OSHA Standard Subpart T Preparatory Operations – 1926.850(a) Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Utilities – 1926.850(c) All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in advance..
OSHA Standard Subpart T Hazardous Gas and Materials – 1926.850(e) It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed, and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Falls – 1926.850(g) Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a height of approximately 42 inches.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Holes – 1926.850(i) All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered with material substantial enough to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Falling Debris – 1926.850(h) When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above..
OSHA Standard Subpart T Sequencing – 1926.850(j) Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the demolition of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Stairs and Ladders – 1926.851(b) All stairs, passageways, ladders and incidental equipment thereto, which are covered by this section, shall be periodically inspected and maintained in a clean safe condition..
OSHA Standard Subpart T CAZ – 1926.852(a) No material shall be dropped to any point lying outside the exterior walls of the structure unless the area is effectively protected.
OSHA Standard Subpart T Chutes – 1926.852 (a) – (g) for details
Demolition Protection and Facts: A total of 78 construction workers were killed in demolition accidents in 2020, according to workplace accident statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those numbers come on the heels of a deadly 2019 when a total of 98 U.S. workers died in demolition accidents, the most on record since 2007.
Issues: Fatality or Injury From Demolition Hazard
DO’s & DONT’s
- There is a wide range and scope of demolition activities. Before work begins, determine the scope of work, evaluate the building or site area, remove hazardous materials, prepare a demolition plan.
- Acquire all appropriate permits from authorities, owners and management teams.
- Minimize manual work. If it is possible not to expose employees directly to hazards, engineer them out by utilizing machines. The right type and size of equipment is essential.
- Plan for rubbish removal and cleanup.
- Remember reverse engineering. Take it apart in the reverse process that was completed for building it.
- The shoring braces, legs, posts, frames and uprights must be plumb, level, square and capable of supporting 4 times its intended load.
- Evaluation and engineering need completed to assure no structural compromise is created to adjacent areas and building.
- Prepare to have all the required signs, signals and barricades.
- Prepare to protect other workers and the general public.
- Train all employees about the sequential steps to be completed, the hazards involved with each task and the required preventive measures.
- Notify any authorities about scheduled activities.
- All equipment needs to be inspected daily for defects and not used if defective.
- Focus on the Big 4 (Falls, Electrocutions, Struck By Objects and Caught Between).
- Be aware of all confined space requirements. Your activity can create a confined space.
- Have a written rescue plan.
