DEMOLITION - HAZARDS AND CONTROL

All demolition work must be carried out so as to minimize, so far as is reasonably practicable, the risks to employees and others who may be affected by the work. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations apply to all demolition work. The HSE must be notified before work begins if it is to last for 30 days or more than 500 person days are involved. 

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Construction In construction (29 CFR 1626.1101), there are special regulated-area requirements for asbestos removal, renovation, and demolition operations. These provisions include a negative pressure area, decontamination procedures for workers, and a competent person with the authority to identify and control asbestos hazards. The standard includes an exemption from the negative pressure enclosure requirements for certain small-scale, short-duration operations, provided special work practices, prescribed in the standard, are followed, including the following ... 

Demolition is one of the most hazardous construction operations and is responsible for more deaths and major injuries than any other activity. The management of demolition work is controlled by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 and requires a planning supervisor and a health and safety plan (as covered in Chapter 3). A more detailed discussion of demolition is given in Chapter 10. 

The risks associated with new projects may include use of hazardous substances insufficient product data faulty electrical equipment poor access/egress poor ergonomics noisy equipment poorly guarded machinery imported equipment/materials lack of risk assessment lack of training/awareness on behalf of management, supervision and employees poor environmental control inadequate emergency procedures inadequate maintenance considerations poor construction methods little or no consideration of waste disposal/demolition. 

If demolition or refurbishment is to be undertaken, then hazards associated with structural collapse, fire, working at height, lifting and carrying and electricity must be considered together with health hazards from lead, asbestos, vermin and insects. As mentioned in Chapter 10, a structural survey before work commenced should reduce the risk of unintentional structural collapse. The issue of hot work permits, provision of fire-fighting equipment and suitable storage facilities for flammable substances should control the fire risk. Health risks can be controlled, for example, by the use of licensed contractors for the removal of asbestos, specialist contractors to eradicate vermin and the provision of suitable personal protective equipment. 

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