Construction & Trade
Demolition and Site Clearance Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for demolition and site clearance work.
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Updated February 2026
The essential guide to demolition safety
Demolition and site clearance work involves dismantling structures in a controlled manner while managing significant hazards. From structural collapse risks to hazardous materials, these high-risk activities require careful planning and execution.
This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough demolition risk assessment—from pre-demolition surveys and structural assessments to dust control, exclusion zones, and emergency planning.
Trade & Construction
Activity Benefits
Why professional demolition matters
Material Recovery
Enables salvage and recycling of construction materials.
Site Preparation
Prepares sites for new construction and development.
Safety Removal
Removes unsafe or condemned structures safely.
Environmental
Enables proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Structural CollapseHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Crushing injuries, fatalities, entrapment, multiple casualties.
Control Measures
- Complete structural engineering assessment before work
- Follow approved demolition method statement
- Establish and maintain exclusion zones
- Monitor structure continuously during demolition
Hazardous MaterialsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Asbestos exposure, lead poisoning, respiratory disease, cancer.
Control Measures
- Complete refurbishment/demolition survey before work
- Remove asbestos before demolition by licensed contractor
- Use appropriate RPE and decontamination procedures
- Dispose of hazardous waste through licensed carriers
Falling DebrisHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Head injuries, crush injuries, fatalities from falling materials.
Control Measures
- Enforce strict exclusion zones during active demolition
- Use debris chutes and containment systems
- Mandatory hard hat zones throughout site
- Use netting and scaffolding protection
Dust ExposureMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Respiratory problems, silicosis, eye irritation, nuisance to neighbours.
Control Measures
- Use water suppression throughout demolition
- Provide appropriate respiratory protection
- Screen site boundaries to contain dust
- Monitor weather and adjust methods as needed
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 32 hazards and 102+ control measures for Demolition and Site Clearance, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Demolition safety checklist
Pre-Demolition Survey
- Structural survey completed
- Asbestos survey completed
- Services disconnected and capped
- Method statement approved
- Notifications submitted
Site Safety
- Exclusion zones established
- Warning signage displayed
- Site security in place
- Emergency procedures communicated
Plant & Equipment
- Plant inspected and certified
- Operators competent and certified
- Communications systems working
- Dust suppression equipment ready
Emergency Preparedness
- First aid personnel on site
- Emergency services notified
- Rescue equipment available
- Assembly points identified
Ready to create your demolition risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional, compliant risk assessment in minutes.
