DEM/General/TBT-DEM-028
Floor-by-Floor Demolition Sequence
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Floor-by-Floor Demolition Sequence
Floor-by-floor demolition is used on multi-storey buildings in urban areas where space restrictions prevent traditional top-down machine demolition. Each floor is demolished from the top using machine-mounted equipment working on the floor below, with debris dropped internally through the structure. This talk covers the hazards and controls specific to floor-by-floor demolition sequences.
Key Hazards
Progressive structural collapse from demolishing floors in the wrong sequence
Floor overloading from accumulated debris and demolition plant weight combined
Workers falling through openings created during the demolition of upper floors
Dust and debris engulfing occupied areas below the active demolition level
Control Measures
- Follow the structural engineer's demolition sequence exactly for each floor being removed.
- Confirm the structural capacity of the working floor can support the demolition plant and debris load.
- Remove debris from each floor promptly using the designated internal drop zone or chute system.
- Install edge protection and cover all floor openings on the levels below the active demolition floor.
- Brief the team on the daily sequence, structural limits, and debris removal plan each morning.
- Monitor the structure for signs of distress including cracking, deflection, or movement at each stage.
- Ensure dust suppression is active during all demolition activities to control emissions from the building.
- Maintain exclusion zones on floors below the demolition level and around the building perimeter.
- Carry out structural inspections at each stage transition before demolition progresses to the next floor.
Remember
- Follow the structural engineer's demolition sequence exactly for each floor without deviation
- Confirm the working floor can support the combined weight of demolition plant and debris
- Remove debris from each floor promptly using the designated drop zone or chute system
- Install edge protection and cover all floor openings below the active demolition level
- Monitor the structure for distress including cracking, deflection, or movement at every stage
- Carry out structural inspections before progressing demolition to the next floor below
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 6187:2011 (Demolition) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · BS 5975:2019 (Temporary Works)
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