hazards associated with demolition and establishes controls to prevent structural collapse, falls, struck-by and caught-between injuries, utility contact, hazardous-material exposure, fire, equipment incidents, and other demolition-related injuries.

Personnel Qualifications

Demolition work shall be performed by trained employees under appropriate competent-person supervision. Required engineering surveys, utility controls, permits, hazardous-material assessments, and task-specific procedures shall be completed before demolition begins.

Employees involved in demolition shall:

• Understand the demolition sequence, structural hazards, exclusion zones, and emergency procedures.
• Use only tools and equipment for which they are trained and authorized.
• Recognize unstable structures, unsupported materials, falling-object hazards, and changing conditions.
• Follow required fall-protection, respiratory-protection, hot-work, and energy-control procedures.
• Remain outside barricaded or controlled demolition zones unless authorized.
• Immediately report unexpected utilities, hazardous materials, structural movement, or unsafe conditions.
• Stop work when the planned demolition sequence or required controls cannot be maintained.

Required PPE

PPE shall be selected based on the demolition activity and exposure assessment and may include:

• Hard hat.
• Safety glasses with side protection and face shield where required.
• Safety footwear.
• High-visibility apparel where exposed to vehicles or mobile equipment.
• Cut-resistant or task-appropriate work gloves.
• Hearing protection.
• Respiratory protection when required by the exposure assessment and respiratory-protection program.
• Fall-protection equipment where required.
• Protective clothing appropriate for chemical, lead, asbestos, silica, or other identified exposures.
• Additional task-specific PPE identified by the hazard assessment.

JSA – Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Step 1 – Conduct the Engineering Survey

Potential Hazards

• Unexpected structural collapse.
• Unrecognized structural weakness.
• Falling materials.

Required Controls

• Have a competent person conduct the required engineering survey before demolition begins.
• Evaluate floors, walls, framing, roofs, foundations, and adjacent structures for stability.
• Identify damaged, fire-weakened, deteriorated, or overloaded structural components.
• Determine the demolition sequence and required temporary supports or bracing.
• Document and communicate conditions that could affect safe demolition.

Step 2 – Review Hazardous Materials

Potential Hazards

• Asbestos exposure.
• Lead exposure.
• Silica exposure.
• Chemical or biological exposure.

Required Controls

• Review available surveys, records, labels, and site information for hazardous materials.
• Identify asbestos-containing material, lead-containing coatings, silica-containing materials, chemicals, refrigerants, mercury, PCBs, mold, and other potential hazards as applicable.
• Complete required sampling or assessment before disturbing suspect materials.
• Use qualified personnel and required controls for regulated material removal.
• Stop work if unexpected suspect material is discovered.

Step 3 – Identify and Control Utilities

Potential Hazards

• Electrocution.
• Fire or explosion.
• Flooding.
• Hazardous release.

Required Controls

• Identify electrical, gas, water, steam, sewer, communication, process, and other utilities serving the demolition area.
• Shut off, cap, disconnect, or otherwise control utilities before demolition where required.
• Verify energy isolation before employees begin work.
• Clearly identify utilities that must remain active and protect them from damage.
• Use lockout/tagout or other applicable energy-control procedures.

Step 4 – Establish the Demolition Work Zone

Potential Hazards

• Public or employee struck-by.
• Unauthorized entry.
• Falling debris.

Required Controls

• Establish barricades, fencing, warning signs, and controlled access around the demolition area.
• Define exclusion zones based on expected debris fall, equipment movement, and structural hazards.
• Provide controlled entry points.
• Protect adjacent occupied areas, pedestrian routes, and traffic.
• Maintain barriers throughout demolition and adjust them as conditions change.

Step 5 – Conduct the Pre-Task Briefing

Potential Hazards

• Miscommunication.
• Incorrect demolition sequence.
• Unrecognized hazards.

Required Controls

• Review the planned sequence, employee assignments, equipment, utilities, structural conditions, and exclusion zones.
• Discuss fall, struck-by, caught-between, silica, noise, and other task-specific hazards.
• Review communication methods and emergency procedures.
• Identify the competent person and other responsible personnel.
• Update the briefing whenever conditions or the demolition plan changes.

Step 6 – Inspect Tools and Equipment

Potential Hazards

• Tool failure.
• Electrical shock.
• Unexpected equipment movement.

