Demolition & Structural Stability

What is a 'demolition survey' and when is it required?

• ANever required
• BA detailed structural survey before demolition identifying hazards, structural loads, and sequencing before work begins✓
• COnly for very old buildings
• DOnly by architects

Answer: A demolition survey is a comprehensive assessment identifying structural details, hazardous materials, utilities, and method sequencing to ensure safe demolition planning.

What are the main hazards in demolition work?

• ANone; demolition is straightforward
• BStructural collapse, falling materials, dust (asbestos, silica), noise, manual handling, hazardous substances✓
• COnly noise
• DOnly dust

Answer: Demolition hazards include: unplanned collapse, falls of materials and persons, asbestos and hazardous material exposure, noise, vibration, dust, and struck-by incidents.

What must a 'method statement' for demolition include?

• AOnly timescales
• BSequencing, hazard controls, plant equipment, site layout, waste management, and responsible persons✓
• COnly budget
• DOnly the building address

Answer: A demolition method statement details: the sequence of operations, hazards and controls, equipment to be used, site layout, utilities management, waste procedures, and personnel responsibilities.

What is 'structural stability' in the context of demolition?

• ANot important
• BEnsuring structures remain stable during demolition through proper sequencing, propping, and monitoring✓
• COnly relevant to very large buildings
• DOnly the engineer's concern

Answer: Structural stability during demolition requires careful planning to prevent unplanned collapse. This involves proper sequencing, temporary propping if needed, and monitoring of remaining structures.

What is a 'temporary works' design in demolition?

• ANot necessary
• BEngineering design for temporary structures (shoring, bracing, debris containment) needed during demolition✓
• COnly for new construction
• DJust common sense

Answer: Temporary works include any structures erected to support demolition safety: shoring, bracing, debris containment, platforms. All must be properly designed and inspected.

What are 'exclusion zones' in demolition work?

• ANot needed
• BClearly marked areas restricting access to prevent people being struck by falling material or exposed to hazards✓
• COnly during working hours
• DOnly if using heavy equipment

Answer: Exclusion zones are clearly marked and barricaded areas around demolition work. No unauthorized persons are permitted. Zones must extend beyond potential fall distances.

What must be done regarding 'hazardous substances' in demolition?

• ANothing special if not visible
• BSurvey for asbestos, lead, PCBs; remove safely; manage waste; provide respiratory protection if needed✓
• COnly asbestos matters
• DNot the demolition contractor's responsibility

Answer: Demolition must address hazardous substances: survey for asbestos, lead, PCBs, and other hazards; remove via licensed contractors; manage waste; and provide worker protection.

What is 'asbestos management' in demolition?

• ANot necessary if asbestos is old
• BSurvey before demolition, notify authorities if asbestos found, engage licensed asbestos contractors, manage waste as hazardous✓
• COnly remove obvious asbestos
• DAsbestos can be thrown away

Answer: Asbestos in demolition requires: pre-demolition survey, notification to authorities, licensed contractor removal, hazardous waste management, and worker protection.

What is 'dust containment' in demolition?

• ANot necessary if outside
• BEnclosures, wetting, extraction systems, and respiratory protection to control dust from demolition✓
• COnly spray with water
• DOnly relevant indoors

Answer: Dust containment includes: enclosing work areas, water spraying, extraction systems, respiratory protection, and monitoring to protect workers and nearby residents.

What is 'utility disconnection' and why is it critical in demolition?

• ANot needed
• BSafely isolating and capping all services (electricity, gas, water, communications) before demolition to prevent explosion or injury✓
• COnly electricity matters
• DCan be done during demolition

Answer: All utilities must be safely disconnected before demolition: electricity (to avoid electrocution), gas (explosion risk), water (flooding), and telecommunications. Disconnection should be by authorized personnel.

What is 'waste management' in demolition?

• ADump waste anywhere
• BSegregate waste, use licensed waste contractors, dispose to appropriate facilities, manage hazardous waste separately✓
• COnly large pieces matter
• DOnly recyclable material

Answer: Demolition waste management includes: segregation of materials, use of licensed waste management facilities, compliance with Site Waste Management Plans, and separate handling of hazardous waste.

What is 'vibration monitoring' in demolition?

• ANot needed
• BMonitoring vibration from demolition to prevent damage to adjacent structures and ensure worker safety✓
• COnly for large buildings
• DOnly for concerns

Answer: Vibration monitoring measures vibration levels from demolition activities to ensure adjacent structures are not damaged and vibration levels do not harm worker health.