Sample · Demolition
Demolition (soft strip) RAMS example
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Soft-strip and demolish internal non-load-bearing partition walls, suspended ceilings and redundant fixtures within an unoccupied commercial unit ahead of refurbishment.
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Soft-strip and demolition of internal non-load-bearing partition walls, suspended ceilings, floor coverings and redundant fixtures within Unit 5, Kingsway Trade Park, Sheffield S9 1H**, for Northgate Commercial Interiors Ltd, in preparation for refurbishment. The unit is unoccupied for the duration of the works. No structural elements are to be removed. All work is subject to a completed refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey and confirmed isolation of all services before strip-out begins.
| Contractor | Meridian Strip-Out & Demolition Ltd |
|---|---|
| Author | R. Okafor, Site Supervisor (CCDO Black Card, SMSTS) |
| Client / Principal Contractor | Northgate Commercial Interiors Ltd |
| Site | Unit 5, Kingsway Trade Park, Unit 5, Kingsway Trade Park, Sheffield S9 1H** |
| Project reference | MSD-3312 |
| Start / duration | Tue 23 Jun 2026 / 4 days |
1. Scope of works
Soft-strip and demolition of internal non-load-bearing partition walls, suspended ceilings, floor coverings and redundant fixtures within Unit 5, Kingsway Trade Park, Sheffield S9 1H**, for Northgate Commercial Interiors Ltd, in preparation for refurbishment. The unit is unoccupied for the duration of the works. No structural elements are to be removed. All work is subject to a completed refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey and confirmed isolation of all services before strip-out begins.
2. Sequence of works
Method statement, safe system of work
- Operatives report to site, sign in with the Principal Contractor and receive a site-specific induction covering fire, first aid, welfare and emergency arrangements.
- Confirm the refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey (to HSG264) has been completed and review the survey report and drawings before any work starts. If asbestos-containing materials are identified, stop and arrange licensed or notifiable non-licensed removal by others before strip-out.
- Confirm in writing from the client or structural engineer that the walls and elements to be removed are non-load-bearing; do not proceed on any element where structural function is uncertain until an engineer has confirmed it.
- Confirm all electrical, gas and water services to the work area are isolated, locked off and proved dead/depressurised. Obtain the signed service isolation permit before breaking into any wall, floor or ceiling.
- Establish the work area, protect retained finishes and lay dust sheeting; seal or protect routes to the waste skip and keep them clear.
- Set up local exhaust ventilation / dust extraction and, where required, water suppression for cutting and breaking operations to control respirable crystalline silica.
- Carry out a further visual check for any material not covered by the survey (e.g. concealed pipe lagging, textured coatings). If suspected asbestos is found, stop work immediately, do not disturb it, and report to the supervisor.
- Strip out soft materials first: floor coverings, redundant furniture, joinery and fixtures, loading directly to segregated skips.
- Isolate and remove redundant electrical accessories, small power and lighting within the partitions only after confirming isolation at the board.
- Take down suspended ceiling tiles and grid, working from suitable mobile access equipment, lowering materials rather than dropping them.
- Break out and remove non-load-bearing partitions in a controlled top-down sequence, using hand tools and low-vibration breakers with dust suppression running.
- Continuously damp down and clear arisings to prevent dust build-up and to keep access routes free of debris and trip hazards.
- Load segregated waste (timber, metal, plasterboard, general) to the correct skips, keeping loads within safe manual handling limits and using wheeled skips or barrows for heavier items.
- Monitor the structure throughout; if any unexpected movement, crack or overloading of a retained element is observed, stop work and consult the structural engineer.
- At the end of each shift, clean down the work area, damp-sweep or vacuum (H-class) fine dust, secure the unit and confirm services remain isolated.
- On completion, carry out a final clearance and visual inspection, remove all plant, equipment and waste, and leave the unit clean and safe.
- Complete the waste transfer documentation and hand the unit back to the Principal Contractor.
- Sign out from site.
