Mechanical Demolition (Machine)

Mechanical demolition uses excavators fitted with hydraulic breakers, crushers, shears, and grabs to dismantle structures.
High-reach excavators extend to over 30 metres, allowing controlled top-down demolition of multi-storey buildings.
Exclusion zones around the machine must exceed the reach of the boom plus the potential fall distance of debris.
The operator must have a clear, unobstructed view of the demolition face throughout the entire operation.
Dust suppression using water sprays is mandatory during all mechanical demolition to control airborne dust.
Structural integrity of the remaining structure must be continuously assessed — removing the wrong element causes uncontrolled collapse.
Machine stability on the demolition platform must be assessed for each position — rubble and voids affect the ground beneath the tracks.
Services including gas, electricity, and water must be confirmed disconnected before any mechanical demolition begins.
Asbestos must be fully removed before mechanical demolition commences — machine breaking releases asbestos fibres uncontrollably.
Only trained operators holding valid CPCS demolition category cards may operate demolition plant on site.

Uncontrolled collapse	Removing structural elements in the wrong sequence causes immediate, catastrophic collapse of the remaining structure.
Debris fall zone	Falling debris from mechanical demolition travels unpredictably — exclusion zones must account for scatter beyond the building footprint.
Dust and contamination	Mechanical demolition generates enormous dust volumes — suppression protects workers and the surrounding community.

Do

Don't

Follow the demolition method statement and engineered sequence for every phase.
Establish exclusion zones exceeding boom reach plus debris fall distance around the machine.
Maintain continuous dust suppression with water sprays throughout all demolition work.
Assess remaining structural stability before removing each element from the building.
Check machine stability at every operating position on the demolition platform.
Confirm all services are disconnected before starting mechanical demolition.
Verify complete asbestos removal before any mechanical breaking of the structure.
Hold a valid CPCS demolition category card before operating demolition plant.
Maintain clear visibility of the demolition face from the cab at all times.
Brief the team on the daily sequence, exclusion zones, and emergency procedures.

DON'T demolish elements out of the engineered sequence — it causes uncontrolled collapse.
DON'T set exclusion zones too small — debris scatters further than you expect.
DON'T carry out mechanical demolition without continuous water dust suppression.
DON'T remove structural elements without assessing the effect on remaining stability.
DON'T position the machine over voids, rubble piles, or soft ground without checking.
DON'T begin demolition until all services are confirmed disconnected and safe.
DON'T mechanically break structures containing asbestos — remove it first by specialists.
DON'T operate demolition plant without the specific CPCS demolition category card.
DON'T continue demolishing if you lose clear sight of the working face.
DON'T skip the daily briefing — the demolition sequence and risks change every shift.

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Demolition Exclusion Zones

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