Preventing an unexpected wall collapse during manual demolition

February 2012

This alert reminds persons to use a demolition sequence that starts from the top of the structure to be demolished when hand tools, such as jackhammers, sledge hammers, and picks are used. Masonry and brickwork should be taken down in reasonably even courses and demolished in reverse order to their construction.

BackgroundIn a recent incident, a brick wall collapsed on a worker causing his death. The worker had knocked out a bottom section of the wall with a sledgehammer. The entire wall was to be removed to enlarge a storage area within an established building in the Sydney CBD.

Contributing factorsPreliminary findings indicate that the wall was weakened to the point of collapse when the bottom section of the wall was knocked out.

This photo depicts an example of inappropriate brickwork demolition, the subject matter of this safety alert.

SAFETY ALERT

Action requiredThose in control of work should ensure the following:

• Workers are competent and have received training and instructions on safe demolition methods before starting. Competence should be verified through assessment and regular reinforcement.

• The work is supervised by competent person(s).

• The demolition procedure is prepared and is appropriate for the demolition method to be used. The procedure should be specific for the site and sequential.

• When removing entire wall sections using manual demolition methods that incorporate hand tools, such as jackhammers, sledge hammers, and picks, avoid weakening the wall by:

never taking down multiple rows of brick at once or starting at the bottom of the wall

removing the top course of bricks using a hammer and chisel

finish an entire row before starting the next.

• When removing a portion of a wall where masonry will remain above the opening (eg to install a door or window), the upper area of masonry should be supported prior to commencing demolition and the demolition should commence at the top of the intended opening.

• Exclusion zones are established to keep unauthorised people outside of potential collapse zones and areas affected by rebounding material.

• A safe work method statement is developed for any high risk construction work that is undertaken as part of the demolition work. This must be prepared in consultation with workers undertaking the activity and implemented during the demolition.

• Safety glasses, a dust mask, gloves and long-sleeved clothes are worn as protection from flying objects and dust.

• Hearing protection is worn to protect against excessive noise levels.

• Fall protection is in place where work is done at heights.

• Workers do not work from the top of a wall that is being demolished.

• A wall is not to be permitted to stand unless it is effectively supported against collapse. This includes checking whether the wall to be demolished is providing support for other walls.

Further informationThe Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe systems of work are provided and maintained and that all workers are provided with the necessary information, training, instruction or supervision.

• AS2601: Demolition of Structures

• Identification tool for demolition: hazard profile (catalogue no. WC00985)

• Call WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50 or visit workcover.nsw.gov.au

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Catalogue No. WC03708 WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003 WorkCover NSW, 92-100 Donnison Street, Gosford, NSW 2250 Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow, NSW 2252 | WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50 Website workcover.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 978 1 74341 045 5 © Copyright WorkCover NSW 0312

Disclaimer

This publication may contain work health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. To ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation.

Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au).

This publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for legal advice. You should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.

© WorkCover NSW

This alert contains safety information made by WorkCover about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this alert does not necessarily include the outcome of WorkCover’s response to an incident or unsafe practice. WorkCover does not warrant that the information in this alert is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability to any person because of the alert’s information or its use.