Demolition Work – Part E
Site Safety during Demolitions-Part E
The process of demolition is a critical precursor to new construction, but it requires a nuanced understanding of safety regulations outlined in Part E of the National Building Regulations. Part E serves as a guiding light, emphasizing common sense and the exercise of caution. It essentially delves into three pivotal elements: the act of demolition work itself, the safety of basements during and after demolition, and the prohibition of risky demolition methodologies. Disregarding these regulations or failing to comply with notices, conditions, or orders related to demolitions could lead to being charged with an offense.
Demolition Procedures and Compliance
Foremost, before initiating any demolition of a building or solid structure on your property, obtaining permission from the local authority is imperative. This foundational step ensures adherence to the law and safety regulations.
Local authorities often grant permission for demolition work while concurrently imposing specific conditions in compliance with Part F of the National Building Regulations – Site Operations. These conditions primarily focus on ensuring public safety, health, and convenience, as well as preventing damage to surrounding properties, not just the structure being demolished.
Moreover, the regulations strictly stipulate that no building in the process of being demolished, or already demolished, should be left in a hazardous condition. This guideline is chiefly designed to shield the public and neighboring properties from potential risks.
In the event that the site is deemed unsafe by the local authority, they have the power to issue a notice mandating immediate rectification. Failure to comply can result in the authority conducting the necessary work and holding the property owner accountable for associated costs.
Ensuring Safety for Basements
The challenges surrounding basements during and post-demolition are significant, particularly when a building is leveled to ground zero. Property owners are obligated to ensure adequate lateral support for the basement’s sides to prevent potential hazards.
Prohibition of Hazardous Techniques
Emphasizing safety, local authorities hold the authority to permit or disallow specific demolition methods. For instance, the use of explosives in densely populated areas might be forbidden due to potential risks to nearby buildings or individuals. Should a particular method be disallowed, the property owner is entitled to receive a written explanation for the decision.
Understanding the Perils of Demolition Work
Demolition processes harbor unforeseen dangers often underestimated or overlooked. These operations involve various hazardous activities such as using explosives, heavy machinery, and other risky materials that pose threats to workers and the public. Negligent execution of demolition work can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
Risk of Explosives in Demolition Work
Among the most perilous aspects of demolition is the use of explosives. Incorrect handling can lead to grave injuries or fatalities due to the force of the blast and the potential for debris to cause harm. Proper planning and execution are indispensable to ensure the safety of workers and the public when explosives are involved.
Hazards Related to Heavy Machinery
The use of heavy machinery during demolition work, including cranes and bulldozers, poses significant risks. Mishandling or inadequate training of machine operators can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, certain machinery used in demolitions can produce hazardous dust or fumes, posing risks to workers and the public if not managed effectively.
Environmental Risks
Demolitions can also trigger environmental hazardshttps://www.hseblog.com/specific-hazards-and-control-measures-for-demolition-work/. The release of hazardous materials like lead, asbestos, and other contaminants during the demolition work process can be detrimental to the environment and human health. Proper safety measures and appropriate disposal of hazardous materials are crucial to prevent environmental damage.
Furthermore, the demolition of any structure can pose safety concerns for neighboring buildings and structures. Debris flying during the demolition process can damage nearby structures, while the vibrations from leveling can impact underground utilities. Thorough safety measures and meticulous planning are essential to minimize the risk of harm to neighboring structures.
The hazards associated with building demolitions must not be underestimated. It is imperative to implement comprehensive safety measures and meticulously plan the demolition process to minimize the risks of injuries, fatalities, property damage, and environmental harm. Adequate training of workers involved in demolitions and appropriate disposal of hazardous materials is crucial to ensure the safety of both workers and the general public.
