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503 EM 385-1-1 Sections 20-26
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23.A.06 Work progression.

  1. Except for cutting holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar preparatory work, the demolition of floors and exterior walls must begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward.
  2. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction must be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors on the next story below.

23.A.07 Potential hazards due to the fragmentation of glass must be considered and controlled for all persons inside and outside of the demolition site.

The potential hazards of fragmentation of glass must be considered and controlled.

23.A.08 Mechanical equipment must not be used on floors on working surfaces unless such floors or surfaces are of sufficient strength to support the imposed load.

23.A.09 Employee entrances to multistory structures being demolished must be protected by sidewalk sheds, canopies, or both.

  1. Protection must be provided from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 ft (2.4 m).
  2. All such canopies must be at least 2 ft (0.6 m) wider than the building entrances or openings (1 ft (0.3 m) wider on each side), and must be capable of sustaining a load of 150 psi (1,034.2 kPa).

23.A.10 Only those stairways, passageways, and ladders designated as means of access to the structure must be used.

  1. The designated means of access must be indicated on the demolition plan. Other access ways must be indicated as not safe for access and closed at all times.
  2. The stairwell must be covered to protect workers from falling debris at a point no less than two floors below the floor on which work is being performed.
  3. Access to a floor where work is in progress must be through a separate lighted, protected passageway.

23.A.11 During demolition, continuing inspections by a Competent Person (CP) must detect hazards resulting from weakened or deteriorated floors, walls, or loosened material. No employee must be permitted to work where such hazards exist until they are corrected by shoring, bracing, or other means. The frequency of inspections will be identified in the blasting/renovation plan.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

23-2. The stairwell must be covered to protect workers from falling debris at a point no less than _____ below the floor on which work is being performed.