Demolition Operative
The Work
Demolition operatives, also known as demolition workers, demolish
and (more commonly) dismantle buildings and structures varying from
single storey blocks, tall chimneys and bridges to large industrial
units such as decommissioned power stations. Demolition can de done
in one of three ways: manually, using heavy plant machinery and by
use of explosives. Often, a combination of all three are employed.
Demolition operatives' work involves site preparation, stripping out floors, roofs and fittings and removing re-usable materials such as timber and bricks. Some metalwork can be recovered using industrial crane-mounted magnets, and concrete slabs may be put through a crusher to produce aggregate for roadworks. Operatives are also trained in the safe removal of hazardous material such as asbestos and lead.
As an operative, there are various levels of responsibility:
Demolition Operative 1 (Labourers) are involved in erecting and dismantling screens, safety rails, dustsheets and fences around sites. They also prepare materials for re-use.
Demolition Operative 2 (Mattockman / Woman) may strip out fittings, remove doors and windows, prepare and erect roof protection, demolish roof structures and carry out hand demolition.
Demolition Operative 3 (Topman / Woman) carry out the above tasks and cut steel at heights, strip fragile roof coverings and instruct others in safe demolition practices.
A variety of hand and power tools are used to carry out jobs including pneumatic hammer drills and oxyacetylene cutting equipment. Operatives also employ plant machinery such as 360-degree excavators with demolition attachments.
Health and safety plays a major role in operatives' work and strict regulations must be adhered to.
Hours and Conditions
Demolition operatives work a basic 39-hour week, but weekend work
and overtime are often required.
The work is conducted in dirty, dusty, noisy conditions, and in all weathers. Protective clothing is always worn, and in some cases breathing equipment might be required.
Periods away from home are common and, due to the amount of travelling, a driving licence is often useful.
Skills and Interests
To work as a demolition operative you should:
Training
Training is provided on the job. You can work towards NVQ / SVQ in
Demolition (Construction) levels 2 and 3. Units include the preparation
and clearance of work areas, demolition/dismantling of concrete, timber,
steel and brick structures, demolition/dismantling of fragile roofs
and cladding and the safe movement and signalling of loads.
Employers also provide induction and safety training covering areas such as control of asbestos and lead, accident prevention and control, electricity on sites, fire prevention and control, and law relating to demolition work.
Further short courses may be provided in oxygen and fuel gas cutting and the fitting of abrasive wheels. You may also undertake emergency first aid training.
The Certificate of Competence of Demolition Operatives (CCDO), which is affiliated to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), will be required to work on the majority of sites. There are seven levels of entry dependent upon experience:
For details about the card scheme and training courses, contact the National Federation of Demolition Contractors or CITB - Construction Skills below.
Construction plant operative Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Specialist firms of demolition contractors are the main employers, with a few demolition operatives working for general building and civil engineering companies. Experienced demolition operatives can progress to supervisory and management positions.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
There are nationally recommended minimum rates of pay for demolition operatives.
General operatives can earn between £12,500 and £15,000
a year.
Fully qualified operatives can earn around £18,000 a year.
With experience and supervisory responsibilities, demolition operators can earn £20,000 upwards.
Demolition operatives may earn significantly more for specialist duties such as operating plant machinery or using explosives. Overtime and various allowances can also increase income.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
National Federation of Demolition Contractors
Tel: 01784 456799
www.demolition-nfdc.com
