Demolition of Contaminated Structures

Contaminated structures contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, or chemical residues.
A pre-demolition survey must identify all contaminated materials before any demolition work begins.
Asbestos-containing materials must be removed by licensed contractors before structural demolition proceeds.
Lead paint on steelwork and concrete generates toxic dust and fume when cut, burned, or demolished.
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) may be found in old transformer compounds, sealants, and paint systems.
Chemical residues in former industrial buildings can create toxic dust and vapour during demolition.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 require assessment and control of all hazardous substances encountered.
Contaminated demolition waste must be segregated, tested, and disposed of at licensed facilities.
Air monitoring may be required to confirm worker exposure remains within safe limits during demolition.
Workers must receive specific hazard briefings and health surveillance before starting contaminated demolition.

Protect workers' health	Exposure to asbestos, lead, PCBs, and chemical residues causes cancer, organ damage, and chronic illness.
Legal compliance	COSHH 2002, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and waste regulations impose strict duties for contaminated demolition.
Environmental protection	Contaminated dust and debris released during demolition can pollute air, soil, and water if uncontrolled.

Do

Don't

Complete a pre-demolition survey to identify all hazardous materials before any work starts
Remove all asbestos-containing materials using licensed contractors before structural demolition
Carry out a COSHH assessment for every identified contaminant in the structure
Provide specific RPE and PPE for the contaminants identified in the survey
Monitor air quality during demolition to confirm exposure levels remain within safe limits
Segregate contaminated demolition waste from general waste for proper disposal
Brief all workers on the specific hazards present and the control measures in place
Enrol all workers on contaminated demolition in the health surveillance programme
Suppress dust using water sprays during all cutting, breaking, and collapse operations
Dispose of contaminated waste at licensed hazardous waste facilities with full documentation

DON'T start demolition until the pre-demolition contamination survey is complete
DON'T demolish structures containing asbestos before licensed removal has been done
DON'T cut or burn coated steelwork without testing for lead and other hazardous coatings
DON'T allow contaminated dust to spread beyond the work area without suppression controls
DON'T mix contaminated demolition waste with general site waste for disposal
DON'T work without RPE in areas where contaminated dust or vapour may be present
DON'T ignore unknown substances found during demolition — stop work and get them tested
DON'T skip health surveillance for workers exposed to hazardous materials on demolition sites
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where contaminated materials are being disturbed
DON'T transport contaminated waste without the correct hazardous waste consignment notes

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Asbestos Awareness

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