7945PDEMOLITION

7945P

DEMOLITION
CONTENTS

Introduction

Learning Outcome 1

Hazards

Accidents

10

Checklist for Demolition

18

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this module is to provide the learner with the skills and knowledge to
be able to carry out demolition work associated with repairs, additions or alterations to
an existing building in a safe manner.
The learner will also be made aware of the regulations governing demolition work and
the hazards and restrictions associated with this work.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

LEARNING OUTCOME 1
On completion, the learner should be able to:
Outline the forms of demolition work on a construction site as well as the hazards and
safety precautions associated with this work.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1.1

Define the terms: demolition, sequential demolition.

1.2

Identify the different forms of demolition encountered on a construction site.

1.3

Describe the hazards associated with internal demolition work.

1.4

Identify the procedures for reporting hazards

1.5

Identify the safety procedures that must be followed when carrying out internal
demolition work.

CONDITIONS AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

List the different types of demolition that could be encountered on a building
site.
Explain to another person in plain English the hazards that could be
encountered and the safety precautions to implement when undertaking
demolition.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

DEFINITION
a)
b)

Demolition is the complete or partial dismantling of a building or structure, by

pre-planned and controlled methods and procedures.
Sequential demolition is the logical sequence of operations starting from the top
to the bottom of a structure.

TYPES OF DEMOLITION
Demolition work can range from the demolition of a complete building to the demolition
of a small part of a building in preparation for an addition, alteration or repair to an
existing building.
The work may be confined to the external part of the building or to the internal part
only or can be a combination of both.
Methods and procedures for demolition are set out in AS 2601-1991
A building application must be lodged with Council for this work.
There are Insurance implications with demolition work with the additional risk of injury
to workers and the general public and current insurance policies should be checked
TYPES
EXTERNAL
This work may involve making openings for new windows or doorways, removing
damaged areas of external walls due to storms, accidents or falling trees etc.
May also include:

Replace roof covering.

Remove part or all of the roof area for two storey conversion.
Replace or strengthen existing footings

INTERNAL
This work depends on the extent of the alterations to be carried out and refers mainly
to a small amount of demolition and the removal of material with only a small amount
of structural change.
Internal may also include:

Removal of internal lining

Alterations to walls
Replace flooring
TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

HAZARDS

All workplaces have hazards that may cause injury or illness. These situations not only
cause personal suffering and loss of income, but also loss of productivity and property
damage. With this in mind it is in the best interests of both the worker and employer to
reduce workplace hazards.
As a person entering into the Building Industry it is important to be aware of the
associated hazards.
Before we go any further we should define what is a HAZARD as compared to an
ACCIDENT.
HAZARD

A dangerous situation that can affect both the worker and the
work.

ACCIDENT

Any event which causes or nearly causes human injury or

damage to property

NOTE

ACCIDENTS SELDOM JUST HAPPEN THEY ARE USUALLY

CAUSED

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

HAZARD TYPES
There are two basic types of Hazards:
ACUTE and CHRONIC
ACUTE
Is one that stands out as being dangerous. Eg

A worker not wearing safety equipment.

A worker standing underneath a load or where people are working directly above on
a scaffold.

There
are also hazards which are not easily seen.
HIDDEN
A hidden hazard is one that is not easy to see.
Eg. A crack in a rung of a ladder

APPARENTLY TRIVIAL
An apparently trivial hazard is one that a
worker thinks is of little importance. Eg.
Wearing of loose clothing.

