Overview
Demolition work involves many of the same hazards that arise during other construction activities. However, demolition also involves additional hazards, including lead-based paint, sharp or protruding objects, and asbestos-containing material.
Safe Work Practices
Before entering a damaged building, brace or shore up the walls and floors.
Follow all appropriate procedures and practices for the job.
Always inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) before use.
Select, wear and use appropriate PPE for the task or job at hand.
Inspect all stairs, passageways and ladders and ensure adequate illumination.
Shut off or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer and other service lines; notify appropriate utility companies.
Guard wall openings to a height of 42 inches; cover and secure floor openings with material able to withstand the loads likely to be imposed.
Floor openings used for material disposal should not be more than 25 percent of the total floor area.
Enclosed chutes with gates on the discharge end should be used to drop demolition material to the ground or into debris containers.
Demolition of exterior walls and floors are to begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward.
Structural or load-supporting members on any floor must not be cut or removed until all stories above that floor have been removed.
All roof cornices or other ornamental stonework must be removed before pulling walls down.
Employees must not work where structural collapse hazards exist until hazards are corrected by shoring, bracing or other effective means.
Always stay alert to your surroundings.