Demolition: why it matters
Demolition is high-risk, structured work, not simply knocking a building down. Uncontrolled or premature collapse, falling debris, hidden services and asbestos all make it one of the most dangerous activities on site.
Safe demolition follows a plan based on a survey, with BS 6187 as the code of practice. Every job needs a method statement, exclusion zones and a competent person in charge.
Demolition revision notes
The points below are the core of what the CITB test wants you to know on this topic. Learn these and most questions answer themselves.
Survey before you start
A demolition or refurbishment and demolition survey is carried out first. It includes an asbestos survey and a structural assessment, so the hazards are known before any work begins.
Asbestos is likely
Any building from before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. It must be surveyed for, and removed safely (licensed work for higher-risk materials) before demolition disturbs it.
Isolate the services
Gas, electricity, water and telecoms must be located and confirmed disconnected before demolition starts, to prevent fire, explosion, flooding and electrocution.
Planned sequence
Structures are usually taken down in the reverse order they were built, controlling the collapse so nothing fails unexpectedly. Pre-weakening and the method are decided in advance.
Exclusion zones
Keep people and the public well clear with barriers and exclusion zones sized for falling and ejected debris. Only authorised, briefed workers enter the zone.
Dust and debris
Demolition creates large amounts of silica dust and falling material. Use water suppression for dust and protect those below and nearby from debris.
Hear a question in Polish
The questions stay in English, exactly like the real CITB test, but you can listen to each one read aloud in native Polish. Press Play in Polish below to try it.
What is the first step before starting any demolition work?
Inform local residents.
Conduct a risk assessment.
Order materials.
Hire a demolition crew.
Every wrong answer can also come with an AI explanation that points to the specific rule behind the correct answer, so you learn from each mistake instead of just memorising. Native Polish audio and AI explanations are two things you will not find on other CSCS practice sites.
Demolition practice questions
Five questions in the real CITB format: one stem, four lettered options, one correct answer. Select Reveal explanation to check your answer and read why it is right.
Q1. Who is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of a demolition site?
- A.The site manager.
- B.The city council.
- C.The client.
- D.The demolition workers.
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: A. The site manager.
The site manager oversees all safety protocols and ensures workers follow them.
Q2. When must a structural investigation be conducted for a demolition project?
- A.After demolition begins.
- B.During the demolition.
- C.Before demolition commences.
- D.Once a problem arises.
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. Before demolition commences.
A structural investigation helps identify weaknesses and plan safe demolition procedures.
Q3. Which document details the methods and safety requirements for a demolition project?
- A.The project blueprint.
- B.The site plan.
- C.The health and safety policy.
- D.The method statement.
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: D. The method statement.
The method statement outlines the demolition process and includes safety precautions.
Q4. Why is it important to control dust on demolition sites?
- A.To improve visibility.
- B.To reduce fire hazards.
- C.To protect the environment and health.
- D.To avoid attracting pests.
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: C. To protect the environment and health.
Dust control prevents respiratory illnesses and environmental contamination.
Q5. What type of survey should be conducted to locate asbestos before demolition?
- A.Structural survey.
- B.Asbestos survey.
- C.Environmental survey.
- D.Engineering survey.
Reveal explanation
Correct answer: B. Asbestos survey.
An asbestos survey identifies the presence of asbestos-containing materials that must be safely handled.
Common mistakes
These misconceptions catch people out in the test and on site. Unlearn them before you sit the real exam.
Mistake 1: “Demolition is just knocking the building down.”
Correct: It is planned, sequenced work based on a survey and method statement. Skipping the plan risks premature collapse, which is one of the biggest killers in demolition.
Mistake 2: “An asbestos survey is optional.”
Correct: A demolition project needs a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey before work starts. Disturbing hidden asbestos exposes everyone on and around the site to a deadly long-term risk.
Mistake 3: “The services are probably already off.”
Correct: Never assume. Gas, electricity and water must be positively located and confirmed isolated before demolition begins, because a live service can cause fire, explosion or electrocution.
Related CSCS topics
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