DEVELOPING HAZARD
Is one that is safe at the moment but will
worsen in the future. Eg. Ignoring a growing
crack in a section of a concrete floor.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

CHRONIC
These hazards are made much more difficult to assess or identify as they may take a
long time to have any effect. Eg. Occupational Cancer, where a carcinogen (cancer
causing agent) may not have any effect on an individual for perhaps 20 years or more.
SOME HAZARDS WHICH INFLUENCE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE
WORKPLACE

Airborne Dust, Fibres and Chemical Fumes

Services eg; Electricity and Gas and Water
Falls - Objects or People
Lifting and Handling Materials
Sharp Objects
Machinery Power and hand Tools
Noise
Thermal Comfort
Vibration
Illumination
Potential Fire Hazards

FIBRE AND DUST

Asbestos sheeting removal is a major hazard in the construction industry. Sheeting
containing Asbestos (for example, fibro), which is broken or crushed during removal
on demolition sites, is a potentially fatal source of asbestos exposure.
Other dusts such as concrete dust, silica (from sandstone), coal dust, and to a lesser
extent, graphite, mica and takdusts, can be a health risk.
All asbestos removal should be carried out by licensed experts with good reputations.
DUST SUPPRESSION
Dust can be suppressed in the following ways during demolition work.
a)
An effective method is to wet down the surface, especially floors, with hoses or
sprinklers. Care should be taken around live electrical work.
b)
The area may be sealed off by using plastic sheeting over openings and the
dust can be sucked out with an exhaust fan. This is a good method of
preventing the spread of dust to other parts of the building. All joints and edges
should be sealed using a pressure sensitive tape or duct tape.
c)
On large building sites hessian sheeting, which may encompass a complete
floor level or even the whole building, may assist in keeping the dust from
spreading to adjoining properties.
It is important to maintain a dust suppression program for the entire length of the job to
avoid unnecessary exposure to life threatening dusts and fibres.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

CHEMICAL FUMES
Because the fumes given off by some chemicals, solvents, thinners and fuels etc. they
must only be used in well ventilated areas and well clear of welding operations and
naked flames.
Some chemicals can only be used where the worker is using approved breathing
apparatus.
Remember to read the label if you are asked to use a chemical with which you are not
familiar.
SERVICES
Before starting on any demolition work check to see if there are any services, Electrical,
gas etc. which are going to be affected by the partial demolition. Do not take risks, have
the services to that area of the work isolated.
FALLS
Objects: usually materials or tools where others are working above and they are often
the result of inadequate working platforms. Use properly constructed scaffolds with toe
boards.

People: usually have falls due to rubbish laying around the work area or dangerous
areas such as holes not being fenced off or guard rails not in place.
These can be avoided by fencing off the work area and guard rails placed where required
and keeping the work area clean and clear of rubbish.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

LIFTING and HANDLING MATERIALS

Construction materials should be properly stacked.
Get some assistance when moving heavy objects to avoid personal injury.
SHARP OBJECTS
Offcuts and broken material should be removed from the work area as soon as
possible.
Remove nails or bend them over in timber which has been demolished.
Wear the correct protective clothing when doing any demolition work.
MACHINERY and POWER HAND TOOLS
Ensure all tools are in good condition cutting tools should be kept sharp and serviced
when necessary.
Do not use power tools or any machinery unless you have been trained in their use.
NOISE
Excess noise could prevent you from hearing a warning from work mates as you
should also be wearing ear muffs which are required to be worn under these
conditions.
THERMAL COMFORT
Dress according to the weather and working conditions. Being cold or overheated will
cause a loss of concentration on the job at hand.
VIBRATION
Vibration through a structure can be very destructive as well as causing the movement
of unsecured materials.
FIRE HAZARDS
Generally fire hazards can be reduced with good housekeeping. Work areas should be
kept clear of combustible material .
Temporary power leads should be suspended above the work area and services to the
area should be isolated where possible.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

ACCIDENTS
Do not just happen, they are caused. There is a sequence or chain of events which
operates in any accidents.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Personal failures
Unsafe acts and conditions
Accidents
Injury Loss Damage

In addition to these hazards you must be aware of UNSAFE ACTS. Examples of

Unsafe Acts:

The use of equipment without having received proper training

The use of the wrong tool for the job
Careless or incorrect use of tools
Failure to use personal protective equipment when the job requires it
Acting foolishly on the construction site
Taking dangerous short cuts through a work area
Distracting your workmates. Be aware of the job they are doing
Poor concentration

UNSAFE CONDITIONS
An unsafe condition is any condition in workplace surroundings that increase the
chance of an accident occurring.
E

