DEMOLITION AND DISMANTLING TOOLBOX TALK
Removing one component can change the behaviour of everything connected to it.
Management of structural stability and falling parts during controlled dismantling.
Preview is public. A free SERNEM account is required to download the standard PDF.
Toolbox Topic
DEMOLITION AND DISMANTLING TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent unexpected collapse, falling objects, stored-energy release and line-of-fire exposure during demolition and dismantling.
WHY IT MATTERS
Removing one component during dismantling can change load paths and cause unexpected movement of connected structures or equipment.
Older systems may contain undocumented connections, trapped energy, process residues or hidden supports.
If actual weight and center of gravity are unknown, components may rotate or drop unexpectedly during lifting.
Changing the dismantling sequence can invalidate the original risk assessment.
Workers below and around the dismantling area must remain outside the exclusion zone.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A crew dismantling steelwork decided to cut a support earlier than planned to improve access.
Once the support was removed, the connected section changed load path and moved unexpectedly.
No worker was beneath the area, but the component struck nearby equipment.
Following the approved dismantling sequence, installing temporary support and reassessing changes would have prevented the event.
REMEMBER
If the dismantling sequence changes, the risk assessment must change too.
KEY HAZARDS
Uncontrolled structural movement.
Falling components.
Hidden energy sources.
Sharp edges.
Work at height.
Unstable heavy components.
Incorrect dismantling sequence.
Unauthorised access.
CONTROLS
Plan the dismantling sequence.
Isolate energy sources.
Assess temporary-support requirements.
Establish exclusion zones.
Determine component weights.
Plan lifting methods.
Check connected members before cutting.
Control sharp edges.
Apply work-at-height controls.
Stop and reassess if the plan changes.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, no dismantling component will be treated as independent. Before cutting we must understand what it supports, what it is connected to and how the system will react; any sequence change requires stop-work and reassessment.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Is the dismantling sequence defined?
Is energy isolated?
Is temporary support required?
Are component weights known?
Is the area below controlled?
What happens if the plan changes?
FIELD VERIFICATION
Sequence approved
Energy isolated
Support assessed
Area barricaded
Component weight known
Lift plan ready
Connections checked
Sharp edges controlled
WAH controls in place
Crew briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
| # | Name | Position | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 | |||
| 6 | |||
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 | |||
| 11 | |||
| 12 |
Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.