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Pre-demolition survey

A survey of a building before it is demolished, filled in on a phone as you walk it. Record what the documents say and which areas you could not reach, then the asbestos position: whether a demolition survey has been done, and each material found or presumed. Go through the other hazardous materials, the services and when each was disconnected, and what you saw of the structure. The resource audit lists the materials and elements room by room with quantities and a route: reuse, recycling or disposal. The last pages cover neighbours, party walls and the demolition notice, and the actions before work can start. Plan the work itself on the demolition plan template.

For building surveyors, demolition contractors, principal contractors and clients' project managers preparing a building for demolition.

Written for the UK, with US notes: choose the country on page 1 and the form shows the CAR 2012 and Building Act notes, or the US asbestos NESHAP and OSHA notes.

  • Survey scope, documents seen and every area not accessed, with how it will be treated
  • Asbestos survey status and each material found or presumed, with quantity and next step
  • Lead, PCBs, fluorescent tubes, refrigerants, tanks, contaminated land and other hazards
  • Services with disconnection requested and confirmed dates, and a resource audit by room
  • Section 80 demolition notice and party wall notices, recommendations, actions and sign-off

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How to carry out a pre-demolition survey

Do it once the building is empty, before soft strip or any structural work, and before the demolition plan is finalised.

  1. Gather the documents

    Collect the drawings, any asbestos survey and register, the health and safety file and service records. Note what they show and what is missing.

  2. Walk the building

    Go through every room, roof and plant area. Record each area you could not enter and whether hazardous materials will be presumed there until it is inspected.

  3. Record asbestos and other hazards

    Record which asbestos survey has been done and list each material found or presumed. Then go through lead, PCBs, lamps, refrigerants, tanks, ground and the rest, with photos.

  4. Check the services

    List each service with its meter or isolation point, the supplier reference and the dates disconnection was requested and confirmed.

  5. Audit the materials

    Room by room or element by element, list what could be reused or recycled, with an approximate quantity, its condition and the route.

  6. Notices, actions and sign-off

    Record the neighbours, the demolition notice and any party wall notices. List the actions with owners and dates, and sign.

What makes a pre-demolition survey useful

Asbestos found or presumed, with status and next step

1960s single-storey office: brown vinyl floor tiles and bitumen adhesive under carpet in the rear corridor and kitchen, about 85 m², not covered by the 2019 management survey. Recorded as presumed, not sampled. Next step: refurbishment and demolition survey before any soft strip, commissioned by the principal contractor, due 13 November.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Treating a management survey as enough for demolition, or writing 'no asbestos' when the survey did not reach the floor build-ups, voids or locked rooms.

What happens next

Commission the specialist surveys the record calls for, chase the outstanding disconnections and notices, then pass the record to whoever writes the demolition plan.

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Every question in the pre-demolition survey template

A pre-demolition survey and audit of a building: building details, survey scope and areas not accessed, the asbestos demolition survey and each material found or presumed (CAR 2012 and HSE in the UK, the NESHAP inspection in the US), lead, PCBs, fluorescent tubes, refrigerants, tanks, contaminated land and other hazards, services with disconnection dates, structural observations, a resource audit of materials for reuse and recycling by room or element with quantities and routes, neighbours, party wall and section 80 notices, recommendations, actions and sign-off. 10 sections and 158 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

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This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client: the project's customer

Building details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • ClientShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Survey date*Date
  • Surveyed by*Short answer
  • Survey companyShort answer
  • Survey referenceShort answer
  • Country*Choose one

    Sets which notes you see.

    • England
    • Wales
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • US
    • Other country
  • Building or structure*Short answer
  • Year built (approximate)Number
  • Storeys above groundNumber
  • Storeys below groundNumber
  • Approximate floor area (m²)Number
  • Main structureChoose one
    • Load-bearing masonry
    • Steel frame
    • Concrete frame
    • Timber frame
    • Portal frame
    • Mixed
    • Not known
  • RoofShort answer

    For example flat roof with felt covering.

