Demolition Safety
65 flashcards covering Demolition Safety for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 Construction section.
Demolition safety focuses on protecting workers from hazards during the controlled removal of structures, including risks like structural collapses, falling debris, and exposure to hazardous materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines these requirements in standards such as 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, which outlines engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and pre-demolition inspections for construction sites.
On OSHA 10/30 certification exams, demolition safety typically appears in multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of hazard recognition, safe work practices, and regulatory compliance, often with scenarios requiring you to identify missing safety steps. A common trap is overlooking the need for thorough utility shutoffs, which can lead to accidents from live wires or gas lines.
Remember to always verify the stability of adjacent structures before beginning demolition work.
Terms (65)
- 01
What is required before starting demolition of a structure?
An engineering survey must be made by a competent person to evaluate the structure's condition for safe demolition (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1926.850, what must be done with hazardous materials before demolition?
All hazardous materials must be removed or neutralized to prevent exposure or ignition (29 CFR 1926.850(d)).
- 03
How must mechanical equipment be used during demolition?
It must be operated by trained and experienced operators, with signals used for coordination (29 CFR 1926.856(a)).
- 04
What protection is needed for employees working below demolition areas?
Overhead protection such as barricades or canopies must be provided to shield from falling materials (29 CFR 1926.851(a)).
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1926.852, what specifications apply to material chutes?
Chutes must be equipped with gates at or near the discharge end and extend to the ground or collection point (29 CFR 1926.852(b)).
- 06
What is the first step when demolishing walls or partitions?
Determine if the wall or partition is load-bearing and ensure it is properly shored or braced before removal (29 CFR 1926.854(a)).
- 07
How often must demolition areas be inspected for hazards?
Daily inspections must be conducted by a competent person to identify and address unsafe conditions (29 CFR 1926.850(f)).
- 08
What must be done with floors during interior demolition?
Floors must be kept clear of loose materials to prevent tripping hazards and maintained for safe access (29 CFR 1926.853(a)).
- 09
In a scenario where a building has weakened floors, what precaution is required?
Employees must not be permitted on any floor or working level unless it has been inspected and deemed safe by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.850(e)).
- 10
Under 29 CFR 1926.857, what is required for the use of explosives in demolition?
Explosives must only be used by trained blasters, with all necessary permits and safety precautions in place (29 CFR 1926.857).
- 11
What defines a safe zone around demolition operations?
A safe distance must be maintained based on the structure's size and potential hazards, as determined by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 12
Before using power tools in demolition, what must be ensured?
Tools must be inspected and maintained in good condition, with operators trained on their safe use (29 CFR 1926.302).
- 13
What is the minimum requirement for signage in demolition zones?
Signs must be posted to warn of hazards, such as 'Danger - Demolition Area' at all access points (29 CFR 1926.200).
- 14
How must debris be handled during demolition?
Debris must be removed through chutes, containers, or other safe methods to prevent accumulation and hazards (29 CFR 1926.853(b)).
- 15
In a scenario involving manual demolition, what personal protective equipment is mandatory?
Hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves must be worn to protect against falling objects and sharp materials (29 CFR 1926.100 and 1926.102).
- 16
Under 29 CFR 1926.851, what must be done for stairways during demolition?
Stairways must be inspected and maintained for safe use, with handrails intact until no longer needed (29 CFR 1926.851).
- 17
What procedure follows the discovery of a hidden void during demolition?
Work must stop immediately, and the area must be evaluated by a competent person before resuming (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 18
What is required when demolishing near power lines?
A minimum safe distance must be maintained as specified, and lines must be de-energized if possible (29 CFR 1926.416).
- 19
How must heavy equipment be positioned during demolition?
It must be placed on stable ground with outriggers extended if needed, and operators must maintain clear visibility (29 CFR 1926.856(b)).
- 20
In a scenario where walls are being demolished, what additional support is needed?
Temporary shoring must be installed to prevent collapse of adjacent structures or floors (29 CFR 1926.853(a)).
- 21
Under 29 CFR 1926.854, what is required for removing floors?
Floors must be removed in a controlled manner, starting from the top and working down, with proper bracing (29 CFR 1926.854).
- 22
What defines competent person oversight in demolition?
A competent person must supervise all operations to ensure compliance with safety standards (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 23
Before entering a partially demolished building, what must be checked?
The structural integrity must be verified by a competent person to ensure it is safe for entry (29 CFR 1926.850(e)).
- 24
What is the protocol for handling asbestos during demolition?
Asbestos must be identified and removed by certified personnel before general demolition begins (29 CFR 1926.1101).
- 25
How often must demolition plans be reviewed?
Plans must be reviewed at the start and whenever conditions change, by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 26
In a scenario of exterior wall demolition, what fall protection is needed?
Fall protection systems must be used if work is at heights of six feet or more (29 CFR 1926.501).
- 27
Under 29 CFR 1926.859, what is required for chimney demolition?
Chimneys must be demolished from the top down, with workers secured against falls (29 CFR 1926.859).
- 28
What must be done with stored materials at a demolition site?
Materials must be stored in a manner that prevents tipping or falling, away from walkways (29 CFR 1926.250).
- 29
What procedure is followed if unexpected utilities are found?
