Demolition Work
Site Safety during Demolitions-Part E
If you have to do some demolition work before you build, Part E is the section of the National Building Regulations that you need to familiarise yourself with. But really all it states is common sense and caution. There are only three elements that are covered: 1 – demolition itself, 2 – making sure basements are safe during and after demolitions, and 3 – prohibition of dangerous methods of demolition. And if you contravene any of these, or ignore any notices, conditions, or orders that relate to the demolitions, you will be considered to be guilty of an offense.
Demolition of a Building
First and foremost you have to get permission from your local authority before you can demolish a building or solid structure on your property.
Very often the local authority will give permission, but at the same time impose specific conditions that must be adhered to according to Part F of the National Building Regulations – Site Operations.
Essentially the sub-regulations they normally refer to are those that relate to the safety, health, and convenience of the public, and those that aim to prevent damage to property, which might include neighboring buildings, not just the structure that you are wanting to pull down.
The building regulations state categorically that nobody is allowed to leave any building that is in the process of being demolished, or which has been demolished, in a dangerous condition. Again this is primarily to protect members of the public as well as neighboring properties.
If the local authority finds that the site is dangerous in any way, they can serve a notice requiring you to immediately make it safe, and if you don’t, they can do the necessary work and then hold you liable for costs.
Safeguarding Basements
Basements can cause great challenges during and after demolition, particularly when a building is flattened to ground level. In this event the owner of the property must ensure that there is safe lateral support for the sides of the basement.
Prohibition of Dangerous Methods
Safety is paramount, and the local authority will decide whether or not you may use a particular method of razing. For instance, blasting in a built-up suburb may be considered a danger to either other buildings or people, or both. If they do not allow a particular method to be used, the owner of the property is entitled to a relevant reason, in writing.
The Dangers Of Any Demolition Work
Building demolitions can be a dangerous activity that is often underestimated or overlooked. Demolitions involve a range of hazardous activities such as the use of explosives, heavy machinery, and other hazardous materials that can place workers and the public at risk. Building demolitions can cause serious injuries, death, and damage to property if not executed correctly.
The use of explosives is one of the most common and dangerous aspects of demolition work. If used incorrectly, explosives can cause serious injury or death due to the force of the blast and the risk of flying debris. It is essential to properly plan and execute clearance activities involving explosives to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Another significant risk during building demolitions is the use of heavy machinery. This includes the use of cranes, bulldozers, and other specialized equipment for the levelling process. These machines can cause serious injury or death if handled incorrectly or if the operator is not properly trained. Additionally, certain machines used during demolitions can create hazardous dust or fumes, which can be dangerous to workers and the public if not managed properly.
Aside from these risks, demolitions can also cause environmental damage. The release of hazardous materials such as lead, asbestos, and other contaminants from the flattening process can be harmful to the environment and human health. It is important to take proper safety precautions and dispose of hazardous materials properly to avoid environmental damage.
In addition, pulling down of any structure can cause safety concerns for nearby buildings and structures. Flying debris from the tearing down process can cause damage to neighboring structures, and the vibrations from the leveling
can cause damage to underground utilities. It is essential to take proper safety precautions and plan the tearing down process to minimize the risk of damage to nearby buildings or structures.
Overall, the dangers of building leveling should not be underestimated. It is essential to take proper safety precautions and plan the demolition process to minimize the risk of injury, death, property damage, and environmental damage. Proper training of workers involved in demolitions and proper disposal of hazardous materials should also be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
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Site Operations
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Hi,
I’m trying to get hold of SANS 10400 E. I’ve looked online and phoned SABS directly and they say there is currently no such document.
Is it something that does exist or is it only a planned document for future?
Thanks
Hi Bongani, we are not in the commercial construction business so we have no experience in the field to give you quoting advice. To work in the construction industry you should be registered with one or other of the building associations that are approved such as the MBA (Master Builders Assocation) and/or the NHBRC I suggest that you contact one of them as they have more experience in this field.
hi
im Bongani from a company colled Bukamuso services
im working on a tender to demolish a hall in norh west Klerksdorp
i need advices as to how to go about quoting for Preliminarys & generals
and occupational health & safety and constraction regulations.
my email; bonganin45@gmail.com cell 0719611908
your help will be highly appreciated
thanking you in advance
Bongani
Director
We do not do quotes or any construction work. We do not give any names of contractors, sorry.
Can someone give me a rough estimate of the costs of demolishing an existing house in Cape Town northern suburbs – single storey, approximately 260sq meters.
Hi There I want to demolish a property please please advice on demolition agencies/ comapnies I can contact thereof
Will a demolition of a carport, or the removal of a roof of a carort/similar structure, constitute construction work
Angie to do this correctly you probably need to consult with an attorney. However, there are issues that are covered by the National Building Regulations – and from these you will see that your neighbour is in contravention of the law.
Part E of SANS 10400, Demolition Work is very brief and states that the property owner requires “written permission of the local authority.” Further the local authority may impose (SHOULD, I believe) conditions or requirements “for the safety, health and convenience of the public, and for the safety of any other building or installation which in its opinion may be affected by such demolition.”
The law (Part E) sates that: “No person shall at any time during the course of or after the demolition of a building leave it in a condition dangerous to the public or any adjoining property.” The local authority has an obligation, in terms of the law to serve a notice on that person to make the site safe and if the owner doesn’t, can to do the work and charge the owner.
“Any person who contravenes any requirement of the regulations of this Part or fails to comply with any notice, condition or order issued thereunder, shall be guilty of an offence.” It sounds to me as if not only is the owner in breach of the law, but so too is the local authority.
NOTE that while all other Parts of the NBR (except this one and Part U, Refuse Disposal) have SANS that cover how the regs are deemed to be satisfied. Parts E and U are strictly law.
Also, Part E cross references Part F, Site Operations. This includes the need for fencing or barricades to ensure the area is safe.
If you download the old NBR from this site. Part E hasn’t changed. Part F1 and F2 also remain unchanged. F7 (which also covers demolition), F8 (which covers waste material on site), and F9 (cleaning of site) remain the same. There are changes to the deemed to satisfy rules – which I have outlined on the page about site operations.
Thank you for an informative webpage. I am experiencing great difficulty with neighboring demolition (of a private residence) which commenced in June 2013, halted in December 2013 and where no demolition rubble has been removed by the halted activities, the access to the property as well as my own is now unsecured, and the landowner, despite friendly requests, wishes me “good luck” in identifying and ensuring the required regularization procedures and necessary complaint actions. Municipality involved does nothing. I want to compile a form of Due Diligence, where I can clearly outline the legislative requirements to both local authority and the landowner. Would you be able to assist? In hopeful anticipation of your response
Angie
Mateboho we don’t find work for people. Good luck with your company.
Hi
I have a demolition company and looking for jobs from small to large scales. Please assist!
Hi Michelle,
We do not do permits of any sort. You must contact your local authority, we have a full list of contact numbers on this page: municipality-contact
im looking for a demolition permit
Hi Theo,
As you can see from our article on the demolition work page this is covered under SANS 10400-E. The law does not seem to have changed but you will have to approach your local authority and get their written permission before you can do any demolition work. They may have regional requirements that they will impose on all or certain demolitions. These could fall under the health and safety act and cover dangerous methods used in demolition, restricting access, fencing etc. You can download the free page at this link https://www.sabs.co.za/index.php?page=standardsfreedownload
Hi .
I am interested in starting a business in the construction industry to dismantle and clear buildings to be refurbished .
Could someone please direct me to the correct place where I can get the applicable legislation and regulations in this regard .
Much appreciated
Theo .0832293425