Site Safety Supervisor

Competency Course

Part VI (F) –
Occupational Safety Demolition
Work Safety

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 Introduction

 “Demolition” means the complete or partial

dismantling of a building or structure.
 It excludes refurbishment, provided this work
does not involve the alteration of existing
structural components.
 Demolition work creates high potential for
risks to workers and the general public.

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 Introduction

 Methods of demolition:
- Manual/piece-meal demolition – reverse
sequence of construction.
- Mechanical means – swing balls, breakers,
etc.

- Explosive.

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 Typical Hazards

 Premature collapsed.
 Undermining nearby adjacent structures.
 Accidental firing or explosive in the use of
explosive.
 Flying debris.
 Lead dust, silica asbestos dust, & toxic gases
or vapours.
 Noise and vibration from the knocking (ball),
drilling machine and the blast.

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 General Control Measures

Planning
 Identify competent supervisor and workers.

 Determine previous use of structure.

 Assess effects on adjacent structures.

 Identify existing utilities.

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 General Control Measures

Prior to Commencement
 Conduct HIRARC or JHA.

 Determine method of demolition.

 Prepare method of statement.

 Ensure services/utilities are disconnected.

 Assess affected areas – designate work areas as

prohibited area.
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 General Control Measures

Prior to Commencement
 Designate debris collecting/dumping areas

 Brief workers on hazards and control measures.

 Equip workers with necessary tools and PPE.

 Post necessary warning and prohibition signs

where appropriate.

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 General Control Measures

Hazardous Substances
 Before commencing, all areas of the site, should be
examined to determine whether:
• There are any itemswhich could be a fire and
explosion risk.
• Any previous use of the site might cause a risk
because the nature and/or decomposition of
materials.
• There are any toxic, radioactive or other hazardous
materials.

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 General Control Measures

Emergency Preparedness
 Before work commences, the demolition contractor
should provide for first aid requirements and prompt
medical attention in the case of serious injury.

 These emergency procedures should be

documented in the Method of Statement.

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 General Control Measures

Manual Demolition
 Assess structure to avoid/prevent injury through
collapse of the structures’ components.

 Works are to becarried out from safe working

platform.

 Floors are not to be overloaded.

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 General Control Measures

Manual Demolition
 Removal of components should not cause instability
to other structural members.

 Nails/protruding sharp objects are to be removed.

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 General Control Measures

Explosive Demolition
 Use of explosives should comply with:

- Part XV, Factories and Machinery (Building

Operations and Works of Engineering
Construction) (Safety) Regulations 1986.
- Explosives Act 1957 and Explosive Rules 1923.

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 General Control Measures

Mechanical Demolition
 All plants and equipment should be:

- Possessed necessary valid certificate of fitness.

- Operated by competent operators.

- Used and maintain as per manufacturer’s
recommendations.

- Provided with overhead protection, where

necessary.

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 General Control Measures

Access to Workplace
 Clearly marked, well lit and protected from falling
objects or material.
 Site offices and all amenities should also be located
in areas:
- protected from falling debris, and
- should not be in any area that might be affected
by a premature collapse of any part of the
building or structure.
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 General Control Measures

Protection for Public

 Methods of protection should be:
- Erected before the commencement of work.
- Kept in position at all times during the progress of
the work.
- Access openings in the hoarding or fence should
have doors or gates which can be locked to
prevent unauthorised entry after hours.

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 General Control Measures

Working at Height
 Carried out safely from a “solid construction” surface that
is:
- Structurally capable of supporting people and
materials.
- Protected from open penetrations.
- Protected at its perimeter and internally to prevent
falls to lower levels.
- Level and easily negotiable.
- Provided with a safe means of access and egress.

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 General Control Measures

Protection for Openings & Edges

 Openings:
• Protected either by covering them withrigid and
fixed material of sufficient strength, or
• By installing guardrails and toe boards around the
opening.
• Sides/edges:
• Provided with guardrails and toe boards, or
should be securely boarded up.

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 General Control Measures

Structural Integrity
 No part of the demolition process should adversely
affect the structural integrity of any other building.
 All its components should be maintained in a safe
and stable condition.
 Temporary braces, shoring or guys can be added for
stability.

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 General Control Measures

Removal of Debris
 Debris should be progressively removed from the
site to prevent any build up of debris which could
affect the integrity of a floor of the building or
structure, affect site access and egress, become a
fire hazard or cause a health hazard.

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 Summary

 Demolition work is a high risk activity.

 An approved method of statement is vital.
 Works are to be supervised and carried out by
competent personal.
 Integrity of structure are to be assessed as work
progressing.

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