Work must halt, and utilities must be safely disconnected before proceeding (29 CFR 1926.850(b)).
- 30
What is the key requirement for lighting in demolition areas?
Adequate lighting must be provided to ensure safe working conditions (29 CFR 1926.56).
- 31
In a scenario where dust is generated during demolition, what control is needed?
Water or other dust suppression methods must be used to minimize airborne contaminants (29 CFR 1926.55).
- 32
Under 29 CFR 1926.860, what training is required for demolition workers?
Workers must receive training on hazards and safe practices specific to demolition (29 CFR 1926.21).
- 33
What must be ensured regarding access to demolition sites?
Access points must be controlled and barricaded to prevent unauthorized entry (29 CFR 1926.20).
- 34
How must cutting torches be handled in demolition?
They must be used with flashback arrestors and in well-ventilated areas to prevent fires (29 CFR 1926.350).
- 35
What is required when demolishing over public areas?
Sidewalks and areas below must be protected with canopies or barricades (29 CFR 1926.851(a)).
- 36
In a scenario of structural steel demolition, what precautions are mandatory?
Steel must be cut and lowered in a controlled manner to avoid sudden drops (29 CFR 1926.853(c)).
- 37
Under 29 CFR 1926.855, what is needed for manual removal of materials?
Materials must be lowered by hand lines or other safe methods, not thrown (29 CFR 1926.855).
- 38
What defines proper shoring in demolition?
Shoring must be designed and installed by a qualified engineer to support loads (29 CFR 1926.853(a)).
- 39
Before using wrecking balls, what must be verified?
The equipment must be inspected and the area cleared of personnel (29 CFR 1926.856).
- 40
How must fire hazards be managed during demolition?
Flammable materials must be removed, and fire watch established if welding is involved (29 CFR 1926.352).
- 41
In a scenario where a collapse is imminent, what action is required?
All workers must evacuate immediately to a safe distance (29 CFR 1926.850(f)).
- 42
Under 29 CFR 1926.858, what is required for removing structural members?
Members must be removed in a sequence that maintains stability (29 CFR 1926.858).
- 43
What is the standard for barricading demolition perimeters?
Barricades must be erected to restrict access and warn of dangers (29 CFR 1926.202).
- 44
What procedure is needed for handling lead-based paint in demolition?
Surfaces must be tested, and if present, handled per lead safety standards (29 CFR 1926.62).
- 45
How often must personal protective equipment be inspected?
Before each use, to ensure it is in good condition (29 CFR 1926.95).
- 46
In a scenario of high noise levels during demolition, what is required?
Hearing protection must be provided and used by employees (29 CFR 1926.101).
- 47
Under 29 CFR 1926.861, what training is specific to explosive demolition?
Blasters must be certified and trained on safe blasting procedures (29 CFR 1926.901).
- 48
What must be done with excavated materials near demolition sites?
They must be stored away from the edge to prevent cave-ins or falls (29 CFR 1926.651).
- 49
What is the first response to a structural crack during demolition?
Stop work and have it evaluated by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
- 50
How must ladders be used in demolition access?
They must be secured and extend three feet above the landing (29 CFR 1926.1053).
- 51
In a scenario involving confined spaces in demolition, what is required?
A permit system must be in place for entry (29 CFR 1910.146).
- 52
Under 29 CFR 1926.862, what is needed for selective demolition?
Care must be taken to preserve undemolished sections (29 CFR 1926.862).
- 53
What defines adequate ventilation in demolition areas?
Sufficient to control dust and fumes (29 CFR 1926.57).
- 54
Before operating heavy machinery, what must operators do?
Conduct a pre-use inspection and ensure the area is clear (29 CFR 1926.600).
- 55
What is required for emergency procedures in demolition?
An emergency action plan must be established and communicated (29 CFR 1926.35).
- 56
In a scenario of chemical exposure during demolition, what action is needed?
Workers must use appropriate respiratory protection (29 CFR 1926.103).
- 57
Under 29 CFR 1926.863, how must waste be disposed?
In a manner that prevents environmental contamination (29 CFR 1926.863).
- 58
What must be ensured for electrical safety in demolition?
All circuits must be de-energized and locked out (29 CFR 1910.147).
- 59
How must tools be stored at the end of the day?
In a secure area to prevent unauthorized use or hazards (29 CFR 1926.25).
- 60
In a scenario where weather affects demolition, what precaution is taken?
Operations must be halted if conditions create unsafe working environments (29 CFR 1926.20).
- 61
What is the requirement for sanitation facilities at demolition sites?
Adequate toilets and washing facilities must be provided (29 CFR 1926.51).
- 62
Under 29 CFR 1926.864, what oversight is needed for subcontractor work?
The general contractor must ensure subcontractors follow safety standards (29 CFR 1926.16).
- 63
What procedure is followed for reporting accidents?
Incidents must be reported to OSHA within specified timeframes (29 CFR 1904.39).
- 64
How must eye protection be provided during demolition?
Safety goggles must be worn when there's risk of flying particles (29 CFR 1926.102).
- 65
In a scenario of vehicle traffic near demolition, what is required?
Traffic control measures must be implemented to separate workers from vehicles (29 CFR 1926.201).