Demolition Debris and Chute Safety

Key Hazards

• Workers struck by falling debris at chute openings or discharge points
• Falls through unprotected floor or wall openings
• Chutes separating, shifting, clogging, or overloading
• Dust and fragments escaping into occupied areas
• Cuts and punctures from glass, nails, metal, and broken material
• Dumpsters, carts, or floors overloaded by accumulated debris

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Demolition Debris and Chute Safety requires workers to recognize the task-specific hazards before work begins and to use the controls established for the project.

The debris plan should identify approved chutes, openings, containers, load limits, discharge zones, dust controls, material restrictions, access routes, and who is responsible for monitoring accumulation.

Chutes and their supports should be assembled, secured, enclosed, and inspected for the expected debris type, height, impact, and loading conditions.

Floor and wall openings used for disposal should have guardrails, curbs, gates, or other protection that prevents workers and loose material from falling through.

The chute discharge area should be barricaded and kept clear, with dumpsters or containers positioned and changed before material piles create impact, overflow, or access hazards.

Workers should control dust, avoid throwing prohibited heavy or flammable items, and use tools and methods that keep hands away from sharp debris and chute openings.

Clogs should be cleared only under an approved procedure that controls falling material, stored weight, access, and unexpected release from above.

Debris operations should stop when the chute moves, supports loosen, a clog develops, the container is full, dust escapes controls, or the discharge zone cannot remain secured.

Safety Reminders

• Use only approved and secured debris chutes.
• Guard every chute and floor opening.
• Barricade and monitor the discharge area.
• Control dust and sharp debris.
• Observe chute and container load limits.
• Do not improvise when clearing a clog.
• Stop for movement, overflow, or loss of exclusion control.

Ask the Crew

• Is the chute designed and supported for the debris?
• How are loading openings protected from falls?
• Who controls the discharge zone and container changes?
• What materials are prohibited from the chute?
• What is the safe procedure for a blockage?