Safety in Demolition works

Be aware of your surroundings!

Demolition

Introduction

Demolition activities pose significant health and safety risks to both contractor workers and other employees present at the site. The complexity of demolition projects is often underestimated, yet these projects require the same level of management, planning, and engineering as any construction project. My focus is on addressing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) issues and guiding individuals in making informed decisions for both personal and public safety. This series of articles aims to reach a wider audience, encourage constructive discussion, and contribute to a safer world—one demolition at a time.

Potential Demolition Zone Hazards

Effective planning for demolition projects must prioritize managing potential hazards within the demolition zone. A thorough assessment conducted by a qualified professional is essential. Key hazards to investigate include:

• Hazardous Materials
• Confined Space Entry
• Work at Heights
• Live Utilities
• Heavy Lifts
• Temporary Shoring and Bracing
• Structural Support and Load Paths

This on-site assessment should be one of the first steps in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Demolition Planning

Achieving goals without a defined plan is difficult, and demolition projects are no exception. Insufficient planning often leads to injuries. A well-thought-out demolition plan should include:

• Detailed Scope Description
• Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan, including an Emergency Response Plan
• Demolition Drawings and Specifications
• Risk Assessment
• Project Management and Organization Chart
• Anticipated Equipment to be Used

Project Classification

Demolition projects can be classified into three primary categories:

Selective Demolition

Partial demolition within a small area, not involving substantial structural alteration, shoring, bracing, or large construction equipment. Examples include removing minor equipment or non-structural architectural elements like non-bearing walls.

Dismantling/Disassembly

Removal of large equipment or significant structures for relocation and reassembly. Examples include relocating crushers, ball mills, or pre-engineered metal buildings.

Major Demolition

Involves the razing and removal of substantial structures and equipment, requiring significant structural demolition and large construction equipment.

Demolition Management

Effective management is crucial for a safe and successful demolition project. Based on the project classification, the following guidelines should be incorporated:

Selective Demolition

1. Establish Management and Supervision Dedicate a competent project manager and define responsibilities.
2. Perform a Thorough Site Inspection Identify potential hazards, conduct assessments, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
3. Develop a Demolition Plan Include a detailed description, drawings, safety measures, exclusion zones, and emergency response plans.
4. Hold a Pre-Demolition Meeting Meet with the contractor and plant workers, post emergency contacts and maps.
5. Supervise the Work
6. Perform a Punch-Out Walk-Through Inspect the site post-completion.

Dismantling/Disassembly

1. Establish Management and Supervision Dedicate senior management staff with expertise in related fields and retain an experienced engineer.
2. Pre-Bid Meeting Hold an on-site meeting with pre-qualified bidders to review scope, drawings, and safety plans.
3. Bid Review Review bids based on the quality of the proposed plan, methods, manpower, equipment, and cost.
4. Pre-Dismantling Meeting Discuss safety reviews, emergency plans, exclusion zones, utility disconnections, and hazardous material protocols.
5. Supervision of the Work Ensure continuous oversight by a dedicated staff member.
6. Project Closeout Conduct a final inspection to verify completion in accordance with bid documents.

Major Demolition

1. Establish Management and Supervision Dedicate senior project management staff full-time and prepare a detailed organization chart.
2. Preparation of RFP Documents Qualified engineers should prepare detailed RFPs, including scope, drawings, risk assessments, and specifications.
3. Pre-Qualify Contractors Solicit project descriptions, safety records, and capacity details from potential contractors.
4. Pre-Bid Meeting Conduct a mandatory on-site meeting to review RFP details, limits, permits, and schedule.
5. Bid Review Base contractor selection on the quality of the demolition plan, methods, and sequence, alongside cost.
6. Pre-Demolition Meeting Define management structures and present safety and emergency response plans.
7. Proceed with Demolition Staff according to the contractor’s HSE Plan and maintain documentation and budget reconciliation.
8. Project Closeout Prepare a project closeout manual with logs, manifests, and permits for future reference.

Summary and References

Demolition work is inherently dangerous, and its planning and execution are often underestimated. It is essential to dedicate the same level of planning, engineering, and management to demolition projects as would be provided for similar-sized construction projects. Further references, including specifications and an example demolition RFP, are available for additional information.

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