815 Demolition Safety

The Engineering Survey

This includes determining whether an unplanned collapse of the building or any adjacent structure would injure those working in the vicinity. The demolition contractor must maintain a written copy of this survey.

The engineering survey provides the demolition contractor with the opportunity to evaluate the job in its entirety. The purpose of the engineering survey is to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls so that measures can be taken, if necessary, to prevent the premature collapse of any portion of the structure. All of the following should be addressed in the survey:

• Competent person: Prior to starting all demolition operations, ensure a competent person conducts an engineering survey of the structure.
• Adjacent structures: Check any adjacent structure(s) or improvements. Photographing existing damage in neighboring structures is also advisable. The contractor should also plan for potential hazards such as fires, cave-ins, and injuries.
• Damaged structures: If the structure has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or some other cause, take appropriate measures, including bracing and shoring of walls and floors, to protect workers and any adjacent structures.
• Hazardous substances: Determine 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 must be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.
• Protective equipment: Determine the safety equipment needs. In demolition operations, PPE may include:
• eye, face, head, hand, and foot protection
• respiratory protection
• hearing protection
• personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
• other protective clothing

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