4. CONTROLLING RISKS IN DEMOLITION WORK
4.8 Electricity
Any construction work that is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services is high risk construction work and a SWMS must be prepared before this work commences.
Electrical power sources, whether overhead or underground, can be a major hazard. In addition to direct electric shock and possible electrocution, contact with overhead electric lines can lead to a variety of hazards including arcing, explosion or fire causing burns, unpredictable cable whiplash and the electrifying of other objects( for example, signs, poles, trees or branches).
Specific control measures must be implemented when work is done in the vicinity of electric lines. The local electricity supply authority should be consulted and appropriate control measures implemented. Before demolition commences, all live electrical wiring and / or components( apart from any temporary electrical installations provided for the work) should be disconnected, isolated, or clearly marked and rendered safe by a competent person( for example, electrical engineer) or, where necessary, the local electrical supply authority.
More detailed guidance on managing risks associated with electricity is available in the Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace.
4.9 Fire prevention
Where required, adequate fire prevention equipment should be provided and maintained at all times during the demolition of a structure. Access to the fire protection service, including any booster fitting, should also be maintained.
If a sprinkler system is installed in a structure to be demolished, it should be maintained in an operable condition at each storey, so far as is reasonably practicable. Portable fireextinguishers should be kept in working areas at all times and maintained in an operable condition.
FIRE HAZARDS FROM WELDING AND CUTTING Welding and cutting operations present a severe fire hazard unless precautions are taken.
In areas where the floor, walls or ground cover are combustible, the area should be protected by spraying the area with water, spreading damp sand, laying fireproof blankets or other suitable means of protection.
In cases where a serious fire might quickly develop, a fire spotter should be assigned to the area. Fire extinguishing equipment should be readily available, and all workers trained in its use.
Where possible, flammable and combustible materials should be removed from the work area. Combustible debris should not be allowed to accumulate to the extent that it can become a fire hazard.
Further guidance on welding is available in the Code of Practice: Welding Processes and in AS 1674.1: Safety in welding and allied processes- Fire precautions.
CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK 23