Demolition Management Regulations

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. 

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. 

The owner of a property which is to be demolished has a duty under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 to provide the demolition contractor with a pre-demolition investigation and survey. He will appoint a planning supervisor to organize this survey. 

All demolition operations fall under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and therefore require a systematic approach to the operations. Specific details relating to demolition will appear in the construction phase health and safety plan, the fire plan, demolition risk assessments and method statements. 

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM) present a challenge to all involved in the construction industry. CDM provides a framework for the effective management of health and safety throughout the lifecycle of a structure, from its initial inception, through construction and into subsequent maintenance, refurbishment and eventual demolition. 

The site manager should arrange for suitable plant and equipment to be provided so that the work can be executed to the standards required by health and safety legislation, in particular the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. It may be necessary for the local authority and the police to be consulted about the proposed demolition so that issues of public protection, local traffic management and possible road closures can be addressed. There should be liaison with the occupiers of adjacent properties because, in some cases, they may need to be evacuated. 

In order to comply with section 2(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in relation to the provision of a safe system of work, the production of a method statement is recognised as necessary for all demolition work. Because of the special demolition needs of each structure, an individual risk assessment must be made by the employer undertaking the work, in writing, to comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. 

As well as environmental and public health legislation, earthquake waste managers will also need to be aware of regulations around demolition (and associated rights to the waste) of structures. Where owners are not present or do not consent, more processes may need to be followed before demolition can take place. In some instances, authorities may wish to waive or streamline these regulatory requirements. This was done following the 2005 Hurricane Katrina because many residents were absent but houses had to be removed to enable the recovery. 

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