Site Operations
Demolition, Dismantling & Structural Alteration Safety
Planning and controlling demolition, dismantling and structural alteration works on UAE sites — surveys, method statements, structural stability, exclusion zones and utility isolation under Dubai Municipality and Trakhees CSR requirements.
v2.0Updated 15 Feb 2026ADOSH-SF v4.1 (February 2026)Learning Objectives
- Explain the pre-demolition survey requirements under UAE codes.
- Describe the contents of a compliant demolition method statement.
- Apply structural stability and temporary works controls during demolition.
- Establish exclusion zones and utility isolation before demolition begins.
- Recognise the specific hazards of dismantling and partial structural alteration works.
Training Video
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1. Pre-Demolition Survey
Before any demolition or dismantling permit is issued, a pre-demolition survey must confirm structural form, load paths, presence of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint), condition of adjacent structures, and location of live services. Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice and Trakhees CSR require this survey to be carried out by a competent structural engineer and submitted with the demolition method statement for approval before work starts.
2. Demolition Method Statement
The method statement must define the demolition sequence (top-down, progressive, or controlled explosive as approved), the plant to be used, temporary propping and shoring requirements, debris removal routes, dust and noise controls, and emergency arrangements. It must be reviewed and signed off by a demolition-competent engineer and approved by the relevant authority before any structural element is removed, and no deviation is permitted without re-approval.
3. Structural Stability Controls
Uncontrolled removal of structural elements can cause progressive collapse. Temporary works — propping, shoring, and tie-back systems — must be designed by a competent temporary works engineer and installed before the permanent structure they support is weakened or removed. A Temporary Works Coordinator must verify installation against the design before demolition of the supported element proceeds, and daily stability checks are logged throughout.
4. Exclusion Zones and Access Control
An exclusion zone sized to the height of the structure being demolished (minimum equal to building height, larger for mechanical or explosive methods) must be established, physically barricaded, and signed, with access restricted to authorised demolition crew only. Adjacent occupied buildings, public roads and pedestrian routes falling within the zone require additional protective measures such as scaffold fans, catch platforms or full closure agreed with the relevant authority.
5. Utility Isolation
All electrical, gas, water, telecom and drainage services within the structure must be identified, confirmed dead/isolated in writing by the relevant utility provider (DEWA/ADDC, Etisalat/du, or municipality), and physically capped or removed before demolition begins. Undocumented or 'assumed dead' services are treated as live until proven otherwise by permit and testing, and this isolation confirmation is a mandatory attachment to the demolition permit.
6. Dismantling and Partial Alteration Hazards
Dismantling (careful removal for reuse) and partial structural alteration (openings, extensions, load changes) carry unique risks: unknown as-built conditions differing from drawings, hidden deterioration, and the temptation to remove 'just one more beam' without re-checking the engineer's sequence. Any deviation from the approved sequence, or discovery of unexpected structural conditions, must stop work immediately pending re-assessment by the structural engineer.
Knowledge Assessment
1. A pre-demolition survey must be carried out by:
2. The demolition method statement must be approved:
3. Temporary propping and shoring must be designed by:
4. Minimum exclusion zone size is generally related to:
5. Services within a structure to be demolished must be:
6. An undocumented service found during demolition should be treated as:
7. Discovery of unexpected structural conditions during dismantling requires:
8. A Temporary Works Coordinator's role is to:
9. Progressive collapse risk during demolition is caused by:
10. Deviating from the approved demolition sequence:
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