One of the most important parts of planning is the location of utilities. All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines should be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled at or outside the building before demolition work starts. Utility companies should be notified in advance, and approval or services, if necessary, should be obtained. If the demolition contractor will need utilities during demolition, temporary services can be relocated and protected in safe locations. Overhead power sources can be especially hazardous during any machine demolition. All workers should be informed of the location of any existing or relocated utility service.

Temporary services are often potential sources of ignition that require evaluated and corrective safety measures. Electrical wiring and equipment for providing light, heat, or power should be installed by a competent person and inspected regularly. Equipment powered by an internal combustion engine should be located so that the exhausts discharge well away from combustible materials and away from workers. When the exhausts are piped outside the building, a clearance of at least six inches should be maintained between such piping and combustible material.

Heating devices should be situated so they are not likely to overturn and shall be installed in accordance with their listing, including clearance to combustible material or equipment. Equipment should be shut down before refueling. Fuel should be stored in a safe location. Sufficient firefighting equipment should be located near any flammable or combustible liquid storage area.

















.
return to contents