Risk Assessment for Demolition Work: What Irish Contractors Must Consider
Demolition is one of the most hazardous activities in construction. This guide explains what a risk assessment for demolition work must include under Irish...
# Risk Assessment for Demolition Work: What Irish Contractors Must Consider Demolition is one of the most hazardous activities in the construction sector. The combination of structural instability, hazardous materials, complex logistics, and the unpredictable nature of existing structures makes demolition work a high-risk activity that demands thorough planning and a comprehensive risk assessment. In Ireland, demolition-related accidents continue to cause fatalities and serious injuries, and the HSA has consistently highlighted inadequate planning and risk assessment as contributing factors. This guide explains what a risk assessment for demolition work must include under Irish law, the specific hazards that must be addressed, and the controls that must be in place before work begins. ## The Legal Framework Demolition work in Ireland is governed primarily by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, which require that demolition or dismantling of a structure is planned and carried out in a manner that avoids danger. The Regulations require that demolition work is supervised by a competent person. The general duty to carry out risk assessments comes from the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 19. For demolition work, the risk assessment must be specific to the structure being demolished and the methods being used. For notifiable demolition projects, the PSDP must prepare a Preliminary Health and Safety Plan and the PSCS must prepare a Construction Phase Safety and Health Plan that addresses the demolition works. ## Pre-Demolition Survey Before any risk assessment for demolition can be completed, a pre-demolition survey must be carried out. This survey must identify: **Structural hazards.** The condition of the structure, including any signs of deterioration, previous modifications, or unusual structural arrangements that could affect stability during demolition. **Hazardous materials.** The presence of asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, contaminated soil, or other hazardous materials that must be managed before or during demolition. **Services.** The location and condition of all services connected to or passing through the structure, including gas, electricity, water, telecommunications, and drainage. All services must be isolated, disconnected, or diverted before demolition begins. **Neighbouring structures.** The proximity of neighbouring buildings, roads, utilities, and other infrastructure that could be affected by the demolition. **Ground conditions.** The ground conditions beneath and around the structure, including the location of basements, vaults, and underground services. The pre-demolition survey must be carried out by a competent person with knowledge of structural engineering and hazardous materials. The findings of the survey form the basis of the risk assessment and the demolition method statement. ## Key Hazards in Demolition Work ### Structural Collapse The primary hazard in demolition work is uncontrolled structural collapse. A structure that is being demolished is, by definition, being weakened, and the sequence in which elements are removed affects the stability of the remaining structure. If the demolition sequence is not carefully planned, the remaining structure can become unstable and collapse without warning. The risk assessment must address the risk of structural collapse and specify the demolition sequence that will maintain structural stability at all stages. The demolition sequence must be designed by a competent structural engineer. ### Asbestos Asbestos is present in a significant proportion of buildings constructed before 2000 in Ireland. Asbestos-containing materials include insulation board, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, roof sheets, and textured coatings. Disturbing asbestos during demolition can release fibres that cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Before demolition begins, an asbestos survey must be carried out by a competent person. Any asbestos-containing materials must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor before demolition proceeds. The risk assessment must address the risk from asbestos and confirm that all asbestos has been removed or that any remaining asbestos will be managed safely during demolition. ### Dust Demolition generates large quantities of dust, which can contain silica, asbestos fibres, lead, and other hazardous substances. Silica dust is a particular concern in demolition work involving concrete, brick, and stone. Repeated exposure to silica dust causes silicosis, an incurable and potentially fatal lung disease. The risk assessment must address the risk from dust and specify the controls, including water suppression, local exhaust ventilation, and respiratory protective equipment. ### Falls from Height Demolition workers are often working at height, on partially demolished structures, or on the edges of floor slabs. The risk of falls from height is significant, particularly as the structure is progressively weakened. The risk assessment must address the risk of falls from height and specify the controls, including edge protection, working platforms, and personal fall arrest equipment where collective measures are not practicable. ### Plant and Machinery Demolition work involves the use of heavy plant, including excavators with demolition attachments, high-reach machines, and wrecking balls. The risk of workers being struck by plant or by falling debris is significant. The risk assessment must address the risk from plant and machinery and specify the exclusion zones, traffic management arrangements, and communication systems that will be in place. ### Buried Services Even after services have been isolated and disconnected, buried services may remain in the ground beneath the structure. The risk assessment must address the risk of contact with buried services during demolition and ground clearance work. ### Noise and Vibration Demolition work generates significant noise and vibration, which can affect workers on site and neighbouring properties. The risk assessment must address the risk of noise-induced hearing loss for workers and the impact of vibration on neighbouring structures. ## The Demolition Method Statement The risk assessment for demolition work should be accompanied by a demolition method statement that sets out in detail how the demolition will be carried out. The method statement should include: - The demolition sequence, including the order in which elements will be removed - The plant and equipment to be used - The temporary works required to maintain stability during demolition - The arrangements for managing hazardous materials - The exclusion zones and traffic management arrangements - The arrangements for dust suppression - The emergency procedures The method statement must be prepared by a competent person and communicated to all workers involved in the demolition before work begins. ## Conclusion A risk assessment for demolition work must be specific to the structure being demolished and the methods being used. It must be based on a thorough pre-demolition survey and must address all the significant hazards, including structural collapse, asbestos, dust, falls from height, plant and machinery, and buried services. The investment in proper planning and risk assessment before demolition begins is always justified by the reduction in risk to workers and the public. ## References [1] Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013. Available at: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2013/si/291/made/en/print [2] Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 19. Available at: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/act/10/enacted/en/html [3] Health and Safety Authority - Demolition. Available at: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/construction/safety_topics/demolition/ [4] Health and Safety Authority - Asbestos. Available at: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/your_industry/chemicals/asbestos/