DEM/General/TBT-DEM-006

Pre-Demolition Survey Requirements

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Pre-Demolition Survey Requirements

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-DEM-006  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • A pre-demolition survey must be completed before any demolition work can safely begin.
  • The survey identifies structural form, materials, hazardous substances, and services present.
  • Asbestos must be surveyed and removed by a licensed contractor before demolition commences.
  • The survey identifies how the structure gains stability and how demolition affects adjacent buildings.
  • Buried and overhead services must be identified, disconnected, and confirmed dead.
  • BS 6187 and CDM 2015 both require pre-demolition surveys as part of the planning process.
  • The survey findings inform the demolition method statement and sequence of work.
  • Pre-stressed or post-tensioned concrete presents specific hazards if cut unsafely.
  • Party walls, shared structures, and adjoining occupied buildings require special assessment.
  • The survey must be carried out by a competent person with demolition experience.

Why?

Prevent collapseWithout understanding the structure, demolition can cause uncontrolled collapse.
Asbestos protectionDemolishing without removing asbestos first exposes workers and public to fibres.
Service safetyLive services in a building under demolition cause fatal incidents.
Legal complianceBS 6187 and CDM require documented surveys before demolition begins.
Do Don't
  • Commission a pre-demolition survey by a competent and experienced person.
  • Identify the structural system and how the building maintains its stability.
  • Complete an asbestos R&D survey before any stripping or demolition.
  • Identify and disconnect all services — gas, electric, water, and telecoms.
  • Assess the impact of demolition on adjacent buildings and shared structures.
  • Use the survey findings to develop the demolition method statement.
  • Identify pre-stressed or post-tensioned elements for specialist treatment.
  • Include the survey report in the pre-construction information pack.
  • Review the survey if conditions change before demolition starts.
  • Record all findings and distribute to the demolition contractor team.
  • DON'T begin demolition without a completed pre-demolition survey.
  • DON'T demolish any structure before asbestos has been surveyed and managed.
  • DON'T assume services are disconnected — confirm with each utility provider.
  • DON'T demolish party walls or shared structures without specialist advice.
  • DON'T cut pre-stressed elements without a safe release plan.
  • DON'T skip the survey for smaller buildings — the same hazards apply.
  • DON'T rely on original construction drawings — verify actual conditions.
  • DON'T ignore basement voids, cellars, or below-ground structures.
  • DON'T allow the sequence to deviate from the method statement.
  • DON'T start before all service disconnections are confirmed in writing.

See also: Demolition Safety Awareness | Asbestos Awareness
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