Guide
Structural works compliance checklist
Pre-start checklist for structural works covering demolition notices, asbestos surveys, temporary works design, excavation permits, LOLER examinations, and CPCS competency cards. Use this before beginning any structural, demolition, or deep excavation work on a construction project.
Use this checklist before starting structural works including demolition, deep excavation, piling, or temporary support operations. Each item is a legal or industry requirement. Do not start work until all applicable items are confirmed.
Demolition and structural alteration
- Section 80 demolition notice served on Local Authority Building Control at least 6 weeks before demolition starts
- Section 81 counter-notice conditions reviewed and satisfied (if counter-notice received)
- Refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey completed for any building constructed before 2000
- Licensed asbestos removal contractor appointed (if licensed asbestos identified)
- Pre-demolition structural survey completed identifying load-bearing elements and structural form
- Written demolition method statement prepared in accordance with BS 6187
- Competent person appointed to supervise demolition work
- Exclusion zones established and hoarding erected
- Utility companies notified and services disconnected or protected
Temporary works
- Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) appointed for the project
- Temporary works register established and maintained
- Temporary works design completed and independently checked by a Design Checker
- Permit to load issued by TWC before any load applied to temporary works
- Inspection regime in place for all temporary works during use
- BS 5975:2019 procedures followed for all formwork, falsework, propping, and shoring
Excavation safety
- Underground services plans obtained from asset owners (gas, electric, water, telecoms)
- Cable avoidance tool (CAT and Genny) survey completed before breaking ground
- Excavation support type selected by competent person (trench sheets, hydraulic props, trench boxes, battering, or sheet piling)
- Edge protection installed (guard rails minimum 950mm, toe boards)
- Safe access and egress provided (ladders extending at least 1 metre above landing; no worker more than 25 metres from escape route)
- Excavated materials stored at safe distance from edge (minimum setback equal to excavation depth)
- Vehicle stop blocks or barriers in place near excavation edges
- Emergency plan for collapse, flooding, and utility contact in place before work begins
- Competent person available to inspect excavation before each shift and after adverse events
Lifting operations (cranes, piling rigs, hoists)
- Current thorough examination report held for all lifting equipment (12-monthly for general equipment; 6-monthly for equipment lifting persons and for lifting accessories)
- Thorough examination completed after installation or assembly at new site location
- Appointed person designated for each crane lifting operation
- Written lift plan prepared covering load weight, radius, ground conditions, and proximity hazards
- Crane supervisor present during lifting operations
- Examination reports available on site for inspection
Competency cards and qualifications
- CPCS cards held by all crane operators (A60 tower crane, A02 mobile crane, A04 crawler crane as applicable)
- CPCS Slinger/Signaller card (A40) held by personnel attaching loads and directing crane movements
- CPCS Appointed Person card (A61) held by person planning crane lifts
- CPCS Piling Rig Operator card (A27) held by piling rig operators
- CISRS cards held by scaffolders erecting access scaffolding for structural works
- CSCS cards held by all site operatives
- All competency cards checked for current validity before work begins
CDM Schedule 3 requirements
- CDM construction phase plan addresses all applicable Schedule 3 particular risks (excavation, demolition, piling, heavy lifting, work near unstable structures)
- HSE notified via F10 if the project is notifiable (exceeding 30 working days with more than 20 workers, or exceeding 500 person-days)
- Risk assessments completed for each structural work activity
- Site-specific method statements prepared and communicated to all operatives
If any item is not confirmed
Do not start structural work until all applicable items above are satisfied. Missing a Section 80 notice, working without a current LOLER examination report, or excavating without support is a criminal offence. Penalties include unlimited fines and up to 2 years imprisonment on indictment.
If you are unsure whether an item applies, seek advice from your Principal Contractor, Temporary Works Coordinator, or HSE.