Daniel Martin

The absolute first thing on any demolition job is conducting the Site Induction and Risk Assessment. Before a single machine turns on or a tool is lifted, the entire team must walk the plot to verify that all utility isolations are live, hazardous materials like asbestos are clearly flagged, and the active Safe System of Work perfectly matches the real-world conditions of the structure.

From a structural and safety perspective, it is the verification of the Permit to Work and structural engineering layout. I would physically cross-reference the method statement against the asset itself. This ensures all structural pre-weakening zones are identified, exclusion zones are identified and safety barriers are in place and critical energy isolations are signed off by the asset owner before anyone steps into the risk area.

Site cleanup is an active part of risk management. Implementing a 'tidy as you go' methodology ensures that structural debris is segregated immediately. This keeps heavy plant tracks clear of puncture hazards, ensures segregation of recyclable metals from hazardous waste, and guarantees that exclusion zones and emergency escape routes are never obstructed.
Ideally, on every job, I strive to leave the job looking as if the structure was never there.

During a pipe-rack dismantling project, a new worker accidentally cut an active line due to the high density of identical pipes in the area. I immediately enacted stop-work authority, reported the incident to the permit office, and isolated all machinery to secure the area. Following this, I participated in extensive safety reviews with the client to develop a permanent solution. This resulted in the implementation of a 'triple-check' system: the asset owner marks the targeted cut points with one colour, our team verifies it with a second colour, and the operator only cuts between both markings. This system successfully eliminated the risk of misidentification and has since been adopted as a standard practice across many petrochemical demolition projects.