  • Last useShort answer
  • Occupied now?Choose one
    • Vacant
    • Partly occupied
    • Occupied
  • Demolition plannedChoose one
    • Whole building
    • Part of the building
    • Internal strip-out only
    • Not decided
  • Planned demolition startDate
  • Demolition contractor, if appointedShort answer
  • Photos of each elevationPhotos
  • Weather on siteAnswer
  • CheckThis is a pre-demolition survey record: what was found, what is presumed, what is still to be checked and what can be reused. It is not an asbestos survey, a structural survey or the demolition plan. Use the Demolition Planning Record for the plan and the Asbestos Register for the asbestos materials.
  • GuidanceGreat Britain. Demolition must be planned and carried out to prevent danger, or reduce it as low as reasonably practicable, and the arrangements must be recorded in writing before the work begins (CDM 2015, regulation 20). This survey feeds that written plan.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Survey scope and access

  • Covered by this surveyTick all that apply
    • Asbestos (record of the specialist survey)
    • Other hazardous materials
    • Services
    • Structure (visual notes only)
    • Materials for reuse and recycling
    • Neighbours and party walls
  • Documents seenTick all that apply
    • Drawings
    • Asbestos survey report
    • Asbestos register
    • Health and safety file
    • Operation and maintenance manuals
    • Service and utility records
    • Previous ground investigation
    • Structural survey
  • What the documents showNotes

    Construction, alterations, known hazards, services.

  • Areas not accessed
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Area not accessed*Short answer
    • WhyChoose one
      • Locked or no key
      • Unsafe to enter
      • Height or no access equipment
      • Occupied or in use
      • Needs destructive opening up
      • Other
    • Until it is inspected*Choose one
      • Presume hazardous materials are present
      • Inspect before demolition starts
      • Both
  • Areas not accessedWorked out by the form
  • Walk Cam: pre-demolition walk-roundWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

Asbestos

  • GuidanceAsbestos (Great Britain). Before demolition work that could expose workers to asbestos, the employer must assess whether asbestos is present, or assume it is (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5). HSE says all asbestos-containing materials must be removed, as far as reasonably practicable, before demolition, and a refurbishment and demolition survey by a competent surveyor must locate them, including those hidden in the building fabric, before any structural work begins (see HSE HSG264, Asbestos: The survey guide). The plan of work for a final demolition must specify that asbestos is removed before other major works begin, so far as reasonably practicable (regulation 7(3)). HSE says asbestos was banned in 1999 and buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain it.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceAsbestos (US). Before demolition, the owner or operator must thoroughly inspect the facility, or the part being demolished, for asbestos, including Category I and II nonfriable material (40 CFR 61.145(a)). Written notice of intention to demolish must be given at least 10 working days before the asbestos removal or the demolition begins (61.145(b)). Residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units are not a facility under this rule (61.141).
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Asbestos survey for demolition*Choose one

    UK: refurbishment and demolition survey. US: the thorough inspection before demolition.

    • Demolition survey done for the whole building
    • Demolition survey done for part of the building only
    • Only a management survey or an older survey: demolition survey still needed
    • No asbestos survey yet
  • Survey report reference and dateShort answer
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Asbestos surveyorShort answer
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Survey by a UKAS-accredited organisation?Yes or No

    HSE strongly recommends accredited asbestos surveying organisations.

    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Survey limits and areas the asbestos surveyor did not reachNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Date the demolition notice was sent to the asbestos agencyDate
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Asbestos found or presumed
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Location*Short answer

      Room, element and position.

    • MaterialChoose one
      • Vinyl floor tiles
      • Bitumen adhesive
      • Asbestos cement sheets or slates
      • Asbestos cement pipes, flues or gutters
      • Textured coating
      • Insulating board
      • Pipe or boiler lagging
      • Sprayed coating
      • Ropes, gaskets or seals
      • Roofing felt or mastic
      • Other
    • Status*Choose one
      • Confirmed by sample analysis
      • Strongly presumed by the surveyor
      • Presumed (not sampled)
    • Survey or sample referenceShort answer
    • Approximate quantityNumber
    • UnitChoose one
      • m²
      • linear m
      • number
      • m³
    • Next step*Choose one
      • Remove before demolition (licensed contractor if required)
      • Remove before demolition
      • Sample or survey before demolition
      • Surveyor to advise
    • PhotosPhotos
  • Materials found or presumedWorked out by the form
  • Of which presumed, not sampledWorked out by the form
  • Asbestos resultWorked out by the form
  • asb_gapWorked out by the form
  • WarningA full demolition survey is still needed. Do not start structural work, soft strip or demolition in the areas it does not cover.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Other hazardous materials

  • GuidanceRecord each hazard as found, presumed, none seen in the areas surveyed, or not checked. A specialist may need to sample or test.
  • Lead paint or other lead (flashings, pipes)Choose one

    HSE lists hot cutting in demolition and dismantling among the work that creates lead dust, fume or vapour. Assess the risk before work that may expose anyone to lead (Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, regulation 5).

