Confirm each item before beginning structural works on site. Refer to the linked guides for full details on any item.

1. Section 80 demolition notice served?

If your works involve demolition of a building or structure, you must serve a Section 80 notice on the local authority at least 6 weeks before starting. The local authority may serve a counter-notice under Section 81 imposing conditions.

Regulator: Local Authority
Typical fee: None
Timeline: 6 weeks notice before demolition starts
Frequency: per project
Legal basis: Building Act 1984, Section 80

Required for demolition of all buildings except: small buildings (<50m³), agricultural buildings, internal partitions, or buildings <5m from road/rail if <1750m³. Must notify Local Authority Building Control at least 6 weeks before starting. May also require planning permission depending on location (e.g., Conservation Area, Listed Building).

Demolition safety and compliance

Section 80/81 notices, asbestos surveys, BS 6187 code of practice, and method statements

2. Asbestos survey completed?

A refurbishment and demolition survey is mandatory before any structural alteration or demolition of buildings constructed before 2000. Work must not start until the survey is complete and an asbestos management plan is in place.

Survey requirement: Pre-refurbishment/demolition survey mandatory for buildings built before 2000
Licensed work threshold: Over 1 hour non-licensed work OR exceeds exposure limits
HSE notification period: 14 days before licensed work (ASB5 form)
Control limit (4-hour TWA): 0.1 fibres/cm³
Short-term exposure limit (10-minute): 0.6 fibres/cm³
Training renewal: Annual refresher for licensed work
Maximum penalty: Unlimited fine + up to 2 years imprisonment

Manage temporary works on construction projects

BS 5975 procedures, TWC role, design checking, and permit-to-load requirements

Excavation and foundation safety

Trench support systems, edge protection, inspection duties, and collapse emergency procedures

5. Lifting equipment examined and in date?

All lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, excavators used for lifting, MEWPs) must have a current thorough examination certificate. The intervals are: equipment lifting persons (including MEWPs and passenger hoists) every 6 months; lifting accessories (slings, chains, shackles) every 6 months; other lifting equipment every 12 months - or per a written examination scheme.

Equipment for lifting persons: Every 6 months
Lifting accessories (slings, chains, shackles): Every 6 months
All other lifting equipment: Every 12 months
After exceptional circumstances: Before next use (damage, prolonged non-use, major modification)
New equipment: Before first use if safety depends on installation

Structural works compliance checklist

Full pre-start checklist covering all structural, demolition, and excavation compliance requirements

Structural works pre-start compliance check

Demolition safety and compliance

Manage temporary works on construction projects

Excavation and foundation safety

Structural works compliance checklist

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