Demolition hazards

Key points

1. 1Never start tearing out until the supervisor confirms the structure has been checked by a competent person for weak walls, floors, and damaged framing.
2. 2Treat every wire and pipe as live until you are told electric, gas, water, and steam lines are shut off, capped, or controlled.
3. 3Ask about hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint before you cut or break anything; if you see something suspicious, stop and report it.
4. 4Stay out of areas below where others are working and respect the barricades and signs; falling debris does not give a warning.
5. 5Don't pile debris on floors or near openings; overloaded floors can collapse, so use chutes or move it out as you go.
6. 6Cover or guard floor openings and wall openings, and tie off when you work near an edge.
7. 7Wear your hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and boots, and use dust control and respirators when told; demolition dust can harm your lungs.

Talk it over

• Which parts of this building look weak or damaged to you, and where should we keep people away?
• How do we know the utilities are off here, and who do you ask if you're not sure?
• Where will the debris go today, and how do we keep it from piling up on floors or blocking exits?

Also in the other language: Riesgos en demoliciones

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.850 — Demolition — preparatory operations

More toolbox talks

• Fit for duty: fatigue, drugs and alcohol
• Reporting near misses
• Workplace violence