Page 240 - Safety Memo

moving load. by weakening of the structure’s members. If such hazard
occurs, it must be corrected before workers may continue.
N. Inadvertent contact with obstructions shall be prevented. The 1735(d)(4)
load, boom, or other parts of the equipment shall not contact
any obstruction in a way that could cause falling material or 4. Floor openings must have curbs and stop logs to prevent
damage to the boom. equipment from running over the edge. 1735(v)
Demolition 5. Wall openings must be guarded except on the ground floor
and the floor being demolished. 1735(k)
The primary hazards associated with demolition are: 6. Walkways not less than 20 inches wide must be provided as
a means of access across joists, beams, or girders. 1735(h)
(1) falls from elevated work surfaces; (2) exposure to hazardous
air contaminants; (3) being struck by falling or collapsing 7. To prevent dust from rising, demolition debris must be
structures; and (4) electrical hazards. Regulations to address wetted or other equivalent steps must be taken. 1735(t)
these hazards include the following: 8. Whenever waste material is dropped to any point lying
A. A DOSH permit is required for demolition of any building or outside the exterior walls of the building, enclosed chutes
structure more than 36 ft. high. The Project Administrator shall be used unless the area is effectively protected by
shall hold a Project Permit and all other employers directly barricades, fences, or equivalent means. Signs shall be
engaged in demolition or dismantling activity shall hold an posted to warn employees of the hazards of falling debris.
Annual Permit. 341(d)(3) 1736(a)
B. A pre-demolition survey must be made to determine whether 9. Chutes or chute sections that are at an angle of more than
the planned work will cause: 45° from the horizontal must be entirely enclosed except
for openings equipped with closures at or about floor level
1. Any structure to collapse. 1734(b)(1) for the insertion of materials. 1736(f)
2. Worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, 10. When chutes are used to load trucks, they must be fully
explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous enclosed. Gates must be installed in each chute at or near
substances. 1735(b) the discharge end. A qualified person must be assigned to
3. Worker exposure to asbestos. 1529(k)(1), 1735(b) control the operation of the gate and the backing and
loading of trucks. 1736(b)
4. Worker exposure to lead. 1532.1(d)(1)
11. Any chute opening into which employees dump debris by
5. Worker exposure to carcinogenic (cancer-causing) hand must be protected by a guardrail. 1736(d)
chemicals, as specified in GISOs Article 110 Regulated
Carcinogens. 5203 12. When debris is dropped through holes in a floor without the
use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped
6. Worker exposure to silica. 5144 shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than
C. Utilities to the structure being demolished must be turned off 42 inches high and not less than 6 ft. back from the
or protected from damage. 1735(a) projected edge of the opening above. Signs that warn of the
hazard of falling materials shall be posted at each level.
D. Demolition techniques include the following: Removal of debris shall not be permitted in the lower drop
1. Entrances to multi-story buildings must be protected by a area until handling of debris ceases above. 1736(f)
sidewalk shed or a canopy. 1735(j) E. Crane demolition work is guided by these regulations: 4941
2. Demolition work on floors and exterior walls must 1. The wrecking ball’s weight must not exceed 50% of the
progress from top to bottom. 1735(f)(1) clamshell rating or 25% of the rope-breaking strength.
Exception: Demolition with explosives and cutting 4941(a)
chute holes are not required to progress from top to 2. The swing of the boom should be limited to 30° left or right.
bottom. 1735(f)(1) 4941(b)
3. The employer must check continually for hazards created 3. The wrecking ball must be attached with a swivel-type

38 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry June 2019 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2019 39