Demolition Pre-Planning Basics

Why it matters

Demolition is construction in reverse, with one big difference: the building was not designed to come apart, and every cut changes how it stands. OSHA requires an engineering survey before demolition starts, checking the structure condition and the possibility of unplanned collapse, plus utilities cut and capped. Today we cover what must be answered before the first swing of a hammer.

Hazards

• ⚠ Unplanned collapse of weakened floors and walls
• ⚠ Live utilities: gas, electric, water still connected
• ⚠ Hidden asbestos, lead, and chemical hazards in old structures
• ⚠ Falling debris beyond the expected drop area
• ⚠ Floor openings and weakened decks under demo crews
• ⚠ Adjacent structures and public ways too close to the work

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Engineering survey completed and reviewed with the crew before work: condition, framing, and collapse risk.
• ✓ All utilities located, shut off, capped, or protected before demolition begins; verify, do not assume.
• ✓ Hazmat surveys done: asbestos and lead handled by licensed abatement before general demo.
• ✓ Work top down unless the plan says otherwise, and never cut structural members without direction.
• ✓ Establish debris drop zones, chutes for anything dropped more than 20 feet, and barricades below.
• ✓ Check floors before loading them with equipment or debris.
• ✓ Daily plan review: what comes down today, in what order, and where everyone stands.

Crew discussion questions

1. Have we all seen the engineering survey findings for this structure?
2. Which utilities are verified dead, and who confirmed the caps?
3. Where are our drop zones and how is the public protected?
4. What in this building looks strong but is not?

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.850, 29 CFR 1926.20

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