Production Training - Demolition Overview

Site Assessment:

Asbestos Testing:

• A qualified asbestos testing company has inspected & cleared the project for ACMs.

• If the project tested positive for ACMs, a licenced asbestos abatement company will remove the materials that tested positive.

• A clearance test will be conducted prior to allowing removal of materials that tested negative for ACM.

• Materials known to have never contained ACM can be safely removed without risk of disturbing asbestos.

Safety Assessment: 

• An assessment of the property should be quickly conducted to determine any obvious or potential risks to employees or occupants.

• Determine what these risks are & how they'll be made safe.

• Are there any of the following;

  • Slip fall hazards.

  • Electrical risks 

  • Contamination

  • Are the customers high risk?

  • Could ceilings fall.

  • Are there confined spaces that will require entry?

Utility Shutdown:

Water Supply:

• • Locate the main water shut-off valve, typically near the water meter or where the water line enters the building.

  • Turn off the valve completely and test by running a faucet to ensure the water is fully shut off.

  • If possible, drain the pipes to minimize residual water.

  • Clearly mark the shut-off valve to prevent accidental reactivation.

Electrical Power:

• • Identify the electrical panel controlling the work area.

  • Turn off the appropriate circuit breakers and verify the power is off using a voltage tester.

  • If working on a larger scale, the main electrical disconnect may need to be used.

  • Lock out/tag out procedures should be used to prevent accidental reactivation of the power.

  • Communicate with all onsite personnel about the power shutdown.

Protecting Customer Belongings and Surfaces:

Furniture and Belongings:

• • Carefully move furniture and belongings out of the work area, if possible.

  • If moving is not feasible, cover all items with heavy-duty plastic sheeting, securing it with tape.

  • Consider using padded blankets or moving blankets for added protection.

  • Document the condition of the furniture before moving it.

Protecting Surfaces:

• • Cover floors with heavy-duty floor protection, such as; carpet film, plywood, hardboard, or protective floor mats.

  • Protect walls and other vertical surfaces with plastic sheeting or protective boards.

  • Use painter's tape or other appropriate tape to secure protective coverings.

  • Pay special attention to protecting delicate surfaces like countertops, tile, and hardwood floors.

Dust Containment and Air Filtration:

Plastic Containment:

• • Erect plastic barriers to create a sealed work area, preventing dust and debris from spreading to other areas.

  • Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting and secure it with tape or temporary framing.

  • Ensure the containment is airtight to minimize dust leakage.

  • Consider using zipper doors or access panels for easy entry and exit.

Air Filtration:

• • Use HEPA-filtered air filtration systems to remove airborne particles.

  • Place air scrubbers strategically within the containment area.

  • Ensure the air filtration systems are properly maintained and have clean filters.

  • Consider negative air pressure machines to help keep dust contained.

Selecting Appropriate PPE:

Hazard Assessment:

• • Conduct a thorough hazard assessment to identify potential risks, such as falling debris, dust, hazardous materials, and noise.

PPE Selection:

• • Based on the hazard assessment, select the appropriate PPE, including:

    • Hard hats to protect against falling debris.

    • Safety glasses or goggles to protect against dust and debris.

    • Respirators to protect against dust, mold, and other airborne contaminants.

    • Gloves to protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.

    • Sturdy work boots to protect against foot injuries.

    • Hearing protection to protect against noise.

    • Tyvek suits when dealing with mold or asbestos.

PPE Inspection and Maintenance:

• • Inspect PPE before each use to ensure it is in good condition.

  • Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately.

  • Properly clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

Documentation of Pre-existing Conditions:

Thorough documentation is critical for a successful and defensible demolition project. This involves capturing the initial state of the area before any work begins.

Pre-Demolition Photographs: Take comprehensive photographs of the entire work area. This should include:

• • Overall Views: Capture the entire space from multiple corners. (4 Corner Shots)

  • Close-ups: Focus on specific areas, such as walls, ceilings, floors, and any existing damage.

  • Details: Photograph any unique features, trim, or existing conditions.

Post-Containment Setup Photographs: After setting up the containment system (plastic sheeting, barriers), take photographs to document its integrity. This demonstrates that proper containment measures were implemented.

PPE Usage Documentation: Photograph workers using the appropriate PPE (tyvek suits, respirators, gloves, etc.). This visually confirms adherence to safety protocols.

In-Progress Photographs: Take photographs throughout the demolition process, documenting the progress of work and the condition of the materials being removed.

Post-Demolition Photographs: After the demolition is complete, take final photographs of the cleared area. This serves as a record of the work performed and helps identify any potential issues or discrepancies.

Benefits of Documentation:

Legal Protection: Photographs provide valuable evidence in case of disputes or claims.

Quality Control: They help ensure that the work is being performed according to plan and safety standards.

Project Documentation: They create a visual record of the entire demolition process.

Risk Management: They help identify and address potential issues early on.

Debris Handling and Disposal:

Effective debris management is essential for a clean, safe, and efficient demolition project. This involves planning for the volume of debris, appropriate containment, and proper disposal methods.

Volume Estimation:

• • Before starting, estimate the volume of debris that will be generated. This will determine the appropriate disposal method and equipment. Factors to consider include the size of the area being demolished, the types of materials being removed, and the thickness of those materials.

  • For example, demolishing a single room's drywall will produce significantly less debris than demolishing an entire kitchen with cabinets and flooring.

Debris Bagging:

• • Materials that are involved with Category 3 losses must be bagged for disposal.

  • Materials that are to be hauled in passenger areas with employees must be bagged. 

  • Materials that must be carried through an unaffected area, must be bagged, sometimes even double bagged.

Disposal Methods:

• • Dumpster: For larger demolition projects, a roll-off dumpster is often the most efficient disposal method. The size of the dumpster will depend on the estimated volume of debris.

  • Dump Truck: For very large quantities of heavy debris, a dump truck may be required.

  • Pickup Truck or Van: For smaller demolition projects, debris may be hauled away in a pickup truck or van. Multiple trips may be necessary.

  • Hazardous Material Disposal: If hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint) are present, specialized disposal procedures must be followed, in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.