Demolition Safety Inspection Checklist

What is a demolition safety checklist? A demolition safety checklist is a pre-work inspection form required by OSHA 1926.850 before any demolition activity. Per OSHA, a competent person must conduct an engineering survey to assess structural conditions, utility hazards, and the presence of hazardous materials before work begins. This checklist ensures safe demolition practices and regulatory compliance.

  • Industry: Construction
  • Frequency: Before demolition begins / Daily during demolition
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Competent Person / Safety Officer / Demolition Superintendent
  • Total Items: 44
  • Compliance: OSHA 1926.850 (Preparatory Operations), OSHA 1926.851 (Stairs/Passageways), OSHA 1926.852 (Chutes), OSHA 1926.853-859 (Manual/Mechanical), OSHA 1926.860 (Utilities)

Engineering Survey Verification

Per OSHA 1926.850(a), engineering survey must determine structural conditions and identify hazards.

  • Written engineering survey on file?
  • Structural assessment completed?
  • Hazardous materials survey completed?
  • Asbestos identified?
  • Asbestos abated or controls in place?
  • Lead paint identified?
  • Lead exposure controls in place?
  • Other hazardous materials identified and addressed?
  • Written demolition plan developed?

Utility Disconnection

Per OSHA 1926.850(d-e), all utilities must be disconnected and capped before demolition.

  • Electrical service disconnected and locked out?
  • Electrical disconnect verified (utility confirmation)?
  • Gas service disconnected and capped?
  • Gas lines purged?
  • Water service disconnected?
  • Sewer connections capped?
  • Steam lines disconnected (if applicable)?
  • Underground utilities located and marked?
  • Utility disconnect documentation on file?

Site Preparation & Protection

Verify site perimeter, public protection, and access control.

  • Site perimeter fenced/secured?
  • Warning signs posted at all access points?
  • Public walkway protection in place?
  • Adjacent property protection measures in place?
  • Debris chutes installed (if required)?
  • Dust control measures ready (water, barriers)?
  • Traffic control plan implemented?
  • Emergency vehicle access maintained?

Structural Stability & Shoring

Verify structural integrity and temporary supports per OSHA 1926.854.

  • Temporary bracing/shoring installed where needed?
  • Floor shoring adequate for equipment loads?
  • Wall stability assessed before removing floors?
  • Exclusion zones established around unstable areas?
  • Structural monitoring plan in place?
  • Weather conditions safe (wind, rain)?

Equipment & Personnel

Verify equipment inspection and personnel qualifications.

  • All demolition equipment inspected?
  • Equipment operators trained and qualified?
  • All workers trained on demolition hazards?
  • Required PPE available (hard hats, respiratory, etc.)?
  • Fire extinguishers positioned throughout site?
  • First aid station established?
  • Emergency rescue plan in place?
  • Communication system established (radios, signals)?

PPE Compliance Verification

Personal protective equipment inspection

  • Hard hats worn in required areas?
  • Safety glasses/goggles worn as required?
  • High-visibility vests worn?
  • Steel-toe boots worn by all workers?

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Why Use This Demolition Safety Inspection Checklist?

This demolition safety inspection checklist helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for competent person / safety officer / demolition superintendent professionals, this checklist covers 44 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: before demolition begins / daily during demolition.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 1926.850 (Preparatory Operations), OSHA 1926.851 (Stairs/Passageways), OSHA 1926.852 (Chutes), OSHA 1926.853-859 (Manual/Mechanical), OSHA 1926.860 (Utilities), CDM Regulations 2015 (UK), NR-18 (Brazil), NOM-031-STPS-2011 (Mexico). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Demolition Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 44 inspection items across 6 sections: Engineering Survey Verification, Utility Disconnection, Site Preparation & Protection, Structural Stability & Shoring, Equipment & Personnel, PPE Compliance Verification. It is designed for construction operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before demolition begins / daily during demolition. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Demolition Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Competent Person / Safety Officer / Demolition Superintendent professionals in the construction industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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