    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PCBs (light ballasts, sealants or caulk, some paints)Choose one

    EPA has guidance for contractors working in older buildings that may contain PCBs, and names fluorescent light ballasts, caulk and paint among the materials to manage.

    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Fluorescent tubes and other lampsChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Refrigerants (air conditioning, chillers, cold rooms)Choose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Fuel or chemical tanks, pipes and residuesChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Contaminated land or made groundChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Bird droppings, nests, pests or sharpsChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Stored chemicals, oils, batteries or other waste left in the buildingChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Man-made mineral fibre insulationChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Glass or other fragmentation hazardChoose one
    • Found
    • Presumed
    • None seen in the areas surveyed
    • Not checked
  • Where, how much and what needs to happen, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Other hazardsNotes
  • Hazards found or presumedWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • GuidanceUS. OSHA requires the employer to find out whether hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives or flammable materials have been used in any pipes, tanks or other equipment on the property, and where they are apparent or suspected to test and purge them and remove the hazard before demolition starts (29 CFR 1926.850(e)).
    Shown when “Country” is “US”

Services to disconnect

  • GuidanceEngland and Wales. The demolition notice to the local authority under section 80 of the Building Act 1984 must be copied to the gas and electricity suppliers. A section 81 notice from the authority can require you to disconnect and seal sewers and drains and to arrange disconnection of gas, electricity and water with the suppliers (section 82).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceUS. All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer and other service lines must be shut off, capped or otherwise controlled outside the building line before demolition starts, with the utility companies told in advance. Services kept during demolition are relocated as necessary and protected (29 CFR 1926.850(c) and (d)).
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Services
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Service*Choose one
      • Gas
      • Electricity
      • Water
      • Drainage and sewer
      • Telecoms and data
      • Heating, steam or district heat
      • Fire alarm or security monitoring link
      • Other
    • Supplier or network operatorShort answer
    • Meter or isolation pointShort answer

      Where it is.

    • Supplier referenceShort answer
    • Status*Choose one
      • Disconnected: confirmed in writing by the supplier
      • Disconnection requested: waiting
      • Not yet arranged
      • Kept live for the works: to be relocated and protected
      • None present
    • Disconnection requested onDate
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Disconnection confirmed onDate
      Shown when “Status” is “Disconnected: confirmed in writing by the supplier”
    • NotesNotes

      For example meter removed, supply capped at the boundary, temporary supply for the works.

    • Photos of the meter, isolation point or capPhotos
    • s_openWorked out by the form
  • Services not yet disconnectedWorked out by the form
  • Kept live for the worksWorked out by the form
  • WarningDo not start demolition until every service is disconnected and confirmed, or relocated and protected.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Structure (observations only)

  • CheckRecord what you see. This form makes no structural judgement: the demolition engineer or a competent person decides on stability and sequence.
  • GuidanceUS. Before employees start demolition, a competent person must make an engineering survey of the structure (framing, floors and walls, and the possibility of unplanned collapse), and check any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed. The employer keeps written evidence that it was done (29 CFR 1926.850(a)).
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Seen on the surveyTick all that apply
    • Cracking in walls or slabs
    • Sagging or deflection
    • Fire or water damage
    • Corroded steel or exposed reinforcement
    • Rotten timber
    • Roof covering failed or leaking
    • Basement or below-ground structure
    • Structure attached to a neighbouring building
    • Cantilevers, transfer beams or long spans
    • Pre-stressed or post-tensioned elements
    • Nothing of note
  • Where, and what it looks likeNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • PhotosPhotos
  • Refer to the demolition engineer?Yes or No
  • Structural or engineering survey referenceShort answer

    Name, company and date of the engineer's survey, if done.

  • Engineering survey dateDate

Materials for reuse and recycling

One entry per room, floor or element. Each becomes a space in SiteSurvey.

  • GuidanceA resource audit lists what the building is made of, room by room or element by element, with quantities, where it is and whether it can be reused. The European Commission guidelines for waste audits before demolition (2018) describe a desk study, then a field survey that inspects every room, and an inventory with each material's type, quantity, location and reusability. Hazardous materials go on the hazard pages, not here.
  • Rooms, floors or elements
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Room, floor or element*Short answer

      For example ground floor offices, roof, external works.

    • Materials and elements
      Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
      • Material or element*Short answer

        For example timber double doors, steel roof trusses, facing brick.

      • TypeChoose one
        • Concrete, brick and masonry
        • Metals
        • Timber
        • Glass
        • Plasterboard and gypsum
        • Insulation
        • Roofing
        • Floor finishes
        • Doors, windows and joinery
        • Mechanical and electrical equipment
        • Fixtures and fittings
        • Other
      • Approximate quantity*Number
      • UnitChoose one
        • number
        • m²
        • m³
        • linear m
        • tonnes
      • ConditionChoose one
        • Good: reusable as it is
        • Fair: reusable after repair
        • Poor: recycle or recover only
      • Route*Choose one
        • Reuse on this site
        • Reuse elsewhere (sale, donation or reclamation)
        • Recycle
        • Other recovery
        • Disposal
      • How to take it out and keep it, and who might take itNotes
      • PhotosPhotos
    • z_itemsWorked out by the form
    • z_reuseWorked out by the form
    • z_recycleWorked out by the form
    • z_disposalWorked out by the form
    • Items in this areaWorked out by the form
    • For reuseWorked out by the form
  • Items listedWorked out by the form
  • For reuseWorked out by the form
  • For recycling or other recoveryWorked out by the form
  • For disposalWorked out by the form

Neighbours, party walls and notices

  • Adjoining buildings and boundariesNotes

    What is next to the building, how close, and anything attached to it.

  • Near the siteTick all that apply
    • Public footpath
    • Road
    • Overhead lines
    • Railway
    • School or hospital
    • Trees
    • Watercourse
  • Photos of the neighbouring buildings before workPhotos

    Use a schedule of condition for a full record.

  • GuidanceDemolition notice (England and Wales). Under section 80 of the Building Act 1984, you may not begin demolition until you have given the local authority notice and either the authority has replied with a section 81 notice or six weeks have passed. Copy the notice to the occupiers of adjacent buildings and the gas and electricity suppliers. Some demolitions are outside section 80, such as an internal part of a building that stays occupied, or a building of not more than 1750 cubic feet.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Section 80 noticeChoose one
    • Given
    • Not yet given
    • Not needed
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Given onDate
    Shown when “Section 80 notice” is “Given”
  • Section 81 notice from the local authorityChoose one
    • Received
    • Not received yet
    Shown when “Section 80 notice” is “Given”
  • Conditions in the section 81 noticeNotes
    Shown when “Section 81 notice from the local authority” is “Received”
  • GuidanceParty walls (England and Wales). Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, work to a party wall or party structure, including exposing a party wall that was enclosed (which needs weathering), needs a party structure notice at least two months before the work begins, unless the adjoining owners and occupiers agree in writing (sections 2 and 3). Excavating within three metres of a neighbour's building below its foundations, or within six metres where it would reach a line drawn down at 45 degrees from the bottom of its foundations, needs notice at least one month before (section 6).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Party walls or adjacent excavation affected?Yes or No
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Party wall notices
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    Shown when “Party walls or adjacent excavation affected?” is Yes
    • Adjoining owner and property*Short answer
    • NoticeChoose one
      • Party structure notice (section 3)
      • Adjacent excavation notice (section 6)
      • Both
    • Status*Choose one
      • Not yet served
      • Served: waiting for a reply
      • Consent in writing
      • Dispute: surveyors appointed
      • Award agreed
    • Served onDate
    • pw_openWorked out by the form
  • Party wall notices outstandingWorked out by the form
    Shown when “Party walls or adjacent excavation affected?” is Yes
  • Neighbours told, and any concerns raisedNotes
  • notices_openWorked out by the form

Recommendations

  • Further surveys or tests recommendedTick all that apply
    • Refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey
    • Lead paint testing
    • PCB testing
    • Ground contamination investigation
    • Structural or engineering survey
    • Drainage survey
    • Underground services trace
    • Ecology survey
    • None
  • RecommendationsNotes
  • Other photosPhotos

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form

    Asbestos survey gaps, hazards not checked, services not disconnected and notices outstanding. Hazards found are listed separately.

  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Asbestos materials found or presumedWorked out by the form
  • Other hazards found or presumedWorked out by the form
  • Areas not accessedWorked out by the form
  • Items for reuseWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Before any strip-out
      • Before demolition starts
      • During demolition
      • For information
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Ready for demolition planning
    • Ready once the listed actions are done
    • Not ready: further survey needed
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Surveyor nameShort answer
  • Surveyor signature*Signature
  • Client or principal contractor nameShort answer
  • Client or principal contractor signatureSignature
  • CheckThis survey records what was seen on the day and what the documents say. It does not certify that the building is free of asbestos or other hazards, or that it is safe to demolish.

See it filled in

A completed pre-demolition survey report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

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Pre-demolition survey FAQs

Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?

Yes, in Great Britain. HSE says all asbestos-containing materials must be removed, as far as reasonably practicable, before demolition, and a refurbishment and demolition survey by a competent surveyor must find them, including those hidden in the building fabric, before any structural work begins. An employer must not start demolition work liable to expose workers to asbestos without assessing whether it is present, or assuming it is (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5). HSG264 is HSE's survey guide.

Sources: HSE, Arrange an asbestos survey, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5, identification of the presence of asbestos, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 7, plans of work and HSE, HSG264 Asbestos: The survey guide.

Is this form an asbestos survey?

No. An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is done by a competent surveyor and is likely to involve sampling. HSE strongly recommends using an accredited surveying organisation. This form records that survey's reference, its limits and the materials it found or presumed, alongside the other hazards, services and the reuse audit. It never states that a building is free of asbestos: if nothing is recorded, it says so and points to the survey limits.

Source: HSE, Arrange an asbestos survey.

What is required before demolition in the US?

Under the asbestos NESHAP, the owner or operator must thoroughly inspect the facility, or the part being demolished, for asbestos before demolition starts, and give written notice of intention to demolish at least 10 working days before (40 CFR 61.145). Residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units are not covered. OSHA also requires an engineering survey of the structure by a competent person before demolition, and all services shut off, capped or otherwise controlled outside the building line, with the utilities told in advance (29 CFR 1926.850).

Sources: 40 CFR 61.145, asbestos NESHAP standard for demolition and renovation (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850, demolition preparatory operations (eCFR).

Do I need to tell the council before demolishing a building in England or Wales?

Yes, for most demolitions. Under section 80 of the Building Act 1984 you must give the local authority notice, and you may not start until it has replied with a section 81 notice or six weeks have passed. Copy the notice to the occupiers of adjacent buildings and to the gas and electricity suppliers. A section 81 notice can require you to shore up and weatherproof neighbouring buildings, seal drains and arrange disconnection of gas, electricity and water.

Sources: Building Act 1984, section 80, notice to local authority of intended demolition, Building Act 1984, section 81, local authority's power to serve notice about demolition and Building Act 1984, section 82, notices under section 81.

When does demolition need a party wall notice?

In England and Wales, work to a party wall or party structure, such as exposing a party wall that was enclosed, needs a party structure notice at least two months before the work begins, unless the adjoining owners and occupiers agree in writing. Excavating within three or six metres of a neighbour's building, below the level set out in the Act, needs notice at least one month before (Party Wall etc. Act 1996, sections 3 and 6). The form keeps each notice and its status.

Sources: Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 3, party structure notices and Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 6, adjacent excavation and construction.

What is a pre-demolition resource audit?

It is an inventory of what the building is made of, so that as much as possible can be reused or recycled. European Commission guidelines describe a desk study of the documents, then a field survey that inspects every room, and an inventory of materials and elements with type, quantity, location and reusability. The form lists items by room or element with a quantity, unit, condition and route, and counts those for reuse, recycling and disposal.

Source: European Commission, EU Construction and Demolition Waste Protocol and guidelines for waste audits before demolition (2018).

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