Method Statement : Breaking Wall using Demolition Hammer

Explanation

The task of breaking a brick or block wall using a demolition hammer involves the systematic dismantling of the structure from the top down, utilising a breaker or demolition hammer to effectively and safely remove the material. This process requires access via scaffold or tower scaffold to ensure stability and safety at height. The primary aim of this job is to efficiently demolish the wall while maintaining a high standard of safety for all personnel involved, ensuring that the work is conducted in a controlled manner to prevent any unintended damage or hazards.

Responsibilities

• Site Manager: Ensure all safety protocols and procedures are in place and adhered to during the demolition process.
• Supervisor: Oversee the demolition work, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and that all workers are properly trained.
• Operative: Operate the demolition hammer safely, following all safety guidelines and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Scaffold Inspector: Conduct regular inspections of the scaffold or tower scaffold to ensure it is safe and secure for use.
• Health and Safety Officer: Monitor the worksite for potential hazards and ensure that risk assessments are conducted and updated as necessary.

Equipment

• Demolition hammer
• Chisels and bits
• Scaffold or tower scaffold
• Safety helmet
• Safety goggles
• Ear protection
• Dust mask or respirator
• High-visibility vest
• Safety gloves
• Steel-toe boots
• Vibration-dampening gloves

Operation

• Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement control measures.
• Ensure all personnel involved are trained and competent in the use of demolition hammers and working at height.
• Inspect the demolition hammer for any defects or damage, ensuring it is in good working condition.
• Verify that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and worn, including safety goggles, hearing protection, dust masks, gloves, and safety boots.
• Confirm that the scaffold or tower scaffold is properly erected, stable, and inspected by a competent person.
• Establish a clear exclusion zone around the work area to prevent unauthorised access.
• Ensure that emergency procedures are in place and that all workers are aware of them.
• Check for the presence of any utilities or services within the wall to avoid accidental damage.
• Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation in the work area.
• Review the method statement and ensure all workers understand the sequence of operations.
• Position the demolition hammer at the top of the wall, maintaining a firm grip and a slight angle to reduce flying debris.
• Apply steady pressure, allowing the tool to do the work without excessive force.
• Work systematically from top to bottom, removing small sections at a time.
• Maintain a safe distance from the edge of the scaffold to prevent falls.
• Regularly pause to assess the stability of the remaining structure.
• Safely remove debris from the work area to prevent tripping hazards, using appropriate methods to lower debris from height.
• Continuously monitor for signs of fatigue or discomfort, taking breaks as necessary.
• Adjust posture and grip to minimise strain and reduce vibration exposure.
• Once demolition is complete, switch off and disconnect the demolition hammer.
• Conduct a final inspection of the area to ensure all debris is cleared.
• Safely dismantle scaffold or tower scaffold if no longer required.

Risk Assessment : Breaking Wall using Demolition Hammer

Who might be harmed: Operators of the demolition hammer | Nearby workers on the site

Type of harm: Cuts and Abrasions | Eye Damage | Head Injury

Initial Risk: Severe (4) x Frequent (5) = High (20) Controls

• Workers must wear safety goggles or face shields to protect their eyes from flying debris.
• Ensure that all personnel in the vicinity wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats and long-sleeved clothing.
• Erect physical barriers or screens around the work area to contain debris and prevent it from reaching other workers.
• Maintain a safe distance from the wall being demolished to minimise exposure to flying debris.
• Conduct a pre-work inspection to identify and secure any loose materials that could become airborne during demolition.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Noise Exposure : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Operators of the demolition hammer | Nearby construction workers

Type of harm: Permanent Hearing Damage

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Frequent (5) = High (25) Controls

• Workers must wear appropriate hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, to reduce noise exposure.
• Limit the duration of exposure by implementing job rotation or scheduled breaks to minimise time spent using the demolition hammer.
• Use demolition hammers equipped with noise-reducing technology or features to lower the overall noise level.
• Conduct regular maintenance on equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and does not produce excessive noise.
• Erect noise barriers or enclosures around the work area to contain and reduce the spread of noise.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Vibration : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Operators of the demolition hammer

Type of harm: HAVS / Vibration White Finger

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Frequent (5) = High (25) Controls

