What’s the difference between demolition and decommissioning?

Demolition and decommissioning are two distinct processes with different goals and outcomes. The main difference between the two lies in their scope and purpose.

Demolition refers to the act of bringing down a structure or building, often to clear a site for new development or to remove a hazardous structure. Demolition may involve the use of heavy equipment, explosives, or manual labour to dismantle a structure and remove the debris.

Decommissioning on the other hand, refers to the process of safely shutting down and removing a facility or structure that is no longer needed. This may include removing hazardous materials and contaminants, deactivating systems and equipment, and ensuring that the site is safe and environmentally sound.

While demolition may be a part of the decommissioning process, decommissioning is a more complex and involved process that requires careful planning, safety measures, and environmental considerations.

At Hughes and Salvidge, we are often invited to tender for demolition and decommissioning projects, and if successful, we follow the processes below to ensure a successful and safe outcome, whatever the requirements.

The demolition process

Planning and permits
Detailed planning is essential. For us, the planning stage involves many aspects including confirming our site team and any subcontractors, obtaining necessary permits, conducting environmental assessments, confirming the Risk Assessments and Method Statement drafted at tender stage, identifying potential hazards, finalising the Project Health, Safety and Environmental Plan, outlining any targets and KPIs, and creating a demolition plan.

Structural assessment
We instruct engineers to assess the building’s structure to determine the best method for demolition, whether it’s mechanical, using explosives, or another technique.

Site preparation
We undertake extensive site preparation to get the area ready for work to commence. This includes disconnecting the electricity, gas, and water, securing the area with fencing to ensure safety and restrict access and installing debris netting as required.

Hazardous material removal
If hazardous materials such as asbestos are present, they must be safely removed and disposed of according to regulations. Our division, H&S Asbestos can assist with all asbestos removal and disposal requirements.

Demolition method
Mechanical Demolition: Involves the use of heavy machinery, such as excavators and bulldozers, to systematically bring down the structure.
Explosives: Uses explosives to strategically collapse the building inward, minimising impact on surrounding areas.
Deconstruction: A more sustainable approach where the building is taken apart piece by piece to salvage materials.

Waste removal and recycling
After the structure is demolished, we clear all waste and debris from the site. Recyclable materials such as metal and concrete are separated and sent to recycling facilities for reuse and repurposing. Another of our divisions, H&S Metals, can assist with this.

Site restoration
We level and clear the site, making it ready for new construction or development. This may include soil remediation if contaminants were present.

Final inspections
Authorities conduct final inspections to ensure the site meets all safety and environmental standards before it can be reused.

The decommissioning process

Planning and assessment
This initial phase involves extensive planning. We conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments and method statements, and regulatory reviews. We draft detailed documentation of the facility’s current state, including an inventory of hazardous materials. We’ll also confirm our site team and finalise the Project Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan.

Regulatory approval and permits
Now’s the time to obtain necessary approvals and permits, which includes submitting detailed decommissioning plans and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Site characterisation
We conduct thorough site surveys and assessments to understand the extent of contamination and structural conditions. This includes sampling soil, water, and building materials to identify any hazardous substances. Any hazardous materials such as asbestos, radioactive substances, or chemical residues are safely removed and disposed of. If equipment, structures, and areas have been affected by hazardous materials, we’ll organise the cleaning and decontamination of these. 

Dismantling and demolition
We carefully dismantle equipment, structures, and infrastructure. This step is carried out in phases, often starting with non-essential components and moving towards critical structures. Salvageable materials are identified and separated for recycling or reuse.

Waste management
We manage and dispose of all waste materials generated during decommissioning. This includes segregating hazardous and non-hazardous waste, transporting it to appropriate disposal facilities, and ensuring compliance with waste management regulations.

Environmental remediation
Before leaving the site, we ensure it is in a safe and acceptable condition. This may involve soil remediation, groundwater treatment, and other environmental restoration activities to address any contamination and make the site safe for future use.

Final surveys and inspections
We conduct final surveys and inspections to ensure all decommissioning activities have been completed according to regulatory requirements. Independent verification and validation may be required to confirm the site’s safety and compliance, and we’re happy to assist with this.

Regulatory closure
We’ll submit the final reports and documentation to regulatory authorities for review and approval, and obtain official closure certification indicating that the site has been successfully decommissioned and meets all regulatory and environmental standards.

What type of project is decommissioning utilised for?

• Nuclear Power Plants: Safely dismantling reactors and handling radioactive materials.

• Oil and Gas Industry: Decommissioning offshore platforms and refineries.

• Chemical Plants: Ensuring safe disposal of hazardous substances.

• Military Facilities: Decommissioning bases and disposing of weaponry.

• Renewable Energy: Decommissioning wind farms and solar power plants at end-of-life.

How we can help

At Hughes and Salvidge, we have a wealth of decommissioning and demolition experience gained through our many years of working across a broad range of sectors. Our valued client base includes petrochemical and pharmaceutical companies, heavy industrial and manufacturing organisations, developers and main contractors, local authorities and utility companies.

We can offer our clients a complete solution - Demolish. Crush. Recycle. Demolish with Hughes and Salvidge. Crush with K&B Crushers. Recycle with H&S Metals. And keep H&S Asbestos in mind for your asbestos removal and disposal requirements.

Get in touch to discuss your demolition and / or decommissioning project needs with us, or check out our Demolition and Decommissioning Services.

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