Required Controls

• Inspect hand tools, power tools, demolition equipment, cords, hoses, guards, and attachments before use.
• Remove defective equipment from service.
• Verify guards and safety devices are installed and functional.
• Use the correct tool and attachment for the material and task.
• Inspect mobile equipment in accordance with applicable pre-use requirements.

Step 7 – Provide Safe Access

Potential Hazards

• Falls.
• Trips.
• Blocked emergency egress.

Required Controls

• Establish safe access routes before work begins.
• Keep stairs, ladders, walkways, and exits clear of debris.
• Do not use damaged stairs, floors, ladders, or structural members for access.
• Provide temporary access systems when existing access is unsafe.
• Maintain emergency egress throughout demolition.

Step 8 – Install Fall Protection

Potential Hazards

• Fall from elevation.
• Fall through openings.

Required Controls

• Identify elevated work, floor openings, roof edges, wall openings, and other fall exposures.
• Install guardrails, covers, personal fall-arrest systems, or other required protection before exposure.
• Secure and mark floor-hole covers as required.
• Use approved anchorage points.
• Inspect fall-protection equipment before use.

Step 9 – Remove Nonstructural Components

Potential Hazards

• Falling objects.
• Sharp edges.
• Unexpected component release.

Required Controls

• Remove fixtures, doors, windows, ceilings, partitions, piping, and similar components in a controlled sequence.
• Determine how components are supported before cutting or removing fasteners.
• Keep personnel clear of the drop zone.
• Lower large or heavy components rather than allowing uncontrolled falls.
• Use mechanical assistance for heavy or awkward materials.

Step 10 – Perform Manual Demolition

Potential Hazards

• Struck-by.
• Flying debris.
• Musculoskeletal injury.
• Loss of balance.

Required Controls

• Use appropriate hand tools and maintain stable footing.
• Maintain adequate spacing between employees using striking tools.
• Direct debris away from employees and occupied areas.
• Do not work beneath other demolition activities unless protected from falling objects.
• Rotate tasks or use mechanical methods where repetitive or high-force work creates excessive ergonomic exposure.

Step 11 – Use Power Tools

Potential Hazards

• Cuts.
• Amputation.
• Flying particles.
• Noise.
• Electrical shock.

Required Controls

• Inspect tools and guards before use.
• Use required eye, face, hearing, and respiratory protection.
• Keep hands clear of cutting and rotating parts.
• Control cords and hoses to prevent damage and trip hazards.
• Disconnect or isolate energy before changing blades, bits, or accessories.

Step 12 – Perform Concrete / Masonry Demolition

Potential Hazards

• Silica dust.
• Flying fragments.
• Structural collapse.
• Noise.

Required Controls

• Evaluate the structural role of walls, slabs, beams, and masonry before removal.
• Use wet methods, local exhaust, or other required silica controls.
• Establish exclusion zones for flying and falling debris.
• Do not undermine or remove structural support contrary to the approved sequence.
• Use equipment and attachments designed for concrete or masonry demolition.

Step 13 – Cut Structural Members

Potential Hazards

• Sudden release of stored load.
• Structural collapse.
• Falling member.

Required Controls

• Determine the load and support condition before cutting structural members.
• Provide temporary bracing, rigging, or support where required.
• Cut members in the planned sequence.
• Keep employees outside the expected fall or swing path.
• Do not cut a member that supports employees, equipment, or remaining structure unless adequately supported.

Step 14 – Perform Hot Work During Demolition

Potential Hazards

• Fire.
• Explosion.
• Burns.
• Fume exposure.

Required Controls

• Follow the hot-work permit procedure where required.
• Remove or protect combustible materials.
• Verify tanks, piping, vessels, and enclosed components are safe before cutting or heating.
• Provide fire extinguishing equipment and a fire watch when required.
• Control welding and cutting fumes through ventilation and respiratory protection as necessary.

Step 15 – Demolish Walls

Potential Hazards

• Wall collapse.
• Falling debris.
• Worker struck-by.

Required Controls

• Determine wall construction, support, and stability before demolition.
• Do not leave unstable wall sections standing without adequate bracing.
• Use controlled methods that direct collapse into designated areas.
• Keep employees out of the wall fall zone.
• Do not overload floors with demolished wall material.

