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IS 4130 : 1991Code of practice for demolition of buildings

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BS 6187 · AS 2601 · 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T
CurrentSpecializedSafety CodeStructural Engineering · Construction Safety and Practices
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OverviewValues3InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 4130:1991 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for demolition of buildings. This code prescribes safety requirements, precautions, and the systematic sequence of operations for the safe demolition of buildings to protect workers, the public, and adjacent properties.

Lays down methods and safety precautions for the demolition of buildings and structures.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Structural Engineering — Construction Safety and Practices
Type
Safety Code
International equivalents
BS 6187:2011 · British Standards Institution (BSI), United KingdomAS 2601:2001 · Standards Australia, Australia29 CFR 1926 Subpart T · Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USACSA S350-13 (R2018) · Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Canada
Typically used with
IS 3696IS 3764IS 5121
Also on InfraLens for IS 4130
3Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Ensure all utilities (water, gas, electricity) are completely disconnected and safely capped outside the property line before any demolition work begins.
! Demolition must strictly proceed from top to bottom; load-bearing members should never be removed before the elements they support.
! Hazardous materials like asbestos or toxic dust require specialized removal, protective gear, and safe disposal methods prior to general demolition.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Precautions Prior to DemolitionCl. 5Protection of PublicCl. 6Sequence of DemolitionCl. 7Demolition of WallsCl. 8Demolition of FloorsCl. 11Catch Platforms
Pulled from IS 4130:1991. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
concretesteelmasonrytimberasbestos

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 6187:2011British Standards Institution (BSI), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Code of practice for full and partial demolition
Provides comprehensive guidance on demolition procedures, safety, and management, closely mirroring the intent of IS 4130.
AS 2601:2001Standards Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
The demolition of structures
Covers planning, procedures, and safety precautions for the demolition of buildings and other structures.
29 CFR 1926 Subpart TOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USA
MediumCurrent
Demolition
Focuses specifically on mandatory safety and health regulations for demolition work, rather than a full code of practice.
CSA S350-13 (R2018)Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Canada
HighCurrent
Code of Practice for Safety in Demolition of Structures
Details requirements for the safe execution of demolition, including planning, hazard identification, and procedures.
Key Differences
≠IS 4130:1991 has very limited guidance on hazardous materials. Modern standards like BS 6187:2011 mandate detailed pre-demolition asbestos, lead, and other hazmat surveys and their removal by specialists according to separate, stringent regulations.
≠International standards (e.g., BS 6187, AS 2601) place a strong emphasis on formal, documented risk assessments and detailed method statements (RAMS) for all demolition activities. IS 4130 outlines precautions but lacks this requirement for a formalized, documented process.
≠Modern codes like BS 6187 provide extensive guidance on the use of high-reach demolition excavators, robotics, and other modern mechanical methods, which are not covered in the 1991 Indian standard.
≠Environmental management, including waste management plans, material recycling targets, and specific controls for dust, noise, and vibration, is a core component of recent international standards but is only mentioned in general terms in IS 4130.
Key Similarities
≈All standards advocate the fundamental principle of sequential, top-down demolition, proceeding floor by floor in the reverse order of construction for most building types.
≈A mandatory pre-demolition survey is a universal requirement, covering structural integrity, condition of adjoining properties, and the location of utilities.
≈The critical importance of identifying, locating, and disconnecting all public utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewage) before commencing structural demolition is a key safety point in all codes.
≈All standards require the provision of protective measures for the public and adjacent properties, such as hoardings (fencing), covered walkways, catch platforms, and safety nets.
≈The requirement to shore or brace walls and floors that are left temporarily unsupported during the demolition sequence is a common provision to prevent premature collapse.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum Height of Protective HoardingNot less than 2.4 m from the ground level.Typically 2.4 m, but must be 'of sufficient height' based on risk assessment and local authority requirements.BS 6187:2011
Unsupported Wall Height LimitNo part of a wall shall be left standing more than one storey high without lateral support.No wall section, which is more than one story in height, shall be permitted to stand alone without lateral bracing.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.854(b)
Enclosure of Debris ChutesChutes at an angle of more than 45° to the horizontal shall be entirely enclosed.Material chutes at an angle of more than 45 degrees from the horizontal shall be entirely enclosed.OSHA 29 CFR 1926.852(b)
Removal of AsbestosGeneral mention of controlling dust which is injurious to health, without specific asbestos protocols.Mandates a formal asbestos survey and removal by licensed specialists before any other demolition work begins.BS 6187:2011
Opening in FloorsAll floor openings to be protected by a substantial guard rail and toe-board or planking.All floor openings shall be planked over or enclosed by a guardrail system.AS 2601:2001
Structural Engineering InputSupervision by a competent 'engineer-in-charge' is required.Explicitly requires a competent structural engineer for the design and planning of complex demolition sequences, especially for pre-weakening or induced collapse.BS 6187:2011
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values3

Quick Reference Values
Minimum height of protective barricade/hoarding2 m
Height above which enclosed chutes are mandatory for debris6 m
Minimum slope for enclosed debris chutes45 degrees to the horizontal

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Precautions Prior to Demolition
Clause 5 - Protection of Public
Clause 6 - Sequence of Demolition
Clause 7 - Demolition of Walls
Clause 8 - Demolition of Floors
Clause 11 - Catch Platforms

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 3696:1987Safety rules for scaffolds: Part 1 General re...
→
IS 3764:1992Safety code for excavation work
→
IS 5121:1969Safety code for piling and other deep foundat...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the correct sequence for demolishing a building?+
Demolition must proceed story by story from top to bottom, removing non-load-bearing walls first, followed by floors and then load-bearing structures (Clause 6).
How should debris be removed from upper floors?+
Materials should not be thrown indiscriminately. Enclosed wooden or metal chutes must be used if dropping debris from a height greater than 6 meters.
Are barricades required around a demolition site?+
Yes, a protective barricade or hoarding at least 2 meters high must be erected around the site to prevent unauthorized access and protect the public (Clause 5).

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