Glossary
Engineering Survey
A pre-demolition written survey by a competent person of the structure, its framing, floors, and walls, to identify any potential collapse hazard.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.850(a) requires that, prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey of the structure must be made by a competent person.
The survey covers the condition of the framing, floors, walls, and the possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. It also addresses adjacent structures where workers may be exposed.
The survey is in writing, dated, signed by the competent person, and kept available at the project. The contents are not prescribed by the rule in detail; what matters is that the structure has been assessed for hazards a person with the requisite training would identify, and that controls or sequence of work have been chosen to address them.
For demolition of any structure damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or other cause, the survey is especially important and the rule expects a continuing check of conditions as the work proceeds.