09 Sep Demolition Safety Planning

Demolition Safety Planning

Demolition work presents unique hazards because structures are intentionally weakened and dismantled. Conditions can change rapidly, creating risks from premature collapse, falling materials, hazardous substances, utilities, heavy equipment, dust, noise, and falls. Thorough planning must occur before demolition begins.

Pre-Demolition Planning

Before starting demolition, the employer should determine:

• The method and sequence that will be used to dismantle or demolish the structure.
• The equipment, tools, and personnel required to perform the work safely.
• Required permits, notifications, and coordination with utility owners.
• Restricted areas needed to protect workers and the public.
• Procedures for controlling falling debris, dust, and other hazards.
• Emergency procedures and available rescue and medical resources.

The demolition plan should be communicated to affected employees before work begins and updated when conditions or demolition methods change.

Engineering Survey

Before permitting employees to begin demolition operations, an engineering survey must be performed by a competent person to determine the condition of the framing, floors, walls, and other structural components and the possibility of an unplanned collapse.

The survey should also identify adjacent structures and conditions that could affect the safety of employees during demolition.

A written record of the engineering survey must be maintained at the jobsite.

Utilities and Hazardous Materials

Before demolition begins:

• Determine the location of electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, telecommunications, and other utility services.
• Shut off, cap, control, or otherwise protect utilities as required before demolition work begins.
• Coordinate required shutdowns or relocations with the appropriate utility owner.
• Identify hazardous materials that may be disturbed, including asbestos, lead, silica-containing materials, chemicals, refrigerants, and other potentially hazardous substances.
• Establish appropriate controls before employees are exposed to identified hazards.

Never assume utilities are abandoned or de-energized without verification.

Personal Protective Equipment and Controls

Demolition hazards must be evaluated to determine appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and PPE. Depending on the work, protection may include:

• Hard hats.
• Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields.
• Appropriate work gloves.
• Safety footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• Respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment and applicable respiratory protection program.
• Fall protection systems.
• High-visibility clothing when employees are exposed to vehicle or equipment traffic.
• Guardrails, safety nets, lifelines, or other appropriate fall-protection systems.
• Barricades and warning signs.
• Sidewalk sheds, canopies, or other protection where the public or workers may be exposed to falling materials.
• Water, ventilation, local exhaust, or other appropriate methods for controlling airborne dust.

Work Area Controls

Demolition areas must be controlled to prevent unauthorized entry.

• Establish and clearly identify restricted or controlled-access areas.
• Keep workers away from areas where walls, structural members, or debris could unexpectedly fall.
• Do not allow employees beneath demolition operations unless appropriate protection has been provided.
• Provide safe access and egress throughout the project.
• Keep stairs, passageways, ladders, and walking-working surfaces clear of debris.
• Protect floor, wall, and roof openings against falls.
• Remove accumulated debris in a controlled manner so floors and structural components are not overloaded.
• Inspect conditions as demolition progresses and after events that could affect structural stability.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency procedures must be established and communicated before work begins. Workers should know:

• How to report an emergency.
• Emergency evacuation routes and assembly locations.
• Procedures for structural collapse, fire, utility emergencies, and hazardous-material releases.
• The location of first-aid supplies and emergency equipment.
• How to contact emergency medical and rescue services.
• Which employees are assigned emergency or first-aid responsibilities.

Emergency contact information should be readily available at the jobsite.

Remember

Never begin demolition based solely on how a structure appears. An engineering survey, utility identification, hazard assessment, appropriate controls, and a planned demolition sequence are essential. As demolition progresses, conditions can change quickly—stop work and reassess whenever unexpected structural conditions or hazards are discovered.