Falling Debris & Exclusion Zones

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve covered structural control and preventing uncontrolled collapse. Today, we're focusing on the hazard of falling material and how to protect everyone from falling debris.

In demolition, every piece of material that comes down—from a heavy beam to a small piece of masonry—can be a dangerous projectile. Managing this debris is essential to preventing "struck-by" injuries.

Controlling the Descent

The goal is to ensure debris falls only where and when it is intended to.

1. Remove Glass First: All glass and windows should be removed before any structural demolition begins. Glass is unpredictable and can shatter and fly across a wide area.

2. Use Debris Chutes: For vertical demolition, debris should be contained and funneled through debris chutes or lowered in containers via crane or lift. Never simply push debris over the side of a building, as it will scatter and pose a massive hazard.

3. Wet Down Debris: Use water to wet down materials like concrete and masonry as they are being demolished. This suppresses dust and prevents lightweight debris from being carried by the wind.

The Exclusion Zone

The most effective protection against falling debris is distance.

• Establish the Zone: A clear Exclusion Zone must be established and maintained around the demolition area. This zone's size is determined by the height of the structure and the type of materials being removed.

• Barriers and Signage: The zone must be clearly cordoned off with fencing, barricades, and highly visible signage.

• No Unauthorized Access: No worker, and especially no member of the public, should ever be allowed inside the exclusion zone unless they are performing essential demolition work and are wearing all necessary PPE. The risk is too high.

Vigilance in controlling and containing falling debris is a daily commitment to safety.

Tomorrow, on Fall Protection Friday, we'll discuss the extreme fall hazards created by a demolished structure.

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-The Safety Man