Demolition of Buildings and Structures Policy

Purpose:

Before any building can be torn down or razed, all necessary demolition permits must be applied for and approved.

1. Demolition Planning – Preparation that involves the overall planning of the demolition job, including the methods to be used to bring the structure down, the equipment necessary to do the job, and the measures to be taken to perform the work safely. If the demolition is in preparation for new construction improvement plans to the property, sediment/erosion control is required to be in place for any area disturbance of over 5,000 SF. If the building or structure is in the Historic District, approval from the Historic Preservation Commission is required prior to the start of any work. 2. The Construction Department will own this policy. 3. All demolition projects must be reviewed by Safety and approved by Executive Management and Construction Department is to provide detailed description of property being demolished (size, height, etc.) 4. An engineering survey of the structure must be conducted by a competent person prior to demolition. The purpose of this survey is to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls so that measures can be taken, if necessary, to prevent the premature collapse of any portion of the structure. When indicated as advisable, any adjacent structure(s) or improvements should also be inspected. If the disturbed area of demolition is over 5,000 SF, grading and sediment/erosion control must be approved. The person conducting the survey is to note any plumbing, electric and/or gas connections that exist. The demolition contractor must maintain a written copy of this survey. Photographing existing damage in neighboring structures is also advisable. 5. Obtain all permits required by applicable law. Check with the Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission and any city and/or county agencies that issue such permits to understand all that will be needed. 6. Locate all utility services and make sure that all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer and other service lines are shut off or capped outside the building or work area. Notify any appropriate utility companies. Temporarily relocate and protect any essential power, water, or other utilities. Once a Demolition and all permits are approved, it is CNE’s responsibility to make sure that the following items are in place, secured and/or completed before final approval is given to demolish to building. If there are sprinkler systems and/or fire alarms associated with the building to be razed, it is the Owner’s responsibility to notify the alarm company and Fire Marshal’s Office of disconnection. 7. A survey for asbestos should be performed by an accredited asbestos inspector within the structure to be demolished. Notifications to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Protection are required at least ten (10) business days prior to the start of any demolition where more than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet or 35 cubic feet of asbestos containing materials will be removed from a structure. If there is no asbestos located on or within the building being razed, a written affidavit, signed by the CNE Environmental or testing firm, must be submitted before demolition. 8. Determine the types of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, and flammable materials which have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment in the building or on the property. Test and purge the hazardous materials before starting work activities. Should any contractor encounter asbestos or other hazardous waste during a project, Safety and the Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection Commission must be contacted immediately to ensure material is handled properly. 9. All personnel involved in a demolition project need to be fully aware of any potential of hazards and the safety precautions available to control their impact. Create a fire plan for the project. It should include all preventive measures and safe practices to prevent a fire from starting. All structures under construction, alteration or demolition shall be provided with not less than one approved portable fire extinguisher and sized for not less than ordinary hazard as follows: 1: At each stairway on all floor levels where combustible materials have accumulated. 2: In every storage and construction shed. 3: Additional portable fire extinguishers shall be provided where special hazards exist, such as the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids. Water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available as soon as combustible material accumulates. Where a building is being demolished and a stand pipe exists with in such a building, such stand pipe shall be maintained in an operable condition so as to be available for use by the fire department. Such stand pipe shall be demolished with the building but shall not be demolished more than one floor below the floor being demolished. 10.Protection for the general public from demolition debris, etc., must always be provided. The following protective measures are to be used. Pedestrians shall be protected during construction, remodeling and demolition activities as required. Signs shall be provided to direct pedestrian traffic. A walkway shall be provided for pedestrian travel in front of every construction and demolition site unless the authority having jurisdiction authorizes the sidewalk to be fenced or closed. Walkways shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the pedestrian traffic, but in no case shall they be less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Walkways shall be provided with a durable walking surface. Walkways shall be accessible in accordance with the ADA Code. Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a barricade where the walkway extends into the street. The directional barricade shall be of sufficient size and construction to direct vehicular traffic away from the pedestrian path. Construction railings shall be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) in height and shall be sufficient to direct pedestrians around construction areas. Every excavation on a site located 5 feet (1524 mm) or less from the street lot line shall been closed with a barrier not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) high. Where located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the street lot line, a barrier shall be erected when required. Blocking of Street/Sidewalk: If any street, sidewalk or metered parking space, or portion thereof, needs to be blocked off, permission must be obtained from the city or authority in charge. Adjoining public and private property shall be protected from damage during construction, remodeling and demolition work. Protection must be provided for footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, sky lights and roofs. Provisions shall be made to control water runoff and erosion during construction or demolition activities. The person making or causing an excavation to be made shall provide written notice to the owners of adjoining buildings advising them that the excavation is to be made and that the adjoining buildings should be protected. Said notification shall be delivered not less than 10 days prior to the scheduled starting date of the excavation. 11.Demolition of exterior walls and floors must begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. All walls must be left in a stable condition at the end of each work shift. 12.Documentation of proper management and disposal of all materials, including hazardous materials, is required before any payments will be released to contractors.