OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers often face the somber task of documenting a worker injury or death on a demolition site: “Demolition worker impaled on rebar. Worker electrocuted during demolition work. Two demolition workers die of burns after flash fire at warehouse. Employee in aerial lift killed when roof collapses.”
OSHA defines demolition as “the dismantling, razing, destroying, or wrecking of any building or structure or any part thereof.” Many demolition hazards are like those in other construction work, but with added risks due to unknown factors in the structure’s design. However, hazards can be prevented with proper planning, the right protection and equipment, and these tips:
1 Perform a written engineering survey on each structure.
Use a competent person to complete an engineering survey before demolition begins. Consider the age of the building, its previous use, its type of construction, nearby structures, and the weight of removed material or machinery on floors above ground level. It should also list the order of tear-down to prevent collapse.
2 Isolate or disconnect all utilities.
Locate, secure, or relocate gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications services before demolition begins. For help, call the national call-before-you-dig phone number at 811.
3 Control hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, respirable crystalline silica, acids from industrial processes, flammable liquids, and more may require another safety practice known as a task-specific job hazard analysis. Some hazardous substances may mean employers must also follow Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Following these standards may prevent forms of job-related cancers and lung, kidney, and pulmonary diseases.
4 Plan for emergencies.
Before demolition begins, set up a Fire Prevention Plan and arrange for prompt medical and first aid services. Assign staff to contact emergency responders, ensure equipment to transport injured workers, and oversee an evacuation if needed. For more information, review OSHA's Technical Manual, Section V: Chapter 1.5 Prevent injuries from falling materials.
An unplanned collapse or flying debris can injure workers and passersby. Set up barriers to mark the boundaries of hazardous areas, use covered walkways, and reinforce machine cabs to protect workers onsite.
6 Provide the right personal protective equipment (PPE).
In demolition operations, PPE may include eye, face, head, hand, and foot protection; respiratory protection; hearing protection; personal fall arrest systems; and other protective clothing that may be needed for special tasks such as cutting or welding operations.
7 Protect against falls.
OSHA requires employees to use a personal fall arrest system, safety net system, or guardrail system when walking or working on a surface that has an unprotected side or edge 6 feet or more above a lower level. OSHA also requires employers to guard wall openings that are 6 feet or more above lower levels and have an inside bottom edge less than 39 inches above the walking/working surface.
8 Train employees about hazards and how to use equipment safely.
Under the OSH Act, employers must provide a safe workplace for employees. Employees working on a demolition site must have the right experience and training. Make sure every employee understands the hazards and what PPE should be worn during the demolition. Regularly provide updated health and safety training as needed to help reduce accidents. Check often to ensure everyone’s training is up to date.
For more information, review OSHA’s Demolition Standards and Resources, or contact a Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation Workplace Safety professional at SafetyTraining@tdi.texas.gov or 1-800-252-7031, option 2.