Demolition Safety

Pre-Demolition Planning

Engineering Survey

• Must be performed by competent person
• Determines condition of structure
• Identifies potential hazards
• Determines need for shoring or bracing
• Documents adjacent structures
• Written report required before work begins

Hazardous Materials Assessment

• Identify asbestos-containing materials
• Locate lead-based paint
• Check for PCBs in transformers and caulk
• Identify stored chemicals or fuels
• Test for toxic molds
• Identify mercury switches and thermostats
• Ensure proper abatement before demolition

Utility Location and Shutdown

• Verify all utilities are properly disconnected
• Water, gas, electric, sewer, communications
• Obtain written confirmation of shutoffs
• Mark any remaining active utilities
• Protect utilities that must remain active
• Contact utility companies before work begins

Written Demolition Plan

• Sequence of demolition activities
• Methods to be used
• Engineering controls
• Required PPE
• Emergency procedures
• Fall protection methods
• Communication systems
• Training requirements

Common Demolition Hazards

Structural Instability

• Unplanned collapse
• Missing structural elements
• Water, fire, or explosion damage
• Vibration from equipment
• Removal of load-bearing walls
• Overloaded floors
• Pre-stressed or post-tensioned concrete

Falls from Heights

• Openings in floors and walls
• Working on partially demolished structures
• Climbing on debris
• Unstable walking surfaces
• Unguarded edges
• Roof work during partial demolition

Struck-By Hazards

• Falling debris or materials
• Swinging or flying objects during demolition
• Moving equipment and machinery
• Premature collapse of walls or floors
• Projectiles from powered tools
• Swinging loads during material removal

Caught-In/Between Hazards

• Trench or excavation collapse
• Machinery pinch points
• Material handling equipment
• Rotating equipment parts
• Between demolition equipment and structures

Health Hazards

• Silica dust from concrete demolition
• Asbestos fibers from older buildings
• Lead dust from painted surfaces
• Mold spores
• Noise exposure
• Vibration
• Heat stress

Other Hazards

• Electrical hazards from hidden wiring
• Fire and explosion from gas pockets or chemicals
• Confined spaces
• Sharp objects and protruding materials
• Hazardous atmospheres
• Fall of adjacent structures

Safe Demolition Practices

Sequence and Method

• Work from top to bottom
• Remove walls one story at a time
• Remove structural members systematically
• Don't allow workers below active demolition
• Cut off or control debris drop areas
• Never work above other workers
• Support walls over one story before pulling down

Floor Loading

• Know safe floor loading limits
• Distribute loads evenly
• Don't overload floors with debris
• Remove debris regularly
• Post load limits visibly
• Install shores or braces as needed
• Use designated debris chutes

Wall Demolition

• Brace walls that exceed one story
• Never leave walls standing alone
• Remove sections in manageable sizes
• Don't apply pressure at point higher than 1/3 of wall height
• Stay clear of wall being pulled down
• Provide safe distance for mechanical demolition

Safe Use of Equipment

• Operate from stable ground
• Stay clear of falling debris zone
• Use equipment with protective cabs
• Follow manufacturer's specifications
• Keep equipment at safe distance from edges
• Use spotters when visibility is limited
• Maintain safe distances from other workers

Debris Removal

• Use covered chutes for material dropped more than 20 feet
• Enclose all chutes completely
• Post warning signs at discharge areas
• Ensure chute construction can handle material
• Close off chute openings when not in use
• Never allow workers in discharge areas
• Wet down debris to control dust

Specific Demolition Methods

Mechanical Demolition

• Use equipment of appropriate size and type
• Maintain safe distance between machines
• Ensure equipment operators are properly trained
• Wet methods to control dust
• Maintain clear zone around equipment
• Watch for flying debris
• Check for structural stability before proceeding

Manual Demolition

• Provide adequate platforms for workers
• Use proper hand tools for the job
• Ensure fall protection is in place
• Remove smaller pieces to reduce strain
• Work systematically from top down
• Keep work areas clear
• Rotate workers to reduce fatigue

Selective Demolition

• Clearly mark materials to be salvaged
• Ensure structural stability during partial removal
• Brace adjacent materials
• Use appropriate cutting methods
• Protect remaining structure from weather exposure
• Maintain safe access/egress
• Consider temporary support systems

Wrecking Ball

• Keep workers clear of swing radius
• Secure ball to prevent uncontrolled swinging
• Use properly sized crane for the operation
• Inspect all rigging before use
• Maintain minimum distance from power lines
• Use only experienced operators
• Control dust with water spray

Personal Protective Equipment

Basic PPE Requirements

• Hard hat
• Safety glasses or goggles
• High-visibility clothing
• Work gloves appropriate for task
• Steel-toed boots with puncture-resistant soles
• Hearing protection
• Dust masks or respirators as needed

Respiratory Protection

• Minimum N95 for nuisance dust
• P100 filters for lead or heavy metal dust
• Supplied air for asbestos removal or extreme conditions
• Proper fit testing required
• Clean and maintain as directed
• Store properly between uses

Fall Protection

• Required at 6 feet or more above lower levels
• Full body harness with appropriate lanyard
• Proper anchorage points
• Guardrail systems where feasible
• Safety nets when other protection not possible
• Inspect daily before use
• Plan for prompt rescue if fall occurs

Special Demolition Situations

Confined Space Entry

• Test atmosphere before entry
• Use ventilation as needed
• Assign attendant outside space
• Use proper entry permits
• Provide rescue equipment
• Continuously monitor atmosphere
• Train workers in confined space procedures

Working Over Water

• Provide life jackets or buoyant work vests
• Have ring buoys with line available
• Maintain rescue boat if needed
• Ensure proper drainage
• Check for electrical hazards near water
• Have trained persons available for rescue

Below-Grade Demolition

• Test for hazardous atmospheres
• Ensure proper shoring
• Provide adequate access/egress
• Monitor for water accumulation
• Inspect stability of surrounding structures
• Follow excavation safety requirements
• Test for utility leaks regularly

Explosive Demolition

• Only performed by specialized contractors
• Requires extensive planning and permits
• Establish large exclusion zone
• Notify all affected parties
• Perform pre-blast survey of surrounding structures
• Follow all federal, state, and local regulations
• Provide special security measures

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Action Plan

• Evacuation routes and procedures
• Assembly points
• Method to account for all workers
• Rescue and medical duties
• Reporting procedures
• Contact information for emergency services
• Communication methods

Unplanned Collapse Response

• Evacuate area immediately
• Account for all workers
• Call emergency services
• Secure the site
• Do not attempt rescue without proper equipment
• Wait for emergency responders
• Provide building information to responders

First Aid Provisions

• First aid kits readily available
• Trained first aid providers on site
• Eye wash stations accessible
• Emergency shower if chemicals present
• Transportation plan for injured workers
• Posted emergency numbers
• Clear access for emergency vehicles

Public Protection

Site Security

• Completely fenced demolition area
• Locked gates when site not active
• Warning signs posted
• Adequate lighting
• Regular security checks
• Control access points
• Prevent unauthorized entry

Adjacent Properties

• Notify neighbors before starting work
• Provide protection for adjacent structures
• Control dust, noise, and vibration
• Monitor for potential damage
• Document pre-existing conditions
• Maintain safe pedestrian passages
• Schedule hazardous operations during low-activity periods

Environmental Controls

• Erosion and sediment control
• Dust suppression methods
• Noise abatement procedures
• Proper waste management
• Stormwater management
• Spill prevention and response
• Compliance with environmental regulations