3. Risk assessment
HSE 5-STEP · MHSWR 1999 REG 3 · HIERARCHY OF CONTROL
| Hazard | Who / how | Existing controls | L×S | Additional controls | Residual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (e.g. ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, textured coatings, floor tiles) during strip-out, releasing airborne fibres. | Operatives, other trades, future occupants. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, often decades later. | Refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey commissioned before works. Operatives hold asbestos awareness training (UKATA). Client aware of duty to manage. | 3×5=15 | No strip-out to begin until the refurbishment and demolition survey (HSG264) is completed and reviewed under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Any identified asbestos removed by a licensed or notifiable-non-licensed contractor before demolition starts. If suspect material is found during works, stop immediately, do not disturb, isolate the area and report; arrange sampling before continuing. Do not rely on PPE as the primary control. | Low |
| Contact with live electrical, gas or water services when breaking into walls, floors or ceilings. | Operatives. Electric shock, burns, gas explosion or flooding causing serious injury or fatality. | Live services flagged on site. Service drawings requested. Operatives aware of concealed service risk. | 2×5=10 | Isolate, lock off and prove dead all electrical circuits, and isolate/depressurise gas and water, before any breaking work. Obtain a signed service isolation permit. Use a cable/pipe locator (CAT and Genny) to trace concealed runs before cutting. Where isolation cannot be confirmed, treat the service as live and do not proceed. Use RCD-protected 110V tools only. | Low |
| Structural instability or collapse from removing an element that is in fact load-bearing or that provides lateral restraint. | Operatives, other trades. Crushing injuries, serious injury or fatality from falling masonry or partial collapse. | Scope limited to elements identified as non-load-bearing. Supervisor experienced in strip-out sequencing. | 2×5=10 | Obtain written confirmation from the client or a structural engineer that each element to be removed is non-load-bearing before removal. Work top-down in a controlled sequence. Do not remove any element providing restraint to a retained wall without temporary propping designed by the engineer. Stop and consult the engineer if any unexpected movement, cracking or loading is observed. | Low |
| Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and general construction dust from cutting, breaking and demolishing masonry, plaster and ceilings. | Operatives, other trades. Silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer from long-term RCS exposure; short-term respiratory and eye irritation. | General ventilation. Operatives face-fit tested for RPE. Awareness of dust hazards. | 3×4=12 | Control dust at source under COSHH 2002: use water suppression and on-tool extraction (M/H-class) for cutting and breaking. Damp down arisings and clean with H-class vacuum or damp methods, never dry sweeping or compressed air. Provide FFP3 RPE (or powered respirators) that is face-fit tested to each wearer. Limit exposure time and rotate operatives. Keep others out of dusty areas. | Low |
| Manual handling of debris, partition sections, fixtures and loaded skips. | Operatives. Musculoskeletal injuries to the back, shoulders and hands; crush injuries to hands and feet. | Manual handling trained operatives. Wheeled skips and barrows available. | 3×2=6 | Assess loads under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; break demolition arisings into manageable sizes. Use wheeled skips, barrows or mechanical aids for heavy or bulky items. Team-lift long partition sections and avoid twisting. Keep clear routes to the skip. Wear gloves and safety footwear to protect against sharp edges and dropped material. | Low |
| Noise from breakers, reciprocating saws and demolition activity. | Operatives, nearby trades. Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus from prolonged or repeated exposure. | Low-vibration, quieter tools selected where practicable. Awareness of noise exposure. | 3×3=9 | Assess noise under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Select the quietest suitable methods and tools. Provide and enforce hearing protection when using breakers/saws or working nearby, and mark hearing-protection zones. Limit continuous exposure by job rotation and by scheduling the noisiest tasks together. Keep others clear during breaking operations. | Low |
| Falling debris and materials striking operatives during break-out of walls and ceilings. | Operatives, other trades. Head, eye and limb injuries; serious injury from larger falling sections. | Controlled demolition sequence. Head and eye protection worn. Work area kept tidy. | 3×3=9 | Demolish in a planned top-down sequence so material falls in a controlled manner into a cleared drop zone. Keep operatives out from directly beneath overhead removal. Lower ceiling grid and larger sections rather than dropping them. Clear arisings regularly so debris does not accumulate at height or underfoot. Wear head protection, eye protection and safety footwear throughout. | Low |
4. Plant & equipment
- Reciprocating saw (110V, RCD-protected)
- Electric and battery breakers (low-vibration)
- On-tool dust extraction / M/H-class vacuum
- Water suppression equipment for dust control
- Cable and pipe locator (CAT and Genny)
- Lock-off kit and 'Do Not Operate' tags
- Mobile access equipment (podium steps / tower) for ceiling works
- Wheeled skips, barrows and hand tools
- H-class vacuum for fine dust
5. Materials / COSHH
Principal COSHH risks are respirable crystalline silica from masonry, plaster and ceiling break-out, and general construction dust; controlled at source by water suppression, on-tool extraction and H-class vacuuming, with FFP3 face-fit-tested RPE. Asbestos is treated as a separate, overriding hazard: no strip-out proceeds until a refurbishment and demolition survey confirms the position, and any asbestos is removed by a licensed/NNLW contractor under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Consult the Safety Data Sheet for any sealant, adhesive remover or other product introduced, and store minimal quantities on site.
