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