Demolition Code of Practice
Demolition has its own stringent code of practice where we as Demolition Engineers assist Clients and Contractors to implement the guidance.
BS:6187 is the British Standard that provides guidelines for the safe and effective demolition of buildings and structures.
The full title of the standard is BS 6187:2011 – Code of Practice for Full and Partial Demolition. It is a key reference for professionals involved in the demolition industry, including contractors, engineers, and regulatory authorities.
Importance of BS 6187:
The standard ensures that demolition projects are carried out safely and effectively while minimising risks to workers, the public, and the environment. It provides a comprehensive framework to manage demolition processes, considering the technical, legal, and environmental challenges.
BS 6187 is widely used in the UK and serves as a benchmark for best practices in the demolition industry.
Key Aspects of BS 6187:2011
The standard outlines a comprehensive approach to planning, managing, and executing demolition projects.
Below are the core areas covered:
1. Planning and Risk Assessment
- Initial Assessment: Evaluate the structure to be demolished and any surrounding buildings to identify potential risks.
- Pre-Demolition Planning: Before any work begins, assess hazards (e.g., hazardous materials, asbestos, underground utilities) and develop a detailed demolition plan.
- Method Statement: A method statement must outline the demolition techniques, sequence of operations, and safety measures.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Permits and Approvals: Ensure that all necessary permissions are in place from local and national authorities.
- Health and Safety Legislation: Adhere to UK health and safety regulations, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
3. Demolition Methods and Techniques
- Mechanical Demolition: The use of machinery like excavators and cranes to dismantle structures.
- Controlled Explosive Demolition: Guidelines for using controlled explosions for demolition, including planning, safety precautions, and monitoring.
- Manual Demolition: Dismantling by hand when mechanical methods are unsuitable, for instance, in densely populated or sensitive areas.
- Selective Demolition: Partial demolition techniques often used when a section of a structure needs to be preserved.
4. Structural Considerations
- Structural Integrity: Continuous assessment of the structure’s stability during demolition to prevent uncontrolled collapses.
- Support and Bracing: Installing necessary supports to protect both the structure being demolished and any adjacent buildings.
5. Health and Safety Measures
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Ensuring workers are equipped with the right protective gear.
- Site Safety Management: Enforcing safety zones, signage, and access control to minimise risk to both workers and the public.
- Training: Ensuring that all personnel involved are trained and competent in demolition techniques and safety practices.
- Emergency Procedures: Clear guidelines for managing accidents or unexpected events, such as collapses or hazardous material discoveries.
6. Environmental Protection
- Waste Management: Proper handling, recycling, and disposal of demolition waste, including hazardous materials.
- Dust, Noise, and Vibration Control: Techniques to minimize environmental impact, such as water sprays for dust suppression and limiting vibration through careful machine operation.
- Asbestos and Hazardous Substances: Procedures for identifying and safely removing hazardous materials from the site.
7 .Post-Demolition Work
- Site Clearance: Proper removal of debris, ensuring that the site is left in a safe condition.
- Recycling and Salvage: Encouraging recycling of materials where possible, such as metals, bricks, and timber.
8. Documentation and Records
- Recording the Process: Keeping detailed records of the demolition process, from planning to completion.
- Final Inspections: A thorough inspection post-demolition to confirm that all work has been completed safely and in accordance with the demolition plan.