6. PPE
- Safety helmet (EN 397)
- Safety footwear with midsole (steel toe and penetration protection)
- FFP3 respirator or powered respirator (face-fit tested to the wearer)
- Eye protection (goggles / impact-rated glasses)
- Hearing protection (in marked zones and during breaking)
- Gloves (cut and impact protection)
- Disposable coveralls (Type 5) where dusty work is undertaken
7. Competence & training
All operatives hold a valid CCDO card appropriate to demolition/strip-out work and have completed asbestos awareness training (UKATA) so they can recognise and avoid disturbing suspect materials. All are manual handling trained and face-fit tested for their RPE. R. Okafor (Author) holds a CCDO Black Card and SMSTS and supervises the works, including confirming the asbestos survey and service isolations before strip-out begins.
8. Permits
- Permit to work issued by the Principal Contractor before strip-out begins.
- Service isolation permit confirming electrical, gas and water isolation and lock-off prior to any breaking work.
- Confirmation (in writing from the client or structural engineer) that elements to be removed are non-load-bearing, held on site before removal.
9. Access & egress
Access is via the existing unit entrance and roller shutter. Internal routes between the work area and the waste skip are kept clear of debris and protected against damage. A clear, unobstructed emergency escape route is maintained at all times and briefed to all operatives. Mobile access equipment is used for ceiling-height work; no removal of load-bearing structure affects the means of escape.
10. Welfare
Toilet, hand-washing and canteen facilities are provided in the site welfare cabin by the Principal Contractor. Given the dust and potential asbestos context, operatives wash before eating and drinking, and decontaminate coveralls/RPE appropriately. Drinking water is available on site and rest breaks are taken away from the work area.
11. First aid
A stocked first aid kit is held in the site welfare cabin and in the company vehicle, and at least one trained first aider is on site. The location of first aid provision and the nearest A&E are confirmed at induction. For serious injury, call 999 immediately, give the site address, and follow the Principal Contractor's emergency plan. All injuries are recorded.
12. Emergency procedures
On discovery of the fire alarm or an emergency, stop work, make tools safe, evacuate by the nearest escape route and report to the muster point identified at induction. If suspected asbestos is disturbed, stop work immediately, prevent access to the area, keep people out, and report to the supervisor and Principal Contractor before any further work. In the event of structural movement or collapse, evacuate the affected area, prohibit re-entry and consult the structural engineer. Call 999 for serious injury, fire or gas escape, and report reportable events under RIDDOR.
13. Environmental
Demolition waste is segregated on site (timber, metal, plasterboard, general) and removed by a licensed carrier under waste transfer documentation, with plasterboard kept separate as required. Any asbestos waste is handled and consigned only by the licensed/NNLW removal contractor as hazardous waste. Dust is suppressed to prevent spread beyond the unit, and noise is minimised and kept to agreed working hours. No hazardous liquids are discharged to drains.
This document was AI-generated as a drafting aid. It is not a substitute for professional health & safety advice. It must be reviewed, verified and made site-specific by a competent person before use, briefed to all operatives, and updated when site conditions or the method change. The provider accepts no liability for use of this document on site.
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