RAMS & CPP for Demolition Work
What compliance documents you need for soft strip, structural demolition, and site clearance — and how The Site Book handles it for you.
What compliance do you need?
Demolition is one of the most dangerous activities in construction. Whether you're doing a soft strip inside a building or bringing down an entire structure, the risks are serious. CDM 2015 places strict duties on anyone involved in demolition work, and structural demolition is always notifiable to the HSE.
Do you need a CPP?
Yes — and for demolition, the CPP is particularly important. It must cover the sequence of demolition, how structural stability will be maintained throughout, asbestos management, exclusion zones, and emergency procedures. The CPP should be prepared before any demolition work begins.
Do you need RAMS?
Absolutely. RAMS are essential for all demolition work. They need to cover every phase of the demolition sequence, from soft strip through to structural demolition and site clearance. A separate demolition method statement is also typically required, prepared by someone with specific demolition experience.
Common hazards
- Structural collapse — premature or uncontrolled failure
- Asbestos in older structures (insulation, cladding, floor tiles)
- Falls from height during soft strip and structural work
- Flying debris and falling materials
- Dust — silica, lead paint, general demolition dust
- Underground services and live utilities
- Noise and vibration affecting workers and neighbours
- Confined spaces in basements and voids
How The Site Book handles it
Describe your project — "soft strip of two-storey commercial unit" — and The Site Book creates your RAMS and CPP automatically. It identifies demolition-specific hazards including structural collapse risks, asbestos management, and dust control measures.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need RAMS for demolition work?
- Yes. Demolition is one of the highest-risk construction activities, and RAMS are essential. They should cover the sequence of demolition, structural stability during the works, asbestos management, dust suppression, and exclusion zones. Most clients and principal contractors will not allow demolition to proceed without approved RAMS.
- Is demolition work notifiable to the HSE?
- Demolition work is always notifiable to the HSE under CDM 2015, regardless of project duration or number of workers. An F10 notification must be submitted before work begins. This applies to structural demolition — soft strip and minor removal work may not require notification, but the rules can be nuanced.
- What qualifications do demolition workers need?
- Demolition operatives should hold a CSCS card with the appropriate demolition endorsement. Supervisors should hold CCDO (Certificate of Competence of Demolition Operatives) or equivalent. An experienced person must prepare a demolition method statement, and a competent engineer may be needed for structural assessments.
Get your demolition docs sorted
Describe your job, get professional RAMS and CPP in minutes. Free trial — no credit card required.