Dust and Noise Control in Demolition

Demolition generates extreme levels of dust and noise that affect workers on site and communities in surrounding areas.
Demolition dust contains silica from concrete and masonry, lead from old paint, and potentially asbestos from pre-1999 buildings.
Water suppression using mist cannons, hose sprays, and damping is the primary dust control method during all demolition activities.
Noise from breakers, crushers, and collapsing structures routinely exceeds 100 dB(A) — hearing protection zones are mandatory.
The Control of Pollution Act 1974 Section 61 allows local authorities to impose demolition noise and dust conditions.
A Section 61 consent application should be submitted before major demolition to agree noise limits and working hours.
Dust monitoring at site boundaries measures PM10 and PM2.5 levels to confirm controls are keeping exposure within limits.
Community notification before noisy or dusty demolition phases reduces complaints and demonstrates responsible site management.
Crusher operations on site create intense localised dust — enclosed crushers with water suppression are the minimum standard.
Personal RPE for demolition workers must be rated for the specific contaminants present — silica, lead, and other hazardous dusts.

Hazardous dust	Demolition dust is not ordinary dirt — it contains silica causing silicosis, lead causing poisoning, and potentially asbestos fibres.
Community impact	Uncontrolled demolition dust and noise damage the project's reputation and trigger enforcement action from the local authority.
Legal prosecution	Failure to control dust and noise during demolition is prosecuted under environmental and noise nuisance legislation.

Do

Don't

Apply water suppression continuously during all demolition activities to control dust.
Establish hearing protection zones around the demolition area and all crushing operations.
Submit a Section 61 consent application before major demolition work begins.
Monitor dust levels at site boundaries to confirm controls are effective.
Notify the local community before particularly noisy or dusty demolition phases.
Use enclosed crushers with water suppression for all on-site crushing operations.
Wear RPE rated for silica, lead, and any other specific contaminants identified.
Restrict demolition to the permitted working hours agreed with the local authority.
Damp down rubble stockpiles and haul roads to prevent secondary dust generation.
Brief all demolition workers on the dust and noise controls required on this site.

DON'T demolish without continuous water suppression controlling dust at source.
DON'T work near demolition without hearing protection inside the designated zone.
DON'T begin major demolition without a Section 61 consent or equivalent agreement.
DON'T ignore boundary dust monitoring readings that approach or exceed the limits.
DON'T surprise the community with noisy work — notify them in advance every time.
DON'T operate crushers without enclosed housings and water suppression systems.
DON'T use general-purpose dust masks — wear RPE rated for the specific contaminants.
DON'T carry out noisy demolition outside the permitted hours without authorisation.
DON'T leave rubble piles uncovered where wind and rain generate secondary dust.
DON'T assume workers know the controls — brief them before every demolition phase.

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Construction Dust Awareness

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