Demolition Safety Checklist | Free Template
Demolition work is high-risk by nature: unstable structures, hidden utilities, hazardous materials, and dynamic site conditions. A structured Demolition Safety Checklist helps competent persons and supervisors verify that planning, controls, and supervision are in place—before and during demolition. This article provides a concise guide and a free downloadable template you can use on any project.
📥 Free Template:
Why a Demolition Checklist Matters
- Controls complexity: Confirms permits, isolations, sequencing, and temporary works.
- Prevents major incidents: Reduces collapse, struck-by, and exposure risks.
- Improves coordination: Aligns contractors, plant operators, and public protection.
- Supports compliance & audits: Provides signed, repeatable documentation.
What to Cover
Below are the core sections your inspection should include. Use these as headings for toolbox talks and daily verifications.
1) Planning & Permits
- Approved method statement and sequence available
- Structural survey completed
- Utility disconnections/isolations certified (electric, gas, water, steam, telecom)
- Notifications to neighbors/authorities completed
2) Structural Assessment & Temporary Works
- Shoring/props/fans installed per design
- Load paths understood and progressive-collapse controls in place
3) Site Setup & Exclusion Zones
- Fencing, signage, access control
- Exclusion/drop zones marked; lookouts assigned
- Overhead protection (scaffold fans, netting) where required
4) PPE & Health Protection
- Mandatory PPE briefing and enforcement
- RPE specified and fit-tested if needed; hearing protection for high noise
5) Equipment & Machinery
- Plant inspections current (excavators, breakers, cranes)
- Licensed/competent operators and banksmen
- Edge/void proximity controls, ground bearing/stability confirmed
6) Scaffolding & Edge Protection
- Scaffold erected/inspected/tagged by competent person
- Guardrails, toe-boards, anchorage intact
7) Hazardous Materials
- Asbestos/lead/PCB surveys done; removal plans executed
- Refrigerants, oils, and chemicals drained and disposed properly
- Biohazards/sharps assessed and controlled
8) Dust, Air, Noise & Vibration
- Dust suppression (water spray/mist cannons); monitoring for silica/particulates
- Noise/vibration plans in place; community notifications if needed
9) Fire & Hot Work
- Extinguishers/hydrants available; hot work permits issued
- Combustibles cleared; ignition sources controlled
10) Waste & Debris
- Chutes/skips positioned safely; no stockpiles near edges
- Segregation, licensed carriers, tracking documentation
11) Traffic & Public Protection
- Traffic management with banksmen/signallers
- Pedestrian segregation; lighting for night work
12) Confined Spaces & Hazardous Areas
- Permits and rescue plans ready where applicable
- Atmospheric testing/ventilation
13) Electrical & Services
- Live services identified/isolated; temp supplies protected
- Overhead/underground mapping and marking
14) Emergency Preparedness
- First aid, AED, spill kits; muster points marked
- Collapse/entrapment rescue plan; drills recorded
15) Briefings, Supervision & Environment
- Daily briefings/toolbox talks (multilingual where needed)
- Adequate supervision; stop-work authority reinforced
- Weather limits and environmental controls (runoff, dust complaints)
16) Post-Demolition Checks
- Site left safe: rebar cut, voids covered, utilities capped
- Final inspection complete; documents filed
| Area | Inspection Item | Yes | No | N/A | Notes / Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planning & Permits | Method statement approved; structural survey complete | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Utilities | All services isolated/disconnected & certified | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Exclusion Zones | Fencing/signage installed; drop zones marked | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Temporary Works | Shoring/props/fans installed to design | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Hazardous Materials | Asbestos/lead/PCBs identified & controlled | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Dust/Noise | Suppression/monitoring in place; notifications as needed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Equipment | Plant inspected; licensed operators; edge/void controls | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Fire/Hot Work | Extinguishers; permits; combustibles cleared | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Emergency Prep | First aid/AED; rescue plan; drills recorded | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| Post-Demolition | Site safe; rebar/voids addressed; final inspection filed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
How to Use This Checklist
- Pre-start: Review method statement, permits, surveys, and isolations.
- Daily: Re-verify exclusion zones, temporary works, plant condition, dust/noise controls.
- Record actions: Log hazards and close-out dates in the Corrective Actions Log.
- Sign-off: Inspector and supervisor sign and date each inspection sheet.
- File for audits: Retain records per company policy and local regulation.
Best Practices
- Sequence controls: Never deviate from the approved demolition sequence without re-engineering.
- “Stop-work” culture: Empower lookouts and workers to halt unsafe operations immediately.
- Neighbor engagement: Communicate schedules, noisy operations, and contact points.
- Instrumented monitoring: Use vibration/structural monitoring for sensitive adjacencies.
- Photographic evidence: Capture key controls (shoring, isolations, protection) for the file.
Conclusion
Demolition safety depends on pre-planning, live control, and disciplined sequencing. A robust checklist ensures critical items are verified every time, reducing the chance of collapse, exposure, or public harm. Use the free template, tailor it to your method and jurisdiction, and document actions for accountability.
You can download more checklist from The HSE Tools.
Emergency Evacuation Drill Checklist – Free Download
Work at Height Safety Inspection Checklist – Free Download
Personal Protective Equipment PPE Compliance Checklist – Free Template
Confined Space Entry Safety Checklist | Free Downloadable Template
Hot Work Safety Inspection Checklist | Free Downloadable Template
Exam-Oriented Practice Questions (with Answers)
Short Answer
- Why is sequencing critical in demolition?
Answer: It maintains structural stability and prevents unintended collapse. - Name two essential dust controls during demolition.
Answer: Water spray/mist cannons and real-time particulate monitoring. - What documentation proves utilities are isolated?
Answer: Disconnection/Isolation certificates from the utility or a competent contractor, verified on site.
Long Answer
- Describe the key components of a demolition safety plan and how they interrelate.
Answer: Method statement, structural survey, temporary works design, utility isolations, exclusion zones, hazardous materials control, equipment competence, emergency planning. Each supports stability, worker/public protection, and regulatory compliance. - Explain how to manage hazardous materials during demolition.
Answer: Conduct surveys (asbestos/lead/PCBs), develop removal plans, use licensed contractors, segregate waste streams, track manifests, and verify clearance before structural works. - Discuss public protection measures for urban demolitions.
Answer: Traffic plans, pedestrian diversions, barriers/fans/netting, lighting/signage, community notices, and noise/vibration limits monitored and enforced.
Scenario
A mid-block building shares a wall with an occupied store. What controls do you implement before mechanical demolition?
Answer: Party-wall assessment, temporary works/shoring, vibration monitoring, exclusion zones, storefront protection, staged sequencing, and continuous banksman/lookout communication.
