Demolition Risk Assessment: Guide, Hazards and Example Template
Before any demolition work begins, it is essential to carry out a detailed demolition risk assessment. This step ensures the health and safety of everyone involved and helps identify potential hazards that could cause injury, property damage or delays.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a demolition risk assessment is, what should be included, and how to create your own assessment using a clear structure.
You’ll also find a practical demolition risk assessment example and template outline to support planning and compliance.
What Is a Demolition Risk Assessment?
A demolition risk assessment is a safety planning document that identifies potential hazards during demolition work and outlines the measures needed to control or eliminate them.
It forms part of the legal duty to manage health and safety under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
This assessment should be carried out before any dismantling or structural alteration work begins and should be reviewed regularly as the project progresses.
Who Is Responsible for a Demolition Risk Assessment?
Several duty holders are involved in the planning and execution of safe demolition projects:
- Clients: Must appoint qualified and experienced contractors and ensure relevant information is shared.
- Principal Designers: Should manage and coordinate pre-construction health and safety planning.
- Principal Contractors: Are responsible for managing on-site safety during demolition work.
- Subcontractors: Must follow risk assessment controls and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
What Should Be Included in a Demolition Risk Assessment?
A demolition risk assessment should include all foreseeable hazards, and the actions required to mitigate them. Each hazard is assigned a risk level—typically low, medium or high—based on its likelihood and potential impact.
Key Hazards to Include:
- Falls from height: Open floors, fragile surfaces and unguarded edges
- Fire risks: Sparks or flames from cutting tools and combustible materials
- Hazardous materials: Asbestos, dust, chemicals, flammable liquids
- Structural collapse: Uncontrolled or premature collapse of the structure
- Falling debris: Flying materials, tools or partially demolished sections
- Noise and vibration: Prolonged exposure from tools or machinery
- Connected services: Live electrical cables, gas lines and water systems
- Worker involvement: Inadequate awareness or use of safety procedures
Risk Ratings
Each risk should be assessed with a clear rating:
- Low risk: Safe to continue with existing controls
- Medium risk: Proceed with additional control measures in place
- High risk: Do not proceed until the risk is fully mitigated
How to Control Risks in Demolition
Once hazards are identified, suitable control measures must be implemented. Examples include:
| Hazard | Control Measures |
| Falls from height | Use edge protection, safety harnesses and secured scaffolding |
| Fire | Update fire points regularly and maintain clear escape routes |
| Hazardous materials | Conduct asbestos surveys and follow COSHH regulations |
| Collapse | Plan structural sequence and use physical barriers or spotters |
| Debris | Establish exclusion zones and provide hard hats and reinforced equipment |
| Vibration | Limit exposure and rotate workers using vibrating tools |
| Connected services | Isolate utilities before work begins and clearly label residual lines |
| Worker safety | Provide PPE such as hard hats, goggles, gloves and flame-retardant clothing |
Demolition Risk Assessment Example
Here is a simplified demolition risk assessment example to help visualise how it can be structured:
Activity: Removal of roof structure
Hazard: Fall from height
Risk Level: High
Control Measures: Scaffolding with edge protection, safety harnesses
Responsible Person: Site supervisor
Status: Controls in place
Activity: Dismantling of internal walls
Hazard: Airborne dust and debris
Risk Level: Medium
Control Measures: Dust suppression equipment, PPE (dust masks and goggles)
Responsible Person: Demolition contractor
Status: In progress
Demolition Risk Assessment Template
Although there is no single government-mandated format, your demolition risk assessment template should include the following sections:
- Project details (site address, contractor, dates)
- Activity descriptions
- Identified hazards
- Risk levels
- Control measures
- Assigned responsible persons
- Review dates and signatures
Example:
| Project Details | |
| Site Address | [Insert address] |
| Contractor/Company Name | [Insert company name] |
| Assessment Completed By | [Name, Role] |
| Assessment Date | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Review Date | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
Risk Assessment Table
| Activity | Hazard | Risk Level | Control Measures | Responsible Person | Status |
| E.g. Roof dismantling | Fall from height | High | Edge protection, safety harnesses, scaffolding | Site Supervisor | Ongoing |
| E.g. Wall removal | Structural collapse | Medium | Sequence planning, exclusion zone, supports | Project Engineer | Not Started |
| E.g. Tool operation | Noise & vibration | Medium | PPE (ear defenders), work rotation | Site Manager | In Progress |
| E.g. Site clearance | Hazardous dust | Medium | Dust suppression, masks, goggles | Contractor | Complete |
| E.g. Utility disconnection | Live electrical lines | High | Isolate and label lines, use qualified electrician | Electrician | Complete |
To help with compliance, you can also refer to the Health and Safety Executive’s Construction Phase Plan as a useful guide. For more complex works, it can be adapted to include additional columns for risk scoring, residual risk, or inspection notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a demolition risk assessment?
It is a safety planning document that identifies risks during demolition and outlines how to control them to protect workers and the public.
Who should carry out a demolition risk assessment?
Qualified professionals such as principal contractors or health and safety advisors are responsible, working under CDM 2015 regulations.
What hazards should be considered?
Common hazards include falls, fire, hazardous materials, structural collapse and noise or vibration exposure.
Is there a standard demolition risk assessment template?
No, but many use a checklist format that includes hazard identification, risk level, control measures and responsible persons.
Where can I find a demolition risk assessment example?
Sample templates can be found via HSE’s Construction Phase Plan resources or adapted from industry best practices.
Final Thoughts
A well-prepared demolition risk assessment is essential for managing hazards, maintaining legal compliance and ensuring the safety of everyone on site. By identifying risks early and applying the correct controls, you can reduce the chance of accidents and keep your project running smoothly.
For teams working in demolition, construction or industrial maintenance, Lindström also offers workwear solutions designed for safety, including hi-vis workwear and flame-retardant garments.Contact us to learn how our PPE and hygiene services can support your demolition project.
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