Demolition Operative Safety

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRD-011  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

Why?

Prevent fatalitiesStructural collapse and falling materials are leading causes of death in demolition — the method statement saves lives.
Health protectionAsbestos, silica dust, noise, and vibration cause serious long-term health conditions in demolition workers.
Legal complianceCDM 2015 and BS 6187 require demolition to be planned, managed, and carried out by competent persons.
Do Don't
  • Hold a valid CSCS Demolition card and relevant NVQ for your role
  • Read and understand the demolition method statement before starting work
  • Follow the demolition sequence exactly as specified by the supervisor
  • Wear full PPE including hard hat, eye protection, RPE, and hearing protection
  • Attend the daily briefing covering the planned activities and specific hazards
  • Maintain awareness of exclusion zones and keep within your permitted work area
  • Report any unexpected structural behaviour, cracks, or movement immediately
  • Use tool vibration management — rotate tasks and take breaks as required
  • Check for asbestos before disturbing any building material during soft strip
  • Keep access and egress routes clear at all times for emergency evacuation
  • DON'T deviate from the approved demolition method statement or sequence
  • DON'T enter exclusion zones established for machine demolition operations
  • DON'T work beneath unsupported structures or overhanging elements
  • DON'T remove structural members out of sequence without supervisor approval
  • DON'T disturb suspected asbestos materials — stop work and report
  • DON'T exceed daily vibration exposure limits when using breakers and saws
  • DON'T throw demolished material from height — use controlled lowering methods
  • DON'T work without your RPE in dusty demolition environments
  • DON'T ignore warning signs of structural distress such as cracking or creaking
  • DON'T assume utilities are disconnected — verify isolation before proceeding

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Soft Strip and Internal Demolition