Demolition Work in The Construction Industry
Wanted: public comment on new draft health and safety standard
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) has released for public comment a draft national code of practice covering demolition work in the construction industry.
The Draft National Code of Practice for Demolition Work is a key element in the National Commission's efforts to improve occupational health and safety (OHS) in the construction industry.
It will complement the Draft National Standard for Construction Work and the Draft National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Falls, which have recently been the subject of public comment.
The construction industry is a high risk industry, characterised by a range of very hazardous working environments:
- one eighth of all work-related fatalities occur in the building and construction sector
- the rate of injuries is 90% higher than the all-industry average
- workers' compensation costs alone in the construction industry in Australia during 1991-2 totalled $272 million, a larger figure over the same period than both
- fringe benefits tax ($53m) or
- payroll tax ($259m).
The Draft National Code of Practice for Demolition Work provides practical guidance to address the major hazards and combination of hazards found in demolition work.
The nature of risks in demolition, which place its work in the high risk category, include the:
- combination of hazards which may exist at one time
- unpredictability caused by the lack of information about the original structure or any alterations
- constantly changing stability of the structure as work progresses.
The draft Code specifies responsibilities for all persons involved in demolition work - both in planning and in carrying out the work. It includes guidance on:
- how to develop an occupational health and safety workplan
- a way of identifying major hazards and controlling risks
- guidance on specific work processes and methods, for example,
- demolition by explosives
- expansion bursters
- underwater demolition
- lift shafts
- fire damaged and dangerous buildings
- removal of underground petroleum tanks.
The draft Code released for public comment is supported by a discussion paper which draws attention to the main issues. As public safety is a significant aspect of demolition work, public comment is also sought on whether the code sufficiently addresses this issue.
Public comment on the Draft National Code of Practice for Demolition Work closes on June 6, 1997.
To obtain a copy of the document, please contact the standards branch of the National Commission by:
phone: (02) 9577 9564
freecall: 1800 817 078
fax: (02) 9577 9477 (Attention - Hazardous Work and Occupations Team)
9 April 1997
Page last updated: 15/07/2008