Step 16 – Demolish Floors and Roofs

Potential Hazards

• Fall through weakened surface.
• Collapse.
• Falling debris.

Required Controls

• Evaluate structural capacity before employees or equipment access floors or roofs.
• Barricade and protect openings created during demolition.
• Do not allow excessive debris accumulation.
• Use fall protection where required.
• Maintain safe support and access as demolition progresses.

Step 17 – Use Mechanical Demolition Equipment

Potential Hazards

• Equipment rollover.
• Struck-by.
• Structural collapse onto equipment.

Required Controls

• Use trained and authorized operators.
• Inspect the equipment and work area before operation.
• Position equipment on stable ground outside unsafe collapse zones.
• Maintain adequate clearance from structures, excavations, overhead lines, and personnel.
• Use spotters where visibility or clearance is restricted.

Step 18 – Use Excavators / Demolition Attachments

Potential Hazards

• Flying debris.
• Falling structure.
• Attachment failure.
• Struck-by.

Required Controls

• Use attachments compatible with the carrier and intended demolition task.
• Maintain the cab and operator outside the anticipated collapse zone.
• Keep personnel outside the equipment swing radius and debris zone.
• Avoid pulling structural components toward the operator station.
• Inspect couplers, pins, hydraulic systems, and protective guarding before use.

Step 19 – Control Falling Debris

Potential Hazards

• Struck-by injury.
• Property damage.
• Blocked access.

Required Controls

• Use controlled lowering, chutes, barricaded drop zones, or mechanical handling as appropriate.
• Do not throw debris into areas where employees could be exposed.
• Guard openings used for debris disposal.
• Maintain exclusion zones below elevated demolition.
• Control debris so it does not damage utilities or adjacent structures.

Step 20 – Use Debris Chutes

Potential Hazards

• Falling material.
• Chute failure.
• Dust exposure.

Required Controls

• Secure chutes to adequate structural supports.
• Guard chute openings at elevated levels.
• Barricade the discharge area.
• Do not allow debris to accumulate to a level that blocks or overloads the chute.
• Control dust at loading and discharge points.

Step 21 – Manage Debris and Housekeeping

Potential Hazards

• Trips.
• Cuts.
• Fire.
• Floor overload.

Required Controls

• Remove debris regularly to prevent excessive accumulation.
• Separate sharp, combustible, hazardous, and recyclable materials as required.
• Do not overload floors, platforms, dumpsters, or containers.
• Keep access routes, stairs, ladders, and exits clear.
• Remove protruding nails or otherwise protect employees from puncture hazards.

Step 22 – Load Demolition Debris

Potential Hazards

• Falling material.
• Equipment collision.
• Overloaded truck or container.

Required Controls

• Establish a controlled loading zone.
• Keep personnel clear of loaders, excavators, trucks, and suspended loads.
• Load containers and trucks evenly and within rated capacities.
• Prevent debris from extending or falling from transport vehicles unless properly secured.
• Use spotters where equipment visibility is restricted.

Step 23 – Control Dust and Airborne Contaminants

Potential Hazards

• Silica exposure.
• Lead or asbestos exposure.
• Reduced visibility.

Required Controls

• Use wet methods, local exhaust, isolation, or other engineering controls appropriate to the material.
• Do not use compressed air for cleaning where it creates hazardous airborne dust unless specifically permitted with effective controls.
• Use respiratory protection when required by the exposure assessment.
• Prevent dust migration into occupied or public areas.
• Maintain adequate visibility for employees and equipment operators.

Step 24 – Work Adjacent to Occupied Areas

Potential Hazards

• Public exposure.
• Noise.
• Dust.
• Falling objects.

Required Controls

• Separate demolition activities from occupied areas using suitable barriers.
• Control dust, noise, vibration, and debris migration.
• Coordinate shutdowns, access restrictions, and high-hazard work with occupants or site management.
• Maintain safe emergency exits for occupied areas.
• Stop work if demolition creates an uncontrolled hazard to occupants.

Step 25 – Respond to Structural Movement

Potential Hazards

• Imminent collapse.
• Crushing.
• Entrapment.

Required Controls

• Stop work immediately if cracking, shifting, leaning, unexpected vibration, or other structural movement occurs.
• Evacuate the affected area.
• Prevent reentry until the condition has been evaluated by the competent person or qualified professional as appropriate.
• Install additional bracing or revise the demolition method before resuming.
• Update the demolition sequence and pre-task briefing.

