DEM/Specific/TBT-DEM-011

Demolition Near Live Services

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Demolition Near Live Services

Toolbox Talk Record

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

  • Demolition near live services involves breaking out structures while gas, electric, water, or telecoms remain active.
  • Service disconnection is the preferred approach, but constraints often require services to remain live during work.
  • Striking a live electrical cable during demolition causes instant electrocution and arc flash burns.
  • Gas pipes damaged by demolition activities cause leaks, explosions, and asphyxiation in enclosed areas.
  • Water mains fractured during demolition flood the working area and undermine adjacent ground stability.
  • Service drawings must be obtained and verified on site before any demolition begins near utilities.
  • CAT and Genny scanning is essential even inside buildings where services run through walls and floors.
  • Hand demolition methods must be used within the exclusion zone around identified live services.
  • The utility provider must be contacted to confirm service routes, voltages, and isolation options.
  • CDM 2015 and HSG47 require that service locations are confirmed before demolition disturbs them.

Why?

Fatal electrocutionDemolition crews have been electrocuted by live cables hidden in walls, floors, and ducts during breaking out.
Gas explosionFracturing a gas pipe during demolition releases gas that ignites from sparks, causing fatal explosions.
Service disruptionDamaging live water, telecoms, or power services disrupts supply to the public and incurs massive repair costs.
Do Don't
  • Obtain service records from all utility providers before demolition begins.
  • Scan walls, floors, and ducts with CAT and Genny before any breaking out.
  • Request disconnection of services wherever it is reasonably practicable.
  • Use hand demolition methods within the exclusion zone around live services.
  • Brief the demolition team on the exact location and type of every live service.
  • Mark live service routes on walls and floors with paint or warning tape.
  • Contact the utility provider to confirm routes and discuss protection measures.
  • Stop work immediately if an uncharted service is exposed during demolition.
  • Monitor for gas continuously when demolishing near live gas supplies.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers for all utility providers on site.
  • DON'T use mechanical demolition methods within the exclusion zone of live services.
  • DON'T assume service drawings are accurate; verify locations on site with scanning.
  • DON'T demolish walls or floors without checking for hidden cables and pipes first.
  • DON'T ignore the smell of gas during demolition; evacuate and call the gas emergency line.
  • DON'T cut into any pipe or cable until it is confirmed dead and disconnected.
  • DON'T allow breakers or disc cutters near identified live service routes.
  • DON'T proceed with demolition if service locations have not been confirmed.
  • DON'T assume services have been disconnected without written confirmation from the provider.
  • DON'T remove service markers or warning tape during the demolition works.
  • DON'T touch damaged cables or pipes; evacuate the area and call the provider.

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Service Strike Emergency Procedure
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