First, describe the work and worksite
A qualified dismantling and lifting team will remove one identified bolted beam from a surveyed single-story building under an engineer-issued removal and temporary-support plan. Connected loads are isolated or supported through the released sequence before the member’s connections are released; a crane lowers the secured beam to prepared laydown. No hot cutting or whole-frame dismantling is included. This fictional learning example describes planned controls; it records no actual inspection or work authorization.
- The written demolition engineering survey, actual member/connection review and responsible engineer’s removal sequence establish the remaining structure’s stability and the permitted load transfer.
- Utilities, coatings, beam weight, lifting attachments, connection access and the supported receiving/laydown arrangement are resolved before work.
- This is partial structural-steel and precast removal coverage. Multistory demolition, precast removal, torch cutting, unexplained member loads and hazardous-material abatement are excluded.
Questions before work
- What actually carries every connected load when this beam stops carrying it, and who releases that temporary condition?
- How will the member be supported and secured throughout the specified connection-release sequence?
- What change in connection behavior, member movement or support condition requires an immediate stop and engineer review?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Release the surveyed member and sequence
Hazard: An apparently redundant beam can carry concealed loads or provide stability to the retained frame.
Control: Dismantling lead obtains written survey evidence and the current engineer-issued removal/load-isolation plan for the identified beam and its connections. Resolve attached services, coatings and connected structure and mark the exact removal limit before any connection is loosened.
Verification: Lead compares the member and attachments with survey and current removal documents.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A new-beam erection detail does not describe the existing load path being removed.
2. Establish the released temporary condition
Hazard: Inadequate support or incomplete load isolation can collapse the retained structure when the beam is released.
Control: Implement the engineered support and connected-load isolation sequence through assigned qualified roles. Complete the specified hold-point review and keep supports protected from interference. Do not substitute crane tension for a temporary structural-support requirement.
Verification: Designated reviewer records actual support and isolation findings before connection work.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The retained structure needs its own stable load path throughout removal.
3. Prepare protected access, rigging and laydown
Hazard: Workers can fall or be struck by an uncontrolled beam when the lifting arrangement or receiving area is unready.
Control: Lift team verifies the actual member weight basis, approved attachment arrangement, crane capacity and removal path. Provide released protected connection access and close the affected fall/swing areas. Prepare stable laydown supports and brief the one agreed signaling and stop arrangement.
Verification: Lift lead and access lead check the pick, path, work positions and receiving supports.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Every later release depends on a ready controlled destination and protected worker positions.
4. Secure the beam and reach the release hold point
Hazard: Unexpected rotation or remaining load can trap workers as connections are approached.
Control: Rig and secure the beam in the specified support condition before connection release. Follow the actual engineered load-transfer hold point with the lifting and dismantling leads; confirm worker positions remain outside pinch and movement paths. Stop for binding, deflection or motion outside the plan.
Verification: Designated roles verify the actual support/rigging condition and authorize the stated next stage.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The safe transfer condition must be demonstrated before the beam becomes disconnected.
5. Release connections in the specified sequence
Hazard: Removing the wrong fastener or forcing a bound connection can cause sudden beam or frame movement.
Control: Qualified crew follows the engineer’s connection-release sequence using the selected cold-work tools from protected access. Preserve specified support and restraints; control loose hardware. If a connection will not release as anticipated, stop and obtain a revised technical decision rather than prying, striking or cutting it free.
Verification: Dismantling lead monitors actual connection and support behavior at each release stage.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Resistance can reveal a remaining load or an unrecognized restraint.
6. Lower, stabilize and hand over
Hazard: A beam can roll from laydown, and the altered frame can remain unsafe after the lift leaves.
Control: Lift team lowers the disconnected member through the closed path and lands it on the prepared stable supports. Verify stability before rigging release. Record actual retained-frame/support findings, protect exposed work areas and hand over the remaining temporary-support and alteration restrictions to the responsible reviewer.
Verification: Lift lead verifies laydown; reviewer records retained-structure findings and open actions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Removing the beam completes a lift, not the building’s final structural acceptance.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Reverse the erection steps. | Engineer’s actual dismantling sequence establishes retained-frame support and load isolation; designated roles verify the release hold point before connections are removed. |
| If the bolt binds, force it loose. | Crew stops for unexpected resistance, preserves the specified support and obtains the responsible engineer’s revised decision before proceeding. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Can the initial beam-connecting example be used backwards?
No. That resource installs a new member between released columns. Dismantling an existing beam removes a current load path and can uncover attached loads or restraints; it requires a written survey and a released support and removal sequence.
What must the crew record for actual use?
Record the member/connection and survey identity, removal/support revisions, utility/coating findings, connected-load isolation and actual support acceptance, weight/rigging basis, protected access and signaling, stage findings and deviations, stable laydown and retained-frame restrictions.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Survey, member weight, attachments or connected loads differ from the released removal assumptions.
- Temporary supports, rigging or the retained structure moves or shows unexpected deflection or loss of contact.
- A connection binds, the release sequence cannot be followed or protected access/communication is lost.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Project-specific dismantling instruction for the qualified crew, covering load isolation, temporary supports, protected connection access and the specified release hold points.
- Role-specific crane, rigging and signaling instruction for the actual removal lift, including unexpected binding/movement, exclusion boundaries and stable laydown.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support toolbox talks; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this example be used as a JSA?
Adapt its Task | Hazard | Control analysis to the employer’s JSA format and the actual work. Confirm the assigned checks and record real findings before relying on the plan.
What changes if the project requires an AHA?
Use the project’s governing AHA format, risk method, supporting records and acceptance process. The published formwork AHA illustrates that additional structure; this JHA does not establish an AHA risk rating or acceptance.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.850 Demolition engineering survey and preparation
- OSHA 1926.858 Removal of steel construction
- OSHA 1926.1417 Crane operation
Original instructional scenario with planned controls. Primary references support hazard planning. Use actual equipment and product instructions, project design and employer requirements to establish field criteria. This example supplies no inspection findings or work authorization. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.