Demolition Risk Assessment Template 2026
OHSA-compliant hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) for demolition work. Covers Structural collapse, Falling debris, Asbestos and hazardous materials, and more.
Instant Generation
AI creates your complete demolition HIRA in under 2 minutes.
OHSA Compliant
Meets Construction Regulations 2014 requirements for risk assessments.
Risk Matrix Included
Automated risk scoring with likelihood × severity calculations.
Demolition HIRA Categories
Hazard Categories Covered
- Structural Collapse
- Hazardous Materials
- Plant and Machinery
- Dust and Noise
- Underground Services
Specific Hazards Addressed
- Structural collapse
- Falling debris
- Asbestos and hazardous materials
- Dust inhalation (silica, lead)
- Noise and vibration
- Underground services
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Fire and explosion risks
Risk Matrix Methodology
Our demolition HIRA uses a 5×5 risk matrix combining likelihood and severity to calculate risk scores. The AI automatically applies hierarchy of controls to reduce residual risk.
High Risk (15-25)
Work cannot proceed. Immediate controls required.
Medium Risk (8-14)
Additional controls needed before work starts.
Low Risk (1-7)
Work may proceed with standard precautions.
Key Demolition Risks & Controls
Uncontrolled collapse
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Asbestos exposure
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Damage to adjacent structures
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Underground service strikes
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Required PPE for Demolition Work
Demolition Risk Assessment Requirements in South Africa
Demolition work in South Africa is regulated by the OHSA Construction Regulations 2014 (specifically Regulations 14 and 15) and the National Building Regulations. Before any demolition commences, a structural engineering assessment must be completed and a demolition plan approved by the local authority. For government projects, the client must ensure that an asbestos audit has been conducted per the Asbestos Regulations (2001) before demolition begins — nearly all pre-1990 government buildings contain asbestos materials. CIDB class CE or GB may apply depending on the demolition type. Demolition contractors working on tender projects must hold separate registrations if handling asbestos (Asbestos Abatement Contractor registration with the DOL). Environmental Impact Assessments under NEMA may be required for large-scale demolitions near sensitive areas. Method statements must address sequence of demolition, temporary propping, services isolation, hazmat management, and waste disposal routing.
Key Risk Assessment Focus Areas for Demolition
Focus 1: Structural collapse: the primary risk in demolition. Specify independent structural monitoring during progressive demolition of multi-storey buildings
Focus 2: Asbestos fibre release: require asbestos survey and management plan per OHSA Asbestos Regulations before ANY disturbance of building fabric
Focus 3: Underground services damage: require full service detection (GPR + EM locate + plans search) before mechanical excavation near buildings
Focus 4: Uncontrolled falling materials: specify exclusion zones, debris chutes, catch platforms, and public protection hoarding for street-adjacent demolitions
Focus 5: Hazardous dust (silica, lead, asbestos): continuous air monitoring at site boundary with comparison to OHSA OEL (Occupational Exposure Limits)
Common Mistakes in Demolition Risk Assessments
Starting demolition without a structural engineer's demolition methodology report — Construction Regulation 14 requires this before ANY demolition work
Not conducting an asbestos survey — the Asbestos Regulations require a survey before demolition of any building constructed before 2004
Using a generic method statement that doesn't address the specific structural configuration of the building being demolished
Failing to obtain utility disconnection certificates — verbal confirmations are not acceptable and create life-threatening risks
Underestimating dust and noise impact on neighbouring properties — government tenders in urban areas require specific mitigation plans
Key Legislation for Demolition Risk Assessments
| Regulation / Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OHSA Construction Regulations 2014, Reg 14 | Demolition work must be planned by a competent person, a structural engineer must prepare the demolition methodology, and the local authority must approve before commencement. |
| OHSA Asbestos Regulations 2001 | Asbestos survey mandatory before demolition. Removal must be done by DOL-registered asbestos abatement contractors. Air monitoring during removal. Waste to licenced hazardous waste sites. |
| NEMA (National Environmental Management Act) | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required for demolitions exceeding certain thresholds, near watercourses, in heritage areas, or generating >500 tonnes of waste. |
| National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 | Structures older than 60 years require a heritage impact assessment and SAHRA permit before demolition. Many government buildings fall into this category. |
Demolition Risk Assessment FAQ
Do I need a special CIDB registration for demolition work?
Is an asbestos survey required before demolition?
What qualifications does the demolition supervisor need?
Can I tender for government demolition projects without previous demolition experience?
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