• Ensure operators are trained in the correct use of the demolition hammer to minimise vibration exposure.
• Use demolition hammers with built-in vibration reduction technology to decrease hand-arm vibration.
• Implement job rotation to limit the duration each worker is exposed to vibration.
• Provide anti-vibration gloves to reduce the impact of vibration on the hands and arms.
• Schedule regular breaks to allow recovery time from vibration exposure.
• Conduct regular maintenance on equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and with minimal vibration.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Musculoskeletal Injuries : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Demolition Workers | Labourers

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Muscular Injury

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Probable (4) = Medium (12) Controls

• Ensure workers are trained in proper posture and techniques for using a demolition hammer to minimise strain.
• Provide adjustable scaffolding or platforms to allow workers to maintain a comfortable working height and reduce awkward postures.
• Implement job rotation to limit the duration of repetitive tasks and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
• Encourage regular breaks to allow workers to rest and recover from physical exertion.
• Use demolition hammers with ergonomic handles and anti-vibration features to reduce strain on hands and arms.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Dust Inhalation : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Operators of the demolition hammer | Nearby construction workers | Site supervisors

Type of harm: Asbestosis / Lung Cancer / Mesothelioma | Respiratory damage / Asthma / COPD

Initial Risk: Catastrophic (5) x Probable (4) = High (20) Controls

• Workers should wear appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) such as a P3-rated dust mask to prevent inhalation of harmful dust particles.
• Use water suppression techniques to dampen the wall surface and minimise dust generation during demolition.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area by using fans or opening windows to disperse dust effectively.
• Implement local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to capture and remove dust at the source.
• Conduct regular air monitoring to assess dust levels and ensure they remain below occupational exposure limits.
• Provide training for workers on the correct use and maintenance of RPE and other dust control measures.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Falling Objects : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Construction Workers | Scaffold Operators | Site Supervisors

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Broken Bones | Crush / Entrapment | Cuts and Abrasions | Death | Eye Damage | Head Injury | Multiple / Various Injury

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Probable (4) = Medium (12) Controls

• Ensure all workers wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats, to protect against falling debris.
• Erect barriers or exclusion zones around the demolition area to prevent unauthorised access and protect bystanders.
• Regularly inspect and secure scaffolding to ensure stability and prevent collapse during demolition activities.
• Remove loose materials from the top of the wall before commencing demolition to minimise the risk of falling objects.
• Use debris nets or catch platforms beneath the work area to capture falling materials and prevent them from reaching ground level.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Scaffold Stability : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Construction Workers | Scaffold Erectors | Site Supervisors | Nearby Workers

Type of harm: Broken Bones | Crush / Entrapment | Death | Head Injury | Multiple / Various Injury

Initial Risk: Severe (4) x Occasional (3) = Medium (12) Controls

• Ensure the scaffold is erected and inspected by a competent person before use to confirm its stability and safety.
• Use guardrails and toe boards on the scaffold to prevent falls and falling objects.
• Limit the number of workers and equipment on the scaffold to avoid overloading.
• Secure the scaffold to the building structure to prevent movement or collapse during demolition activities.
• Regularly inspect the scaffold for any signs of damage or instability throughout the demolition process.
• Ensure that all workers are trained in safe scaffold use and aware of weight limits and safety procedures.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Electrical Hazards : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Operators of the demolition hammer | Nearby construction workers | Electricians and maintenance personnel

Type of harm: Burns | Death | Electrocution

Initial Risk: Severe (4) x Frequent (5) = High (20) Controls

• Conduct a thorough survey to identify and mark the location of electrical cables within the wall before commencing work.
• Use a cable avoidance tool to detect live electrical wires prior to breaking the wall.
• Ensure all power tools are double insulated and regularly inspected for damage.
• Isolate electrical circuits in the work area by switching off power at the main supply before starting demolition.
• Provide workers with insulated gloves and tools to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Implement a permit-to-work system to ensure all necessary precautions are taken before work begins.
• Train workers on the risks of electrical hazards and safe working practises when using demolition hammers.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Manual Handling : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Construction Workers | Scaffold Erectors | Labourers

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Broken Bones | Crush / Entrapment | Cuts and Abrasions | Muscular Injury

