Demolition and decommissioning are highly hazardous tasks. Robust safety management is essential to protect the health and safety of both the work environment and employees. Through thorough planning and transparent communication, these hazards can be reduced.

The steps to a successful, safe demolition and decommissioning are as follows:

1. Conduct a demolition risk assessment

Before any demolition or decommissioning work commences, a risk assessment of plant, buildings and equipment must be completed. It should take into account:

• Hazardous materials
• Any risks associated with decommissioning and demolition activities
• Disposal of waste materials resulting from the demolition
• Isolation of plant and equipment
• Decontamination of equipment to be demolished
• Site remediation, if necessary
• Removal of asbestos, where applicable
• Risk assessment of leaving plant and equipment in place which will no longer be used.

2. Arrange induction training

Workers who are involved in demolition or decommissioning projects should receive induction training. This will familiarise them with the tasks required and the environment they’ll be working in, as well as the health and safety processes involved.

3. Prepare a demolition plan

A detailed plan must be prepared before any demolition work goes ahead. The plan should include the demolition method and applicable safety measures that are needed to ensure worker health. If environmental damage will occur as a result of demolition work, this needs to be included in the plan as well.

Demolition planning should always be conservative, aiming to consider any possible hazards that may arise during the process.

Where required, the plan should be submitted to the relevant authorities.

4. Notify other parties

Any external parties that may be affected by the demolition work, for example, neighbours to the worksite, should be informed when this work is about to commence.

5. During the work

During decommissioning the buildings or equipment involved should be sign posted and access to them restricted.

Other considerations such as permits to work, personal protective equipment, waste treatment and disposal procedures should be followed.

6. Restoration

The rehabilitation of land once the demolition or decommissioning has occurred should include the restoration of vegetation.

General advice warning

The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own situation and requirements before making any decisions.