DEM/General/TBT-DEM-026
Soft Strip and Internal Demolition Safety
Demolition › General › Soft Strip and Internal Demolition Safety
Toolbox Talk
Soft Strip and Internal Demolition Safety
Soft strip is the removal of non-structural elements from a building before main demolition begins. It includes stripping out ceilings, partitions, fixtures, mechanical services, and finishes. The work exposes operatives to hidden asbestos, falling debris, manual handling injuries, and unstable elements. This talk covers the hazards and controls specific to soft strip and internal demolition on occupied and vacant buildings.
Key Hazards
Asbestos fibre exposure from disturbing hidden ACMs in ceilings and walls
Falling ceiling panels, light fittings, and ductwork during strip-out activities
Manual handling injuries from carrying heavy fixtures down stairs and corridors
Electric shock from live circuits not isolated before strip-out work commences
Control Measures
- Ensure a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey has been completed before any strip-out begins.
- Isolate all electrical, gas, and water services to the strip-out area before work commences.
- Wear hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves during all internal demolition and strip-out activities.
- Use stepladders or podium steps to remove elevated items rather than standing on fixtures or furniture.
- Segregate waste as it is produced into general, hazardous, and recyclable streams using marked skips.
- Ensure structural elements are not damaged or removed during the soft strip without engineer approval.
- Brief the team on the asbestos survey findings and the location of any identified or presumed ACMs.
- Provide dust suppression or extraction for dusty operations such as ceiling tile and partition removal.
- Maintain clear escape routes from the strip-out area at all times throughout the works.
Remember
- A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey must be completed before any strip-out begins
- Isolate all electrical, gas, and water services to the work area before starting operations
- Do not damage or remove any structural elements without prior approval from the structural engineer
- Brief the team on asbestos survey findings and the location of all identified or presumed ACMs
- Segregate waste into general, hazardous, and recyclable streams as it is produced during strip-out
- Maintain clear escape routes from the strip-out area at all times throughout the works
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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