Demolition Hazards & Control Measures

Remember! The CDM Regs 1994 apply to all demolition & dismantlement work

Hazards - Physical Falling from height Falls through openings & fragile materials Uncontrolled/premature collapse Noise Flying debris HAVS from tools Whole body vibration from vehicles

Hazards - Physical Cause nearby structures to collapse Live services – gas, electric, water Fire Broken glass from windows Unguarded machinery Floods Electric shock Manual Handling

Hazards - Chemical Dust Asbestos Silica Residual contamination from previous use? E.g. hospitals, industrial processes

Controls Risk Assessment Competent, trained staff Safe system of work (derived from RA) PPE – helmets, boots, dust masks etc. Safe demolition requires planning Keep people as far away as possible Use of method statements

Controls Supervision by competent person Where possible, demolish in reverse order of construction Use CDM H&S file if available? Protect machine cabs to guard against falling objects Temporary props may be required to support unstable structures

Controls Remove debris as it builds up to prevent floors/walls collapsing Disconnect live services (although water may be required in event of a fire) Remove hazardous materials Provide site hoardings where necessary (about 2.5m high) Do not allow materials to fall into area where people are

Controls Fans or covered walkways may be needed to catch falling objects Erect warning notices around hoardings Remove window panes before demolition Erect warning notices on doors, especially where floors have been removed

Controls Damp area down with water Dog-leg rubbish chutes, or barrier off skip area Provide safe access & egress (especially where there are no floors) High standard of housekeeping Secure ladders Use safety harnesses where necessary Create a buffer zone around the demolition area