Demolition Work Inspection

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850(a), prior to starting demolition operations, an engineering survey of the structure must be conducted by a competent person to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and the possibility of unplanned collapse. The survey must identify all utilities, structural connections, and load paths. Per ANSI/ASSE A10.6, the survey must be documented in writing and available on-site throughout demolition operations.

1. Verify a written engineering survey has been completed and signed by a competent person

2. Confirm the survey identifies all structural systems, load paths, and areas of deterioration

3. Check that all utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, telecom) have been identified, disconnected, and capped

4. Review the survey for identification of shared walls, party walls, or adjacent structure connections

5. Verify the survey is available on-site and accessible to all workers

- Engineering survey not completed or not documented in writing before work begins

- Failure to identify concealed utilities resulting in accidental strikes

- Incomplete assessment of structural deterioration or compromised load paths

- Survey not updated when conditions change during demolition operations

Per EPA 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M (NESHAP), all regulated asbestos-containing materials (ACM) must be identified and removed prior to demolition activities that would disturb them. A thorough inspection by an accredited inspector per AHERA is required. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101, all Class I and Class II asbestos work must be performed by licensed abatement contractors. Lead-based paint must be assessed per EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and HUD Guidelines for structures built before 1978.

1. Verify a certified asbestos inspection report has been completed identifying all ACM locations

2. Confirm all RACM (Regulated ACM) has been properly removed and disposed of with manifests on file

3. Check for proper EPA/state notification (10-day advance notice for NESHAP-regulated demolitions)

4. Review lead-based paint assessment for pre-1978 structures and confirm abatement or encapsulation

5. Verify air monitoring clearance reports are on file following abatement activities

- Asbestos inspection not performed or limited in scope missing concealed ACM

- Failure to file required 10-day advance NESHAP notification with EPA or state agency

- Improper disposal of asbestos waste without proper manifesting and landfill documentation

- Lead-based paint not assessed in pre-1978 structures prior to demolition

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.854, no wall section more than one story in height shall be permitted to stand alone without lateral bracing unless it was originally designed as a free-standing wall. Floors must not be overloaded with demolition debris per 29 CFR 1926.851(a). Temporary shoring and bracing must be installed where structural members are removed per ANSI/ASSE A10.6 Section 6. Adjacent structures must be protected from damage with appropriate shoring or bracing.

1. Verify temporary bracing and shoring plans are in place for walls exceeding one story

2. Inspect floor areas for debris accumulation — confirm loads do not exceed structural capacity

3. Check that structural members are removed in the proper sequence to prevent unplanned collapse

4. Confirm adjacent structures have protective measures (shoring, bracing, monitoring points)

5. Verify a competent person is on-site continuously monitoring structural conditions

- Unsupported wall sections left standing beyond one story without lateral bracing

- Debris overloading floors and causing unplanned structural failure

- Removal of structural members out of sequence compromising overall stability

- Failure to protect adjacent structures resulting in collateral damage

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850 and ANSI/ASSE A10.6 Section 5, a written demolition plan must establish the method and sequence of operations. Demolition must generally proceed from the top of the structure downward. Mechanical demolition equipment must maintain safe operating distances from walls and structural elements per 29 CFR 1926.859. The plan must address fall protection, exclusion zones, and equipment staging per OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M.

1. Review the written demolition plan for method selection appropriate to structure type and site conditions

2. Verify the sequence proceeds from top down and follows the engineered removal order

3. Confirm exclusion zones are established and clearly marked around the demolition area

4. Check that mechanical equipment operators maintain required minimum distances from unstable elements

5. Verify fall protection measures are in place for workers at elevations per 29 CFR 1926.502

- No written demolition plan or plan not followed during actual operations

- Bottom-up demolition attempted without engineered justification

- Exclusion zones inadequately sized or not enforced during active demolition

- Mechanical equipment operating too close to weakened structural elements

Per EPA 40 CFR Part 61 and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.55, airborne dust must be controlled to keep worker exposures below permissible exposure limits (PELs) for silica, lead, and other contaminants. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.52 requires hearing protection when noise exceeds 90 dBA TWA. Local ordinances typically restrict demolition noise to daytime hours (7 AM to 6 PM). Dust suppression using water spray is required per EPA to prevent visible emissions beyond the property line.

1. Verify dust suppression system is operational — water spray on active demolition areas

2. Confirm no visible dust emissions crossing the property line per EPA standards

3. Check that workers have appropriate respiratory protection based on air monitoring results

4. Verify noise monitoring is conducted and hearing protection provided when levels exceed 90 dBA

5. Confirm demolition activities comply with local noise ordinance time restrictions

- Inadequate dust suppression allowing visible emissions beyond property boundary

- Silica dust exposure exceeding PEL due to lack of air monitoring or controls

- Workers not provided hearing protection during high-noise demolition activities

- Demolition work conducted outside permitted hours violating local noise ordinances

Per EPA RCRA (40 CFR Parts 239-282) and local solid waste regulations, demolition waste must be properly classified, segregated, and disposed of at permitted facilities. Hazardous waste including asbestos, lead paint debris, and PCB-containing materials must be handled per 40 CFR Part 261 and transported by licensed haulers with proper manifesting. Many jurisdictions require a minimum 50-75% diversion rate for C&D (construction and demolition) waste through recycling and salvage per local green building ordinances.

1. Verify waste segregation plan is in place separating recyclables, general C&D, and hazardous waste

2. Confirm hazardous waste manifests are completed for all regulated materials leaving the site

3. Check that waste haulers and disposal facilities hold required permits and licenses

4. Review recycling and diversion documentation to verify compliance with local diversion requirements

5. Inspect waste storage areas for proper containment, labeling, and protection from weather

- Hazardous waste mixed with general C&D debris requiring costly remediation

- Missing or incomplete waste manifests for regulated material transport

- Disposal at unpermitted facilities resulting in environmental violations

- Failure to meet local C&D waste diversion requirements due to inadequate segregation