Implementing Rigorous Safety Protocols in Demolition Practices: A Detailed Exploration of Part E in National Building Regulations
The landscape of demolition work, an essential precursor to new construction endeavors, necessitates a thorough understanding of the safety protocols delineated in Part E of the National Building Regulations. Part E serves as a crucial compass, emphasizing not only common sense but also the vigilant exercise of caution. It encapsulates three fundamental elements: the act of demolition itself, the safety of basements during and after the demolition process, and the prohibition of perilous demolition work methodologies. Disregarding these regulations or failing to comply with notices, conditions, or orders related to demolitions could result in legal repercussions.
Navigating Demolition Procedures and Compliance
Primary among the prerequisites is securing permission from the local authority before embarking on the demolition of any building or solid structure on one’s property. This initial step ensures alignment with the law and adherence to stringent safety regulations.
Local authorities, in granting permission for demolition work, often attach specific conditions in accordance with Part F of the National Building Regulations – Site Operations. These conditions primarily focus on ensuring public safety, health, and convenience while also safeguarding neighboring properties, not solely the structure slated for demolition.
Furthermore, the regulations explicitly dictate that no building in the process of being demolished or already razed to the ground should be left in a hazardous condition. This mandate is primarily intended to shield the public and neighboring properties from potential risks.
In the event that the site is deemed unsafe by the local authority, they wield the power to issue a notice mandating immediate rectification. Failure to comply could prompt the authority to undertake the necessary remedial work and hold the property owner accountable for associated costs.
Ensuring the Safety of Basements
The challenges posed by basements during and after demolition are substantial, especially when a building is completely leveled. Property owners bear the responsibility of ensuring robust lateral support for the sides of the basement to stave off potential hazards.
The hazards associated with building demolitions demand a meticulous and comprehensive approach. It is imperative to implement rigorous safety measures and meticulously plan the demolition work process to minimize the risks of injuries, fatalities, property damage, and environmental harm. Proper training of workers involved in demolitions and appropriate disposal of hazardous materials are paramount to ensure the safety of both workers and the general public.
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Very informative article about demolition
Workers performing the demolition work must they all be in possession of a Demolition certificate?
Hi,
In the event that I have submitted drawings to council for building approval for renovations to an existing building, and the drawings clearly indicate demolition of the infill brick walls only, in a concrete framed structure, to be replaced with new brickwork, why still the need for a demolition permit as well?
Whose responsibility is it to acquire a demolition permit?
Contractor or Client?
and..
How do i go about acquiring a demolition permit after demolition work has started?
Probably!
Marius unfortunately my opinion is irrelevant. The local authority has the last say. Perhaps they want to be sure you won’t be demolishing load-bearing walls, and the only way to be sure is to have a permit.
Hi,
We are busy doing a re-branding project for a big petro-chemical company. Only internal walls are being demolished and we’re not changing the footprint or roof over the existing building. The building inspector from the local authority is now demanding a demolition permit – even though we are NOT demolishing the building. We’ve been doing similiar projects across Southern Africa and never before has this been required.She is now threatening to stop the construction. The building regulations aren’t quite clear on this matter. What is your opinion?
Hi there
Do you need council permission to demolish illegal (ie. no approved building plans) structures?
good day, will you be able to help me get a demolition generic plan please? aswell as a blasting plan and shutdown plan. please email me on ane@con-med.co.za
Sorry we don’t recommend companies.
Demolition work is demolition work – NOT construction. See Part E of the regs. No added advice from SABS.
Thanks Penny
Kim, as you probably know, the Building Regulations & Standards Act is the legislation. SANS 10400 are the so-called codes that explain how one can ensure one complies with the law. Part E (as explained in this post) is from the Act – the SABS has not given any guidelines in terms of compliance. That’s why you can’t find anything. The same applies to Part U: Refuse Disposal. I guess it’s left pretty much to the interpretation of the local authority.
Hi Janek,
Thanks. I work for a company that has company access to all the SABS codes. Where would I be able to find part E of the National Building Regulations? The other parts are all in the codes but I’m battling to find the regulations on demolition.
Thanks
Nope there is no SANS 10400-E and nothing planned for the future. It does go in an alphabetical list but if you have a look on our home page there is a list of all available SANS docs. These are only available from the SABS.
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