Suitable control measures should be implemented, for example using steel plates or other restraint measures, at locations adjacent to pedestrian areas or where concrete cover is reduced. This will help to minimise the risk of personal injury or property damage arising from the unexpected release of stored energy in tendons.
6.2 Fire-damaged, ruinous and structurally unsound buildings or structures
An assessment should be undertaken to identify asbestos, hazardous materials and structural integrity issues relating to fire-damaged, ruinous or structurally unsound buildings or structures. The person conducting a business or undertaking should request a written report by a competent person specifying the hazards associated with the design and the current state of the structure.
Control measures should be taken, as far as is reasonably practicable, during the assessment and demolition stages.
In specifying the hazards associated with the design and current state of the structure, the report by the competent person should also specify the control measures that should be applied to the demolition.
Where possible, fire damaged, ruinous or structurally unsound buildings or structures should be demolished by mechanical means.
6.3 Lift shafts
The combination of the lift shaft structure and the lift plant( including the lift cage or car, winders, counterweights, electrical supply and controls) can make these complex structures. Different methods can be applied to the demolition of lifts and these will depend on the circumstances of the particular site.
In general, demolition procedures should include the following:
• temporary support of the lift cage and the disconnection of electric power to all areas of the lift machinery
• lowering of any counterweights to an appropriate level for disconnection and the unwinding of cables in a controlled manner prior to the removal of drums
• provision of temporary decking in the lift shaft
• progressive demolition of the lift shaft walls onto existing floors and the removal of any debris.
6.4 Basements, cellars, vaults, domes and arched roofs
During the demolition of a basement, cellar, arch, vault or dome frequent inspections should be made to identify whether there has been any unplanned movement. If unplanned movement is detected, appropriate action should be taken to avoid any uncontrolled collapse.
CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK 33