RAMS and method statement for demolition

Demolition is one of the few activities where the sequence itself is the safety measure. Take the structure down in the wrong order and you get the one hazard that hurts the most people at once: an uncontrolled collapse. Because of that, a risk assessment and method statement for demolition is read more carefully than almost any other document on site, it is usually backed by an engineer designed sequence, and for most jobs the law effectively requires it in writing before anyone starts. This guide sets out what a demolition RAMS should cover on a UK site, whether it is a hand demolition of a single storey structure or a high reach machine taking down a frame.

What a RAMS for demolition needs to cover

Be specific about the structure and the method. State what is being demolished, its construction and condition, and which method applies: hand demolition, mechanical demolition with an excavator or high reach machine, deliberate controlled collapse, or careful deconstruction to salvage. Critically, the document must reference the two surveys that govern the whole job: the refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey, and the structural survey that informs the sequence. A lean-to garage and a three storey masonry building are different jobs and the RAMS should read like the one in front of you.

The main hazards of demolition

• Premature or uncontrolled collapse from removing load bearing elements out of sequence, or from unknown structural condition.
• Falling debris and materials striking people below or outside the exclusion zone.
• Asbestos and other hazardous materials such as lead paint and silica dust disturbed during the work.
• Buried and live services, electricity, gas, water and drainage, still connected to the structure.
• Working at height during hand demolition and soft strip on upper floors.
• Plant and pedestrian interface around excavators, grabs and high reach machines.
• Fire from hot cutting of steelwork, and from combustible arisings.
• Instability of adjacent structures that were relying on the building being removed.
• Voids, basements and cellars, and unexpected ground conditions once the slab is broken.

The control measures a reviewer expects

Each control should map to a hazard above, and a demolition reviewer looks first for the surveys.

• A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey to HSG264, with any asbestos removed first by a licensed contractor where the work is licensable.
• A structural survey and an engineer designed sequence, so the order of removal keeps the remaining structure stable at every stage.
• Services disconnection, with written confirmation from the utilities that electricity, gas, water and telecoms are dead before work starts.
• Exclusion zones, hoarding and segregation sized to the drop and the method, keeping the public and other trades clear.
• Competent supervision and operatives, typically holding CCDO cards, controlling the work to the designed sequence.
• Dust suppression with water damping, and respiratory protection for silica and other dusts.
• Temporary support or propping of any adjacent structure that needs it, designed and installed before removal.
• Permits for hot works and for any confined space entry into basements, ducts or tanks.

The method statement sequence for demolition

1. Complete the refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey and the structural survey, and design the demolition sequence from them.
2. Isolate and disconnect all services, and obtain written confirmation that they are dead.
3. Remove asbestos and other hazardous materials, using a licensed contractor where required.
4. Carry out the soft strip of fixtures, fittings and non structural elements.
5. Set up the exclusion zone, hoarding, segregation and any propping to adjacent structures, and brief the team with a toolbox talk.
6. Demolish in the engineer designed sequence, normally in reverse order of construction, keeping the remaining structure stable at every stage.
7. Suppress dust throughout, and control hot cutting of steel with a hot works permit and fire watch.
8. Process and segregate the arisings, then break up the slab and foundations and make the ground safe.

Where demolition RAMS usually get rejected

• No reference to a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey, or to what happens if asbestos is found.
• No structural survey and no engineer designed sequence, just "demolish the building".
• No evidence that services have been disconnected before work starts.
• Exclusion zones and segregation not described, or too small for the method and the drop.
• No named competent supervisor and no CCDO competence for the operatives.
• Notifiable demolition not flagged for CDM notification, and adjacent structures not considered.

Frequently asked questions

Is a method statement a legal requirement for demolition?

In practice yes. CDM 2015 requires that demolition or dismantling is planned and carried out so it does not endanger anyone, and that the arrangements are recorded in writing before the work starts. That written arrangement is the method statement, and for most demolition it is backed by an engineer designed sequence.

Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?

Yes. A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey to HSG264 is needed before demolition of any building that may contain asbestos. Any asbestos found is removed first, and licensed asbestos work must be done by a licensed contractor before the structure comes down.

Who should supervise a demolition?

A competent supervisor, typically holding a demolition supervisor qualification such as the CCDO supervisor card, controlling the work to an engineer designed sequence. Operatives should hold the relevant CCDO or plant cards for the method being used.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a plain-English working summary to support site teams. For the detail see CDM 2015, HSG264 for asbestos surveys, and BS 6187, the code of practice for full and partial demolition.

Related guides: RAMS for working at height, RAMS for excavation and groundworks, permit to work for construction, and the COSHH assessment for construction guide.