10

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

Examples of Unsafe Working Conditions:

Lack of instructions in safe working methods

Being aware of your own physical defects such as bad eyesight or poor hearing
Untidy work areas
Faulty tools
Unguarded machinery
Bad lighting
Long untidy hair
Slippery surface areas
Unsuitable clothing
Improper storage of tools

To ensure a safe working environment potential hazards should be controlled. To be

aware of these hazards and being responsible hazards can be minimised. In any
accident prevention program follow these steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Identify the danger in the work area or work method

Control the danger
Prevent the danger happening again
Follow up safety precautions

Note: Safety signage should be located in all obvious positions on the

construction site and must be adhered to.

Hazard Report Procedure

After identifying hazard notify

Leading hand or sub contractor

Then Site Manager or foreman
Builder
Workcover
Union
Local Council

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

11

7945PDEMOLITION

Hierarchy of Control
PROJECT MANAGER/CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR

BUILDING SUPERVISOR (CLERK OF WORKS)

FOREMAN

- GRADE A

- GRADE B
- GRADE C -

(Workforce of 100 people or more)

Unusual or complex work
-(30 people or more)
Similar work but with constant supervision
(Workforce up to 30)
Simple work conventional materials/methods

LEADING HAND

TRADESPEOPLE & ASSISTANTS

Remember:
The time for safety is all the time. For yourself, work
mates, the building with its equipment and the tools you
use.

12

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

Safety Equipment
Workers in the demolition field are exposed to many hazards. It is a high risk area and
many injuries and fatalities have been recorded over the years. Examples of accidents
include walking on an upturned nail, bricks or tools being dropped on the head, falling
from a scaffold and being crushed under a fallen wall. Therefore, it is important to
approach a job in a safe manner. This requires the people involved to wear protective
equipment and clothing.
Personal Protective Equipment
Appropriate to guard against potential hazards
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Hard Hats
Safety Boots
Safety Goggles
Dust Type Respirators
Leather Gloves
Overalls long trousers
Rubber boots in wet conditions

Barricades, Safety Lights and Signs

Hoardings to prevent unauthorised entry.
Barricades such as safety fencing fixed to posts or metal fencing with warning signs
that are appropriate.
Safety lights to highlight hazards.
Check with supervisor before you remove, cut off cut on any part of the structure.
Check that no personal are on the other side of a wall.
Check that no personal are below you.
Check that no personal are above you.
Clean as you go.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

13

7945PDEMOLITION

Removal of Debris
Safe removal of debris and rubbish from the demolition area can be carried out using
the following methods.

After general wetting down, bag and seal dust and small pieces of debris before
removal to a central collection point.
Hazardous materials, eg. Asbestos and dust, should be thoroughly wetted down
and sealed in 200 micron (minimum) plastic bags. Sheet material should be
removed intact and be hand-loaded into a separate disposal bin lined with
(minimum) 200 micron plastic. These materials are then to be transported to a
designated tip that is licensed to take asbestos materials.
Enclosed chutes should be used when removing rubbish from elevated positions
into a storage bin. These enclosed chutes prevent dust from becoming airborne.
Larger items, including bricks and broken concrete, may be carted out in
wheelbarrows or carried out by hand.

Note: Never throw rubbish out of doors or windows as this spreads dust and may
cause injury to other workers on the site.

Check method of disposal of waste

Beware of hazardous materials.

Asbestos use Hotline.

Chemicals check the label on the container.

Before you check or move them read label on containers.

Safety first.

For more information refer to TAFE publication

MINIMISING CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE

14

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

Demolition Tools and Uses

Many types of hand and powered tools are used in demolition work. The following is a
list of some of these tools:
Sledge hammer-

used to knock out brickwork or break concrete.

Lump hammer

used to knock out small areas or used with a

bolster to cut or clean bricks, remove wall tiles,
etc.

Plugging chisel

used to chop out thin or shallow cases in

brickwork or joints.

Pinch or mail bars

used to lever timber and other materials off

their fixings, Also may be used to denail timber.

