Demolition operative

Knowledge Demolition Operatives are required to know and understand:

Demolition Procedures and Methods

• The planning process for demolition operations, utilising standards, the role of Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design
• What is covered in a refurbishment and demolition survey, why it is intrusive and the importance of destructive inspection
• The decommissioning of services to structures and the requirement to render safe prior to any work being carried out
• The approach and methods of demolition manually by hand or mechanical, including soft strip, wall, floor, roofing & façade retention

Hand and Power tools for demolition Operations

• The different types of hand and power tools used for carrying out demolition operations, when to use and the limitations of use
• The hazards associated with hand and power tools, safe working procedures to be applied for storage, use and replacement
• The remote-controlled demolition equipment available to the demolition operative, advantages and limitations of use

Different types of structures and materials

• The structural elements of buildings including – beams, lintels, columns, trusses, roofing components and modern building materials
• The characteristics and different types of building and structure, traditional brick, reinforced concrete, industrial units and plants, power stations, bridges and complex structures and pre/post tensioned steel

Fuel cutting operations

• The hazards associated with cutting equipment and the safe working procedures to be applied for storage, use and replacement
• What cutting fuels and equipment are available to the demolition operative and the circumstances in which they would be used
• The methods of cutting and effects on materials, metals and stability when pre-weakening structures 

Health, Safety and Environmental Protection

• Health, safety & environmental legislation relevant to demolition operations, official guidance and codes of practice
• The dangers, hazards and importance of safe working in confined spaces, at height, below ground and in close proximity to other operations and working on contaminated ground
• How and why safe systems of work are established along with the permits and authorisation to carry out the work
• Occupational health as a result of exposure to manual handling, noise, dust and vibration including the effects on hearing, lung related diseases and other injuries to the body both mental and physical 
• The control of substances hazardous to health, how to protect the environment and the importance of segregating and recycling

Lifting & Demolition Plant Operations

• The duties and responsibilities of a slinger signaller and the importance of safety around lifting operations
• How to read the ‘The lift plan’ and identify correct lifting accessories for the load type and how the load should be slung
• How different types of demolition plant equipment are utilised along with the hazards and importance of exclusion zones and segregation

Your Organisation and the wider Demolition Industry

• The role of the Demolition Operative and limitations on works to be carried out
• The structure of a demolition team and the appointments within – Topman, Supervisor, Manager
• Associations and institutes representing the industry

Skills. Demolition Operatives will:

Health, safety & environmental protection

• Carry out point of work risk assessments
• Identify and report hazards, unsafe conditions and uncontrolled demolition operations
• Follow and apply the safe systems of work, permits and seek authorisation including the discovery of hazardous materials
• Identify when an area is or potentially becomes a confined space and carry out the necessary confined space precautions
• Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment for the demolition operations to be carried out, inspect and store when not in use
• Work safely in varying conditions around the site including at height, in close proximity to other operations, contaminated ground, plant and lifting equipment

Demolition Procedures and Methods

• Limitations and when to hand the work over to the Demolition Topman
• Identify different materials and components of a structure
• Calculate and quantify materials for removal from site
• Apply the safest and most appropriate process to the demolition task
• Recognise when the task is not going to the plan and when to stop and seek advice or hand over to the Topman

Hand and Power tools for demolition Operations

• Select the correct tool, carry out pre-use checks and identify any faults with hand and power tools and remote-controlled demolition equipment
• Report defects and dispose of faulty tools and equipment following the correct procedure
• Demonstrate how to use hand and power tools safely along with remote controlled equipment for the demolition task to be completed
• Leave tools and equipment in a safe state and store in the appropriate location on completion

Fuel cutting operations

• Select and identify the correct type of cutting equipment associated with the work to be completed
• Set up equipment and carry out daily per use checks, identify faults, report any defects and condemn unsuitable and faulty equipment
• Apply different types of cut in relation to varying situations, material types and thickness relating to non-structural steel beams at ground level  

Lifting & Demolition Plant Operations

• Carry out all work safely in line with legislation and official guidance
• Read and follow a lift plan and demonstrate how to complete the work exactly to the detail
• Select the correct accessories for the load to be lifted
• Utilise various types of lifting accessory to sling and lift loads
• Guide demolition plant to carry out operations using a range of communication methods

Communication

• Communicate clearly with all internal and external personnel using the correct terminology
• Use a range of communication methods including radios and hand signals

Team working

• Demonstrate a strong ability to work as part of a team working cooperatively with others
• Provide support to other team members as required
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of your role and limitations
• Undertake all tasks responsibly and apply safe working practices

Behaviours

Attitude

• Promote a positive safety culture
• Develop a questioning attitude to challenge procedures not being followed
• Apply equality, diversity and inclusion in dealing with others
• Be polite & courteous to peers, managers, clients and members of the public or anyone they come in contact with

Self-discipline

• Take all reasonable care of themselves and others that may be affected by their actions
• Adopt a professional approach to the work, colleagues and client

Compliant

• Be aware of the importance of following procedures and following guidance of senior members of team due to the many risks and hazards present in the working environment
• Show professionalism when following safe systems of work and avoiding taking shortcuts that might increase risk

Contribution and effectiveness

• Display adaptability to work effectively as a team and under supervision