Demolition Safety Awareness

Demolition is one of the highest-risk construction activities, requiring specialist planning and competence.
A pre-demolition survey must identify structural elements, hazardous materials, and buried services before any work.
The CDM Regulations 2015 require a written demolition method statement approved before work begins.
Structural instability during demolition can cause sudden, unpredictable collapse without warning.
Asbestos must be identified and removed by a licensed contractor before any demolition work starts.
Exclusion zones must be established and maintained around all demolition areas to protect workers and the public.
Dust, noise, and vibration from demolition must be controlled to protect both workers and neighbouring properties.
Only competent demolition contractors with the required training and experience may carry out demolition work.
Services including gas, electricity, water, and telecoms must be confirmed disconnected before demolition begins.
Demolition sequences must be followed precisely — working out of sequence can cause premature collapse.

Prevent collapse	Unplanned structural collapse during demolition kills workers — a detailed method statement and sequence plan are essential.
Protect the public	Demolition sites adjoin public areas — exclusion zones, dust control, and noise management protect neighbours and passers-by.
Legal compliance	CDM 2015 requires a written plan; demolition without proper planning and competent personnel is a criminal offence.
Asbestos risk	Pre-2000 buildings almost certainly contain asbestos — it must be surveyed and removed before any demolition begins.

Do

Don't

Ensure a pre-demolition survey has been completed and reviewed before starting.
Follow the approved demolition method statement and sequence plan at all times.
Confirm all services are disconnected and isolated before any demolition begins.
Maintain exclusion zones around the demolition area with barriers and signage.
Use dust suppression including water sprays and misting throughout demolition operations.
Wear task-specific PPE including hard hat, eye protection, RPE, and hearing protection.
Monitor the structural stability of remaining elements throughout the demolition process.
Report any unexpected findings such as voids, asbestos, or unknown services immediately.
Ensure an asbestos survey and removal has been completed before demolition starts.
Brief all workers on the demolition sequence and emergency procedures each day.

DON'T start demolition without an approved method statement and sequence plan.
DON'T work out of sequence — premature removal of structural elements causes collapse.
DON'T demolish any structure until all services are confirmed disconnected and safe.
DON'T enter exclusion zones unless authorised and wearing the correct PPE.
DON'T ignore dust generation — use water suppression to protect workers and neighbours.
DON'T carry out demolition work without the correct task-specific PPE worn properly.
DON'T assume a structure is stable — conditions change rapidly during demolition.
DON'T disturb suspected asbestos — stop work and follow the emergency procedure.
DON'T allow unauthorised or untrained persons to carry out any demolition activities.
DON'T skip the daily briefing — demolition conditions and risks change every shift.

See also: Pre-Demolition Survey Requirements | Structural Stability During Demolition

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