Demolition Stage

I. Demolition Procedures

• Scope:

  • Remove contaminated materials and/or materials approved for removal necessary to access internal structure.

  • Demolition scope is determined by the moisture migration path & affected materials

    • This is especially easy to determine when a clear water path is visible.

  • Generally, demolition extends 2 feet beyond the visible migration path.

  • When removing drywall, cut lines should be above mold growth, ensuring 2 feet of uncontaminated material is below the cut.

  • Drywall is removed at 2', 4' and 8'

  • Typically, removal includes:

    • Drywall

    • Insulation

    • Floor coverings and underlayment

    • Cabinetry and countertops

    • Fasteners and debris

• Process:

  • Ensure negative air pressure is achieved by making sure AFDs hoses are routed out windows & there is appropriate amounts of ducting attached to allow movement throughout the room without switching to another window.

  • Progressive cleanup: Sweep and bag debris as it's removed. Don't let too much debris accumulate, it can be a trip hazard.

  • Seal exposed sewer connections with duct tape and/or plastic as they're exposed to prevent sewer gas entry into the containment.

  • Plan to cease demolition activities one hour before the scheduled departure.

  • Utilize this final hour for cleanup.

  • Perform a cursory HEPA vacuuming of the work area floor before leaving.

• Metal Nailing Blocks:

  • Remove metal nailing blocks (used by plumbers and electricians) to allow thorough cleaning of framing behind them, where mold may be present.

  • Leave the nail blocks somewhere on the property to be reused prior to drywall installation during repair. 

    • Often these nail guards are lost or accidentally thrown away.

II. Debris Handling and Disposal

• Bagging Debris:

  • Bag materials immediately after removal from structural components.

  • Transport debris out of the structure via the least invasive route, avoiding unaffected areas when possible.

  • Options include:

    • Use an alternative door to the outside.

    • Use a window from the primary containment to remove bagged debris.

  • Provisions must be made for debris drops from upper floors.

    • Protect the ground with tarps.

    • Prevent damage to landscaping and the exterior of the structure.

    • Ideally, handle debris from the side of the building not visible from the street.

• Double-Bagging:

  • Double-bag debris when transporting through unaffected areas or in employee-occupied vehicles.

    • Procedure:

      1. Vacuum the primary bag's exterior.

      2. Place the primary bag into a secondary bag.

      3. Conduct this process in a clean room/equipment room or near the containment egress point.

      4. Transport double bagged materials carefully and quickly.

  • For vehicle transport, double bag outdoors.

  • "J-tape" or goose-neck tape bags to prevent accidental opening.

• Goose-necking/ "J - Taping:

  • Twist the open end of the bag into a "gooseneck" rope-like assembly.

  • Fold the gooseneck end over 4-6 inches.

  • Secure the overlapping sections with duct tape.

  • This is intended to prevent the bag from opening.

III. End-of-Day Procedures

• AFD Management:

  • Before leaving for the day, retract AFD hoses from windows. Close & lock windows.

  • Position hoses to avoid blowing towards containment barriers or egress points, preventing cross-contamination.

  • Replace AFD prefilters.

• Security:

  • Perform a security walk-through to ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked.

• Documentation:

  • Take daily photos documenting progress made on the project.

IV. Post-Demolition Documentation and Preliminary Cleaning

• Documentation:

  • Photograph the demolished space, including:

    • Four corner room shots.

    • Equipment such as AFDs & HEPA vacuums.

    • Containment barriers.

• Preliminary Vacuuming:

  • Perform a cursory vacuuming of areas with visible growth to remove large accumulations.

  • Vacuum floors and horizontal surfaces to remove debris.