Demolition Safety: Safe Work Practices and Regulatory Compliance

Date: 2025-11-09

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To understand and implement safe work practices and comply with regulations during demolition projects to prevent worker injuries and fatalities.

Introduction

Demolition work is a hazardous construction activity with the potential for serious or fatal accidents if not completed properly. This toolbox talk will cover key safety practices and regulatory requirements to ensure worker safety during demolition projects. [1]

Key Points

• Engineering Survey: Prior to demolition, a competent person must complete an engineering survey to determine the condition of the structure's framing, floors, and walls. This survey helps identify potential collapse hazards. [1]
• Structural Integrity: If employees must enter a damaged structure, ensure all walls and floors are properly braced and shored to prevent collapse. [1]
• Utility Shut-Off: Shut off or cap all electric, water, gas, sewer, and other utilities supplied to the structure. Notify all utility companies of this action. If utilities must be maintained, relocate or protect them as needed. [1]
• Demolition Sequence: Start the demolition process at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Do not cut or remove structural or load-supporting members until all stories above that floor have been removed. [1]
• Inspections: During demolition, a competent person must conduct continuing inspections to detect hazards from weakened floors and walls. Employees must be removed from the area until hazards are corrected. [1]
• Confined Spaces: Demolition contractors often encounter confined spaces at industrial sites. The most unfavorable situation exists in every case and that the danger of explosion, poisoning, and asphyxiation will be present at the onset of entry. [3] [3]

Hazard Identification

• Unplanned structural collapse due to weakened floors or walls.: Serious injuries or fatalities from falling debris or structural failure. [1]
• Falls from heights due to unguarded openings, inadequate fall protection, or slippery surfaces.: Injuries or fatalities from falls. [7]
• Exposure to hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, or other chemicals.: Respiratory illnesses, poisoning, or long-term health effects. [2]
• Struck-by hazards from falling debris or equipment operation.: Crushing injuries, fractures, or fatalities. [1]
• Fire hazards due to improper handling of flammable materials or lack of fire prevention measures.: Burns, smoke inhalation, or facility damage. [4]

Control Measures

• Conduct thorough engineering surveys before starting demolition to identify potential hazards.: Engage a competent person to assess the structure's condition and create a demolition plan. [6]
• Implement and maintain fall protection measures, including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.: Ensure all workers are trained in proper use of fall protection equipment. [8]
• Use wet methods to control dust and minimize exposure to hazardous materials.: Regularly hose down work areas to suppress dust generation. [9]
• Ensure proper shoring and bracing of weakened structures.: Provide adequate support to prevent unexpected collapses. [2]
• Establish and maintain fire prevention and protection measures.: Provide fire extinguishers, maintain clear access to hydrants, and establish an alarm system. [5]
• Limit the number of people to the demolition area and ensure all communication systems are working properly: Use radios or hand signals to maintain contact between workers and equipment operators. [1]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Hard Hats: Wear hard hats at all times to protect against falling debris and head injuries. Ensure they fit properly and are in good condition. [1]
• Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from dust, debris, and projectiles. [1]
• Hearing Protection: Wear hearing protection in areas with high noise levels from equipment or demolition activities. Use earplugs or earmuffs as appropriate. [1]
• Respirators: Use respirators when exposed to dust, asbestos, lead, or other airborne contaminants. Ensure proper fit testing and training. [6]
• Gloves: Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and hazardous materials. [1]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the specific hazards associated with our current demolition project?
2. What control measures can we improve to prevent incidents?
3. How can we ensure everyone is properly trained and equipped for demolition work?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of structural collapse, evacuate the area immediately and account for all personnel. [1]
2. For fire emergencies, activate the alarm, evacuate, and use fire extinguishers if safe to do so. Contact the fire department. [5]
3. In the event of exposure to hazardous materials, follow established decontamination procedures and seek medical attention. [6]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Demolition work requires careful planning, hazard identification, and implementation of control measures. [6]
• Proper PPE, regular inspections, and adherence to safe work practices are essential for worker safety. [1]
• Compliance with OSHA regulations and other applicable standards is mandatory. [1]

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS