Urban Building Demolition & Shoring Inspection Checklist

Verify shoring system load capacity matches or exceeds calculated loads from engineering survey (documented calculations available on site).

Inspect all shoring members (posts, beams, bracing) for damage (cracks, bends, corrosion) before installation and daily. Replace damaged members immediately.

Confirm vertical alignment of shoring posts using a plumb bob or laser level. Maximum allowable deviation: +/- 1/4 inch per 10 feet of height.

Ensure shoring baseplates are in full and level contact with the supporting surface. Use shims as needed to achieve full contact.

Check tightness of all shoring wedges and connections. Retighten as needed to maintain proper load transfer. Document wedge torque values.

Verify splice connections in shoring members are properly installed and tightened according to manufacturer's specifications. Inspect for slippage or loosening.

Monitor ground settlement around shoring footings daily. Maximum allowable settlement: 1/8 inch. Implement corrective action if settlement exceeds this limit.

Confirm engineering survey of shoring system is conducted daily, prior to commencement of demolition activities. Document survey results.

Inspect shoring system for weather-related damage (corrosion, water accumulation). Implement measures to protect shoring from weather exposure.

Ensure safe access and egress are maintained around the shoring system. Clear pathways of obstructions and debris.

Verify demolition sequence adheres strictly to the approved demolition plan and engineering survey recommendations. Document any deviations.

Confirm load-bearing walls are clearly identified and marked on site plans and in the field before any pre-weakening or demolition occurs.

Ensure pre-weakening operations (e.g., controlled cuts) are performed under direct supervision of a qualified structural engineer.

Verify depth and extent of pre-weakening cuts are within specified limits outlined in the demolition plan and engineering calculations.

Monitor adjacent structures for signs of distress (cracks, settlement) during demolition activities. Implement corrective action if necessary.

Establish and maintain a clearly defined demolition zone with restricted access. Use barricades, signage, and spotters to prevent unauthorized entry.

Ensure material removal path is clear of obstructions and adequately supported. Inspect debris chutes for damage and proper installation.

Inspect debris chute connections, supports, and discharge point daily. Ensure chute is properly secured and prevents uncontrolled debris release.

Verify dust control measures (water suppression, enclosures) are in place and effectively minimizing dust emissions. Monitor air quality.

Implement vibration monitoring program if demolition activities may impact adjacent structures. Compare readings to acceptable limits.

Conduct daily inspection of all mobile equipment (excavators, loaders, cranes) before operation. Document inspection results.

Verify all equipment operators are properly trained and certified to operate the specific equipment being used. Maintain records of certifications.

Ensure load charts are readily available and legible for all cranes and lifting equipment. Operators must understand and adhere to load limits.

Identify and mitigate proximity hazards (overhead power lines, underground utilities) before operating mobile equipment. Maintain safe clearance distances.

Verify backup alarms are functioning properly on all mobile equipment. Repair or replace alarms immediately if defective.

Ensure all mobile equipment is equipped with rollover protection (ROPS) and seatbelts. Operators must wear seatbelts at all times.

Establish and maintain clear travel paths for mobile equipment. Minimize congestion and potential for collisions.

Implement safe refueling procedures for mobile equipment. Prohibit smoking and open flames during refueling. Use spill containment measures.

Verify parking brakes are engaged when mobile equipment is parked on slopes or uneven surfaces.

Test the horn on all mobile equipment daily to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Ensure all personnel on site are wearing properly fitted hard hats that meet ANSI Z89.1 standards.

Verify appropriate eye protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields) is worn based on the task being performed (e.g., cutting, grinding, demolition).

Ensure hearing protection (earplugs, earmuffs) is worn in areas where noise levels exceed 85 dBA. Conduct noise monitoring to determine exposure levels.

Verify appropriate hand protection (gloves) is worn based on the task being performed (e.g., handling debris, operating equipment).

Ensure all personnel are wearing safety shoes or boots that meet ANSI Z41 standards.

Verify all personnel working near mobile equipment or in traffic areas are wearing high-visibility clothing (vests, jackets) that meet ANSI 107 standards.

If respiratory hazards are present (dust, fumes), ensure a respiratory protection program is in place, including fit testing, medical evaluations, and proper respirator selection.

Inspect all PPE for damage or defects before each use. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Maintain PPE in good working condition.

Verify all personnel have received training on the proper use, care, and maintenance of required PPE.

Inspect fall protection harnesses daily for rips, tears, fraying, or other damage before each use.

Verify the approved demolition plan, including engineering calculations and shoring design, is readily available on site.

Confirm daily engineering survey reports are completed and readily available for review. Reports must document shoring system condition and any observed deviations.

Verify a pre-demolition survey was conducted to identify potential hazards (asbestos, lead paint, utilities) and documented.

Confirm a competent person has been designated and is present on site to oversee demolition activities and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Ensure emergency contact information (fire, police, ambulance, hospital) is readily available and posted in a conspicuous location.

Conduct daily toolbox talks to discuss specific hazards and safety procedures for the day's activities. Document attendance and topics covered.

Maintain a log of all personnel entering and exiting the demolition site. Restrict access to authorized personnel only.

Ensure a hazard communication program is in place, including SDSs for all hazardous materials used on site. Train employees on hazard recognition and safe handling procedures.

Maintain a detailed log of all shoring inspections, including dates, times, findings, and corrective actions taken.

Ensure incident reporting procedures are clearly defined and understood by all personnel. Investigate all incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.