Walls or other masonry that exceed the weight of the safe carrying capacities of the floors should not be allowed to fall upon the floors of the building.
No wall section, more than one story in height, is allowed to stand alone without lateral bracing, unless it was originally designed and constructed to stand without lateral support, and is safely self-supporting. All walls must be left in a stable condition at the end of each shift.
Employees should not work on the top of a wall when weather conditions are hazardous. Wind can cause walls to blow over.
Systemic removal of structure must be followed. Structural or load-supporting members on any floor shall not be cut or removed until all above stories have been demolished and removed.
To protect demolition workers, floor openings within 10 feet of any wall being demolished should be planked solid, except when employees are kept out of the area below.
In buildings with steel erection construction, steel framing may be left in place during the demolition of masonry building sections. Where this is done, all steel beams, girders, and similar structural supports shall be cleared of all loose material as the masonry demolition progresses downward.
Walkways or ladders should be provided to enable employees to safely reach or leave any scaffold or wall.
Retaining walls for debris must be capable of safely supporting the imposed load. Walls, which serve as retaining walls to support earth or adjoining structures, can not be taken down until such earth has been properly braced or adjoining structures have been properly underpinned.
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