Step 26 – Respond to Unexpected Utility Contact

Potential Hazards

• Electrocution.
• Gas release.
• Fire.
• Flooding.

Required Controls

• Stop work and warn employees to stay clear.
• Do not touch damaged utilities or equipment that may be energized.
• Evacuate as required for gas, electrical, steam, chemical, or other hazardous releases.
• Notify emergency services, utility owners, and site management as required.
• Resume work only after the utility hazard is controlled and the area is declared safe.

Step 27 – Respond to Suspect Hazardous Material

Potential Hazards

• Toxic exposure.
• Contamination spread.

Required Controls

• Stop disturbing the material.
• Isolate the affected area.
• Notify supervision or the designated safety representative.
• Have the material evaluated by qualified personnel.
• Resume demolition only after appropriate controls or removal procedures are established.

Step 28 – End-of-Shift Stabilization

Potential Hazards

• After-hours collapse.
• Public exposure.
• Unsecured utilities or openings.

Required Controls

• Inspect the remaining structure before leaving the work area.
• Brace or remove unstable components.
• Secure floor openings, access points, equipment, and utilities.
• Remove or stabilize loose debris that could fall.
• Maintain required barricades, fencing, signs, and lighting.

Step 29 – Final Cleanup and Site Release

Potential Hazards

• Residual sharp objects.
• Unstable surfaces.
• Remaining hazardous material.

Required Controls

• Remove debris and unused materials.
• Inspect the area for protruding metal, nails, holes, unstable surfaces, and other residual hazards.
• Verify utilities and temporary systems are left in the required condition.
• Remove barricades only after hazards have been eliminated.
• Communicate any remaining restrictions or hazards before releasing the area.

General Safe Work Requirements

• An engineering survey shall be completed before demolition operations begin to determine the condition of the framing, floors, walls, and the possibility of unplanned collapse.
• Required utilities shall be shut off, capped, disconnected, controlled, or otherwise protected before demolition.
• Hazardous materials shall be identified and controlled before disturbance.
• A planned demolition sequence shall be established and followed.
• Employees shall not work in areas where structural stability is uncertain or where uncontrolled collapse could occur.
• Demolition zones shall be barricaded and access restricted to authorized personnel.
• Fall protection shall be provided for applicable elevated work, openings, and edges.
• Employees shall not work beneath demolition activities, suspended loads, or uncontrolled falling material.
• Structural members shall not be cut or removed until their load and support conditions are understood and controlled.
• Mechanical equipment shall remain outside unsafe collapse zones and be operated only by trained and authorized employees.
• Dust, silica, lead, asbestos, fumes, noise, and other exposures shall be evaluated and controlled as applicable.
• Hot work shall comply with applicable hot-work and fire-prevention requirements.
• Debris shall be removed regularly and shall not be allowed to overload floors or obstruct access and egress.
• Safe access and emergency egress shall be maintained throughout demolition.
• The remaining structure shall be inspected and left stable at the end of each shift.
• Work shall stop immediately when unexpected structural movement, utilities, hazardous materials, or other uncontrolled hazards are encountered.

Training

Employees involved in demolition shall receive training appropriate to their assigned duties. Training shall address the demolition plan and sequence, structural-collapse hazards, engineering-survey findings, utility control, hazardous materials, fall protection, falling-object hazards, power tools, mechanical demolition equipment, silica and dust controls, hot work, debris handling, exclusion zones, emergency procedures, and stop-work authority. Equipment operators and employees performing specialized demolition activities shall receive additional training appropriate to the equipment and methods used.

References

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T – Demolition.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850 – Preparatory Operations.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.851 – Stairs, Passageways, and Ladders.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.852 – Chutes.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.853 – Removal of Materials Through Floor Openings.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.854 – Removal of Walls, Masonry Sections, and Chimneys.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.855 – Manual Removal of Floors.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.856 – Removal of Walls, Floors, and Material with Equipment.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.857 – Storage.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.858 – Removal of Steel Construction.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.859 – Mechanical Demolition.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.860 – Selective Demolition by Explosives, where applicable.
• Applicable manufacturer instructions, engineering requirements, site procedures, and client requirements.