Demolition Work HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)
Demolition activities involve dismantling, breaking down, or removing structures such as buildings, walls, bridges, or chimneys using manual tools, machinery, or explosives. These tasks are inherently hazardous due to risks of falling debris, structural collapse, dust exposure, utility strikes, and equipment accidents.
A thorough HIRA is critical to anticipate and control hazards associated with demolition, ensuring safety of workers, public, and property.
Objective of Demolition Work HIRA
- To identify all potential hazards involved in demolition work.
- To assess associated risks in terms of likelihood and severity.
- To define and implement suitable control measures.
- To protect personnel and surroundings during all demolition phases.
Scope
This HIRA applies to all types of demolition activities, including:
- Manual or mechanical demolition of structures
- Controlled demolition using machines (hydraulic breaker, crane, etc.)
- Use of hand tools (jackhammers, hammers, chisels)
- Partial demolition or stripping works
- Soft strip demolition (non-structural elements)
- Handling of debris and hazardous materials (asbestos, lead)
Step-by-Step HIRA for Demolition Activities
1. Activity Description
Demolition of buildings or structures using mechanical or manual means, including dismantling, cutting, breaking, or pulling down parts of the structure, and safe handling and disposal of debris and materials.
2. Hazard Identification Table
| S. No. | Hazard | Potential Effects | Persons at Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Structural collapse | Fatal injury, crush, burial | Workers, machine operators |
| 2 | Falling debris | Head injuries, fractures | Workers below or near |
| 3 | Dust and airborne particles | Respiratory problems | Workers, surrounding public |
| 4 | Noise and vibration | Hearing damage, fatigue | Machine operators |
| 5 | Use of heavy machinery | Struck-by, caught-in injuries | Operators, ground workers |
| 6 | Fall from height | Severe injuries or death | Roof and elevated workers |
| 7 | Electrocution (live wires) | Burns, death | Demolition crew |
| 8 | Manual handling of rubble | Strain, musculoskeletal injury | Laborers |
| 9 | Hazardous material exposure (e.g. asbestos) | Cancer, lung disease | Demolition team |
| 10 | Fire or explosion (gas leaks) | Burns, fatalities, property loss | Entire site personnel |
3. Risk Assessment Matrix
Risk Rating = Likelihood (L) × Severity (S)
| Hazard | L | S | Risk Rating | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural collapse | 3 | 5 | 15 | High |
| Falling debris | 4 | 4 | 16 | Critical |
| Dust exposure | 4 | 3 | 12 | High |
| Noise and vibration | 4 | 2 | 8 | Medium |
| Heavy equipment hazard | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
| Falls from height | 3 | 5 | 15 | High |
| Electrocution | 2 | 5 | 10 | High |
| Manual handling | 4 | 2 | 8 | Medium |
| Hazardous substance exposure | 3 | 5 | 15 | High |
| Fire/explosion | 2 | 5 | 10 | High |
4. Control Measures
Engineering Controls:
- Use of catch platforms, nets, or covered walkways to intercept falling materials.
- Use well-maintained, appropriate-sized machinery with backup alarms and safety features.
- Install edge protection and safety harness anchor points.
- Use water spray or dust suppression systems.
- Clearly mark and isolate utility lines before demolition.
Administrative Controls:
- Prepare a demolition method statement and risk assessment.
- Issue a Demolition Permit before starting work.
- Ensure utility disconnection (electricity, water, gas).
- Conduct structural assessment by a qualified engineer.
- Zone off high-risk areas and restrict unauthorized access.
- Emergency response plan for collapse, fire, or exposure.
- Engage only trained personnel for hazardous material handling.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Full body harness and lifeline for work at height.
- Hard hats, face shields, and eye protection.
- Respiratory masks suitable for dust/asbestos.
- Hearing protection (earplugs/muffs).
- Safety shoes and gloves for handling sharp/rubble materials.
- High-visibility vest and fire-retardant clothing (as needed).
5. Safe Work Procedure (SWP)
Pre-Demolition:
- Conduct thorough site survey and obtain drawings (structural and utility).
- Disconnect all power, water, gas, and telecommunication lines.
- Barricade and label exclusion zones for public and non-involved workers.
- Brief all crew on tasks, hazards, and emergency procedures.
- Check machinery, tools, PPE, and access ways.
During Demolition:
- Use step-by-step, top-down demolition (never uncontrolled collapse).
- Assign spotters to monitor area and guide machine operators.
- Use water spray or mist to control dust.
- Keep debris stacked safely away from structure and machinery.
- Maintain clear communication (radio or hand signals) during mechanical work.
- Avoid work during poor visibility, high wind, or rain.
Post-Demolition:
- Clean the site and remove debris safely using designated routes.
- Conduct area inspection for residual hazards (sharps, gas, live wires).
- Confirm with safety team before handover.
- Maintain logs of any near-miss, injury, or equipment issue.
6. Emergency Preparedness
- Fire extinguishers and water hoses available on-site.
- First aid kits and stretchers accessible at multiple locations.
- Emergency exit routes clearly marked and unobstructed.
- Communication equipment (walkie-talkies, mobile phones).
- Emergency team trained in rescue, fire response, and hazardous material control.
- Nearest hospital contact and ambulance arrangements documented.
7. Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Site Engineer | Approve demolition plan, oversee structural safety |
| Safety Officer | Perform inspections, ensure control implementation |
| Supervisor | Manage daily work schedule and PPE compliance |
| Machine Operator | Operate machinery as per safety and method statement |
| Fire Watch | Monitor for any fire or spark during hot demolition |
| Laborers | Execute tasks safely, report hazards |
| First Aider | Respond to injury or health emergencies immediately |
Summary of Key Recommendations
- Develop and follow a detailed demolition plan and sequence.
- Disconnect all utilities before work begins.
- Provide dust control measures and PPE for respiratory safety.
- Maintain safe exclusion zones with barricades and signage.
- Use fall protection systems for elevated demolition work.
- Ensure proper debris handling, stacking, and disposal.
- Conduct toolbox talks daily and monitor weather conditions.
- Deploy only certified personnel for demolition, machine handling, and hazardous material removal.
Monitoring and Review
- Daily walk-throughs by safety officers during demolition progress.
- Weekly review of risk assessments and update based on on-ground conditions.
- Incident tracking for analysis and continuous improvement.
- Refresher training for demolition teams and rescue procedures.
- Maintenance logs for equipment and PPE.
Conclusion
Demolition activities present some of the most complex and high-risk situations in construction. Without structured hazard identification and robust control measures, these tasks can lead to life-threatening incidents.
Implementing a well-developed HIRA framework — supported by engineering controls, strict supervision, skilled workers, and emergency readiness — is vital for safe and efficient demolition operations. Proper planning, teamwork, and vigilance will ensure successful project execution with zero harm.
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