4. CONTROLLING RISKS IN DEMOLITION WORK
SYNTHETIC MINERAL FIBRES Synthetic mineral fibres are used extensively for insulation in building walls and ceilings as well as on items such as air-conditioning duct work. The specific material should be identified and control measures implemented relevant to the manufacturer’ s instructions.
PPE should be provided to workers and worn when insulation is being removed during the demolition process and dust should be suppressed by damping down.
4.3 Securing the work area
EXCLUSION ZONES To protect workers undertaking demolition activities, exclusion zones should be considered to prevent unauthorised personnel entering work areas.
A system to prevent falling objects impacting on workers should be implemented to protect the safety of people who are working on or in the vicinity of the demolition work. In particular, any area where a falling object might reasonably be expected to land should be designated an exclusion zone. The enclosed and / or protected area should extend horizontally to a safe distance beyond the overhead work area.
Planning for exclusion zones should take into consideration:
• erecting secure impassable barricades with adequate signage and appropriate lock out procedures to prevent unauthorised pedestrian or vehicular access to the area
• providing information to workers and other persons at the workplace advising them of the status of the exclusion zones, and
• providing supervision so that no unauthorised person enters an exclusion zone.
Exclusion zones and safe distances may be required during:
• the stripping, removal and / or dropping of debris
• the operation of demolition plant or equipment
• pre-weakening activities for a deliberate collapse
• the deliberate collapse or pulling over of buildings or structures.
PUBLIC ACCESS AND PROTECTION Adequate public safety should be maintained in public places and areas adjoining the workplace as the work progresses( e. g. roads, walkways). Where demolition work is adjacent to a public place and there is a risk of falling debris or hazardous noise, a method of protection should be selected and:
• erected before the commencement of demolition work
• kept in position at all times during the progress of the work
• regularly inspected and maintained.
Control measures to isolate the work from the public may include installing hoarding such as security fencing, containment sheets and mesh, an overhead protective structure, road closures and specified exclusion zones.
CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK 19