HAZDEM
A Demolition Hazard Study (HAZDEM) is a structured technique using guidewords to identify potential hazards during the demolition process. The HAZDEM should be conducted before the start of the demolition phase.
A HAZDEM study is the early identification and understanding of the potential demolition risks and hazards within a project is essential if the risks are to be avoided or reduced. When a possible hazard is identified, a probable cause shall be established and then the likelihood and consequences of the hazard examined. Judgement should then be made on the residual risk and whether further control measures are required. Any remedial actions shall then be documented and actioned.
Prior to the HAZDEM the Chair should:
- Divide the plant into suitable areas to be analysed
- Agree Guide words
- Team members: ideally the Construction Manager has viewed the demolition site in advance
- Suitable venue
- Distribute the documentation pack, including drawings and key documents
The chair should be suitably competent including training, qualifications and experience.
At the HAZDEM meeting comprehensive record should be completed at the meeting. This should include the wording of any actions, the actionee and return date. Any action sheets should be issued straight after the meeting. The chair should review the closeout action comments and check the evidence to ensure closure, where possible. Any actions unable to be closed out, should be transferred to the CDM Risk Register.
Once all of the action sheets have been completed, to the satisfaction of the chair, then a closeout report shall be prepared. The report will include all relevant documentation, or references to the drawings used, including revision status. The close-out should be completed prior to the commencement of any demolition activities