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Probable (4) = Medium (12) Controls

• Ensure that all workers are trained in proper lifting techniques to safely handle and transport the demolition hammer and debris.
• Use mechanical aids, such as trolleys or hoists, to move heavy equipment and materials whenever possible.
• Plan the work area layout to minimise the need for manual handling by positioning materials and tools within easy reach.
• Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward loads to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on individual workers.
• Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential manual handling hazards and implement appropriate control measures.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

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Slips, Trips, and Falls : Low (1)

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Who might be harmed: Construction Workers | Site Supervisors | Scaffold Erectors

Type of harm: Back / Spinal Injury | Broken Bones | Cuts and Abrasions | Death | Head Injury | Multiple / Various Injury | Muscular Injury

Initial Risk: Major (3) x Probable (4) = Medium (12) Controls

• Ensure the work area is kept tidy by regularly removing debris and waste materials to prevent tripping hazards.
• Use non-slip footwear with appropriate grip to reduce the risk of slipping on uneven or wet surfaces.
• Inspect the scaffold or tower scaffold before use to ensure it is stable and free from obstructions.
• Clearly mark and illuminate any changes in floor level or potential trip hazards in the work area.
• Ensure all cables and hoses are routed away from walkways to prevent tripping.
• Maintain clear access routes around the work area to allow safe movement for workers.

Residual Risk: Minor (1) x Improbable (1) = Low (1)

Toolbox Talk : Breaking Wall using Demolition Hammer

Introduction

The task of breaking a brick or block wall using a demolition hammer involves the systematic dismantling of the structure from the top down, utilising a breaker or demolition hammer to effectively and safely remove the material. This process requires access via scaffold or tower scaffold to ensure stability and safety at height. The primary aim of this job is to efficiently demolish the wall while maintaining a high standard of safety for all personnel involved, ensuring that the work is conducted in a controlled manner to prevent any unintended damage or hazards.

Hazards

The primary hazards associated with breaking a wall using a demolition hammer include the risk of flying debris, which can cause injury to the eyes and skin, necessitating the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves. The operation generates significant noise levels, posing a risk of hearing damage, thus requiring the use of hearing protection. The vibration from the demolition hammer can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome, making it essential to monitor exposure time and use anti-vibration gloves. There is also a risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to awkward postures and repetitive movements, highlighting the need for proper ergonomic practises and regular breaks. Additionally, the process may release harmful dust and fumes from the wall material, necessitating the use of respiratory protective equipment and adequate ventilation. Accessing the work area via scaffold or tower scaffold introduces further risks, including falls from height, which must be mitigated through proper scaffold erection, inspection, and use of fall protection measures.

Breaking Wall using Demolition Hammer : Rules

• Do conduct a risk assessment prior to commencing work.
• Do ensure all personnel are trained and competent in the use of demolition hammers.
• Do wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, hearing protection, dust masks, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
• Do inspect the demolition hammer and associated equipment for any defects before use.
• Do secure the work area to prevent unauthorised access.
• Do use a scaffold or tower scaffold that is properly erected and stable.
• Do maintain a safe distance from the edge of the scaffold or work platform.
• Do take regular breaks to minimise exposure to vibration and reduce fatigue.
• Do ensure adequate ventilation to mitigate dust and fume exposure.
• Do communicate effectively with team members to coordinate activities safely.

Breaking Wall using Demolition Hammer : Warnings

• Do not operate the demolition hammer without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, hearing protection, gloves, and dust masks.
• Do not use the demolition hammer if you have not been properly trained in its operation.
• Do not work on unstable or improperly erected scaffolding or tower scaffolds.
• Do not use the demolition hammer in wet conditions or near water to avoid electrical hazards.
• Do not attempt to break walls without first ensuring that the area is clear of other personnel.
• Do not ignore signs of fatigue or discomfort; take regular breaks to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• Do not use the demolition hammer on walls containing live electrical wiring or other utilities without prior assessment and isolation.
• Do not leave the demolition hammer unattended while it is still connected to a power source.
• Do not attempt to repair or modify the demolition hammer unless qualified to do so.
• Do not use the demolition hammer for purposes other than its intended use.

Induction Record

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