Kango hammer

electric hand held tool fitted with wither points

or chisel bits that act in a breaker fashion by means
of a repetitive impact action. May be used to remove
wall and floor tiles, chop holes through brick and
concrete, etc.

Scutch chisel or hammer

Fitted with a serrated edge comb, this is used

to prepare old surfaces to take new render or mortar
and can also be used to clean bricks.

Select the Correct Tool to do the Job

All tools to be serviceable.

Electrical tools checked and tagged.
No cracks in handles of hammer.
No Dags on metal tools.
Check Acro jacks before being brought into work area.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

15

7945PDEMOLITION

Before demolishing, cutting out, putting out of services is electrical power, water, gas,
check to ensure they are disconnected.
Safety tags or safety locks may be required on services.

Safety Precautions Partial demolition

Support structure above
1. Screw Jacks
2. Flying or Raking Shores
3. Toms and Needles
Note: As the job would have been completed. Demolish in reverse form.

16

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

17

7945PDEMOLITION

CHECKLIST FOR DEMOLITION

Internal Demolition
Work on existing buildings involves a number of considerations that need special
mention:
Statutory applications

these include town planning to Confirm

the use or re-use of the building. A building
application must be lodged with council for
each demolition to identify the extent and
impact of demolition on adjoining properties.

The standard required

how the work is to be carried out, Such

as not removing all the footings, support freestanding brick walls etc.

Insurance implications

risk of injury to workers, risk to public,

cost of work, extent of work, etc.

Implications for investment

properties

Depreciation with regard to the public,

cost of work and extent of demolition.

Planning
Obtain specifications and drawing of demolition work to determine extent, type,
sequence and method OH&S requirements Workcover publications, facade retention
and demolition of structures AS 2501, safety signs, barricades, P.P.E. and equipment.
Preparation
Before any demolition takes place the services must be identified and closed off as
follows:
Sequential Demolition
- Disconnect Services
- Erect Barricades/Safety Signs
- Erect temporary support

18

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

7945PDEMOLITION

Plumbing/Gasfitting
Prior to demolition work commencing, all sanitary and drainage areas must be
identified, disconnected and sealed in the designated work area. This work must be
carried our by a licensed gasfitter, plumber or drainer. If any drainage is to be removed
and/or redirected, an application to the Water board must be made so new work may
be inspected and recorded on a Helio diagram.
Typical work in a bathroom would include:

Removing toilet pan and cistern

Removing taps and control cocks
Relocating hot and cold water outlets
Relocating sewer for EC
Installing or relocating floor wastes, sewer outlet, shower waste, waste for basins
etc.
Removing and/or relocating gas pipework for gas hot water heaters.

Demolish from top down in a logical sequence Personal to be made aware of and means of

By hand
Crane and Ball
Hydraulic Bursting
Chemical Bursting
Thermic Lance
Explosion in/out
Oxy acetylene

- Hazard Protection
- Hazard Prevention
- Salvage materials for recycling
- Dispose of toxic and non toxic
waste (see asbestos removal
OH&S)
- Clean and store tools and
equipment
- Housekeeping may be required for
some equipment.

Each of these methods has their own problems. Seek advice if you are on a job, where
these methods are in use.

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD

19

7945PDEMOLITION

Electrical
Prior to demolition work commencing all electrical outlets must be identified,
disconnected and protected in the designated work area. This work must be carried
out by a licensed electrician. If any disconnection of power to the main switchboard
service aerials is required or new circuits need to be installed etc., the electrician must
apply to the county council authority so work can be inspected or carried our by that
authority.
Telephone
Wiring and/or cables may need to be removed or redirected by the appropriate
servicing company.
Note: Where structural demolition is to take place, the appropriate state or local
authority must be notified. In some states, demolishes must be licensed. The following
grades of license are applicable:

all demolition work

mechanical demolition work
buildings up to two-storeys
detached dwellings
removal of asbestos (not for sheet asbestos) and
specific projects

Refer to the Workcover Authority or appropriate control authority for further information
about responsibilities.

20

TAFE NSW Construction and Transport ESD