Demolition JHA: job hazard analysis example and generator

A demolition JHA starts with the engineering survey and a check for hazardous materials. It then covers utility shut-off, access and floor openings, manual and mechanical demolition, debris chutes and silica. The references are in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T (1926.850–1926.860), along with 1926.1101 (asbestos), 1926.62 (lead) and 1926.1153 (silica).

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Draft only. Every JHA is a draft and must be reviewed by a competent person for the specific site before work begins. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA or the US Department of Labor.

General contractors (GCs) list demolition among the tasks that need a written JSA (job safety analysis). The engineering survey and the asbestos and lead checks come first, before anyone starts taking the building apart.

Common demolition hazards

Unplanned collapse of floors and walls
Asbestos, lead and silica exposure
Live utilities
Falls through floor openings
Struck by falling debris and equipment

Sample demolition hazard table

Sample from the JHABox demolition library. Example task: “Interior selective demo of a one-story retail unit” at a Florida address. Showing 5 of 10 steps.

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#	Job step	Potential hazards	Risk before controls	Controls	Risk after controls	29 CFR reference
1	Engineering survey and hazardous materials	Unplanned collapse of weakened floors or walls Asbestos, lead or stored chemicals disturbed	HHigh	Competent person completes an engineering survey before work starts Get the owner's asbestos survey; stop and notify if suspect material is found Check for hazardous chemicals, gases or flammables and remove them first Assess lead exposure before disturbing painted surfaces	MMedium	1926.850(a) 1926.850(e) 1926.1101(k)(2)(i) 1926.62(d)(1)(i)
2	Shut off and control utilities	Electrocution from live circuits Gas leak, fire or flooding	HHigh	Shut off, cap or control electric, gas, water and sewer outside the building line; notify utilities Relocate and protect any temporary utilities that must stay live Lock and tag disconnects	MMedium	1926.850(c) 1926.850(d) 1926.417(b)
3	Access routes, floor openings and stairs	Falls through floor openings Using unsafe stairs or passageways	HHigh	Use only designated stairways, passageways and ladders; close off others Cover and mark floor openings; guardrails at edges 6 ft or more	MMedium	1926.851(a) 1926.502(i)(4) 1926.501(b)(1)
4	Manual and selective demolition	Struck by falling materials Overloading floors with debris Cuts and punctures	HHigh	Work top-down; keep debris loads within floor capacity Don't let masonry fall in masses that overload floors Cut-resistant gloves, eye protection and hard hats	MMedium	1926.854(a) 1926.28(a) 1926.100(a)
5	Debris chutes and drop areas	Struck by debris dropped outside the walls Falls into chute openings	HHigh	Never drop material outside the exterior walls unless the area is effectively protected Enclose chutes steeper than 45°; gate at the discharge end controlled by a competent employee Guardrail at chute openings	MMedium	1926.852(a) 1926.852(b) 1926.852(c)

Risk = Severity × Likelihood on a 3×3 matrix (1–2 Low, 3–4 Medium, 6–9 High). Citations link to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).

Relevant 29 CFR 1926 subparts

TSubpart T: Demolition1926.850–1926.860 ZSubpart Z: Toxic and Hazardous Substancesincludes 1926.1101 (asbestos) and 1926.1153 (silica)DSubpart D: Occupational Health and Environmental Controls1926.50–1926.66 MSubpart M: Fall Protection1926.500–1926.503

Key paragraphs we cite

1926.850(a)Engineering survey by a competent person (someone who can identify the hazards and is authorized to correct them) before demolition starts
1926.850(c)Utilities shut off, capped or controlled outside the building line
1926.852(a)No dropping material outside the walls unless the area is protected
1926.1101(k)(2)(i)Owners determine presence and location of asbestos before work

Checked against the eCFR (Title 29, as amended through October 14, 2026). Confirm the current text, and any state plan rules that apply to your site.

Florida job sites

Florida: hurricane cleanup

After a hurricane, demolition and debris crews face downed lines, half-standing structures and chainsaw work. Add “hurricane” or “storm damage” to the task and the JHABox draft includes a storm walk-down step before demolition starts.

Demolition JHA FAQ

Does OSHA require a written demolition JHA?

Federal OSHA has no construction standard that requires a document called a “JHA” (job hazard analysis). You still have to meet the specific 29 CFR 1926 standards for the work and run the accident-prevention program in 1926.20(b). General contractors (GCs), owners, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) often require one. USACE calls it an Activity Hazard Analysis.

Who checks for asbestos before demolition?

Under 1926.1101(k)(2)(i), building and facility owners must determine the presence, location, and quantity of asbestos-containing material before work subject to the standard begins. Ask the owner or general contractor (GC) for the survey and keep it with your JHA.

Can I hand this straight to my general contractor?

Not without review. Every JHABox document is a draft. A competent person (someone who can identify the hazards and is authorized to correct them) has to check it for that site, adjust it to real conditions, and sign it before work starts. JHABox is not affiliated with OSHA.

Is the Spanish version included?

Yes. Pick Spanish on the build form and the whole document comes out in Spanish, including the hazard table, personal protective equipment (PPE) list, and crew sign-off sheet. A paid document includes both languages.

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