Demolition Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers

Demolition Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers

Table of Contents

Demolition Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers

1. What is demolition safety?

Answer: Demolition safety refers to the precautions and procedures followed to ensure the safe dismantling of structures without endangering workers, the public, or the environment.

2. Why is demolition considered a high-risk activity?

Answer: Demolition involves falling debris, structural instability, hazardous materials, and heavy machinery, making it highly dangerous.

3. What are the common hazards in demolition work?

Answer:

  • Structural collapse
  • Flying debris
  • Exposure to hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, silica)
  • Noise and vibration hazards

4. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for demolition work?

Answer:

  • Hard hats (head protection)
  • Safety glasses (eye protection)
  • Respirators (dust and fume protection)
  • Gloves and steel-toe boots

5. What should be included in a demolition safety plan?

Answer:

  • Risk assessment
  • Engineering surveys
  • Emergency response plan
  • Fall protection measures

6. What is a pre-demolition survey?

Answer: It is an inspection conducted before demolition to assess structural stability, hazards, and material types.

7. Why is it important to shut off utilities before demolition?

Answer: To prevent fires, explosions, or electrical shocks from gas, water, or power lines.

8. What are the different types of demolition methods?

Answer:

  • Manual demolition (hand tools)
  • Mechanical demolition (excavators, bulldozers)
  • Implosion (explosives)

9. How do you control dust during demolition?

Answer:

  • Use water sprays
  • Install dust barriers
  • Provide respiratory protection

10. What precautions should be taken when using explosives for demolition?

Answer:

  • Conduct blast impact assessments
  • Set exclusion zones
  • Notify local authorities and the public

11. What should be done if asbestos is found in a demolition site?

Answer: Stop work immediately and contact a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

12. What is the role of a Safety Officer in demolition work?

Answer:

  • Conduct risk assessments
  • Ensure PPE compliance
  • Monitor safe work practices

13. What are the fall protection measures in demolition?

Answer:

  • Use harnesses and guardrails
  • Install safety nets
  • Restrict unauthorized access to elevated areas

14. What are the environmental concerns in demolition?

Answer:

  • Air and noise pollution
  • Water contamination
  • Proper waste disposal

15. How do you prevent falling object hazards?

Answer:

  • Install debris netting
  • Use controlled demolition techniques
  • Secure loose materials

16. What is an exclusion zone in demolition?

Answer: It is a restricted area around a demolition site where only authorized personnel are allowed.

17. How do you safely remove structural elements during demolition?

Answer:

  • Work from top to bottom
  • Avoid removing load-bearing walls first

18. What is the purpose of a demolition permit?

Answer: It ensures regulatory compliance and verifies that safety measures are in place.

19. How do you prevent structural collapse during demolition?

Answer:

  • Conduct engineering surveys
  • Remove sections in a controlled manner

20. What are the hazards of using heavy equipment in demolition?

Answer:

  • Machine rollovers
  • Flying debris from impact
  • Struck-by incidents

21. How do you ensure the safety of workers on-site?

Answer:

  • Provide safety training
  • Use PPE and safety barriers

22. What is an emergency response plan in demolition?

Answer: It includes evacuation procedures, first aid, and emergency contacts in case of accidents.

23. Why is noise control important in demolition?

Answer: High noise levels can cause hearing loss and affect nearby communities.

24. What is the safest way to demolish a multi-story building?

Answer:

  • Top-down manual deconstruction
  • Mechanical demolition in stages

25. How do you handle hazardous waste in demolition?

Answer:

  • Identify and segregate hazardous materials
  • Dispose of waste as per regulations

26. What safety measures should be followed when using a wrecking ball?

Answer:

  • Maintain a clear swing radius
  • Use trained operators

27. What is selective demolition?

Answer: The controlled removal of specific parts of a structure while preserving others.

28. What is structural shoring in demolition?

Answer: It is the temporary support of unstable structures to prevent collapse.

29. How do you prevent exposure to lead in demolition?

Answer:

  • Use lead-safe work practices
  • Provide respirators and protective clothing

30. What should be done if a wall unexpectedly collapses?

Answer:

  • Evacuate the area immediately
  • Call for emergency assistance

31. How do you manage fire risks in demolition?

Answer:

  • Remove flammable materials
  • Keep fire extinguishers on-site

32. What precautions should be taken when working at heights in demolition?

Answer:

  • Use fall protection equipment
  • Maintain stable work platforms

33. Why is worker communication important in demolition?

Answer: Clear communication prevents accidents, miscoordination, and injuries.

34. How do you safely dispose of concrete debris?

Answer:

  • Use dump trucks or skips
  • Follow waste disposal guidelines

35. What is the danger of dust inhalation in demolition?

Answer: It can cause respiratory diseases such as silicosis.

36. What precautions should be taken when cutting steel structures?

Answer:

  • Use fire-resistant PPE
  • Ensure proper ventilation

37. What are confined space hazards in demolition?

Answer:

  • Lack of oxygen
  • Toxic gas accumulation

38. What is the purpose of structural bracing in demolition?

Answer: It prevents sudden collapses by reinforcing weak structures.

39. How do you minimize vibration hazards in demolition?

Answer:

  • Use controlled demolition techniques
  • Monitor ground movement

40. What is the importance of proper signage in demolition?

Answer: It warns workers and the public about dangers.

41. How do you protect adjacent buildings during demolition?

Answer:

  • Install protective barriers
  • Monitor ground movement

42. What should be done before starting a demolition project?

Answer:

  • Conduct a risk assessment
  • Secure permits and approvals

43. How do you prevent slips, trips, and falls in a demolition site?

Answer:

  • Keep work areas clean
  • Use anti-slip mats

44. Why is ventilation important in demolition sites?

Answer: It removes dust, fumes, and harmful gases.

45. What should workers do in case of an explosion?

Answer:

  • Take cover immediately
  • Follow emergency procedures

46. How do you ensure heavy equipment safety in demolition?

Answer:

  • Train operators properly
  • Conduct regular maintenance

47. What are the risks of underground utilities in demolition?

Answer: Electric shocks, gas leaks, and water damage.

48. How do you safely demolish load-bearing walls?

Answer: Use gradual removal methods and structural support.

49. What is the importance of site cleanup after demolition?

Answer: It prevents trip hazards and ensures site readiness for next steps.

50. What are the legal requirements for demolition work?

Answer: Compliance with OSHA, local building codes, and environmental laws.

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