Demolition Excavators & High-Reach Machines

A high-reach demolition excavator has a long boom that can tear down tall structures from a distance. The machine, the attachment and the falling debris are all dangerous, and the structure may behave in ways nobody expects.

• Demolition
• Operators
• Contractors

Before demolition

• OSHA requires an engineering survey of the structure by a competent person before demolition starts, to find out its condition and the risk of collapse (1926.850).
• Utilities must be shut off, capped or controlled. Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead must be handled first. See Asbestos.
• A written demolition plan should cover sequence, equipment, exclusion zones and emergency steps.

Hazards

• Falling and flying debris, including from the machine's own work above the cab.
• Tip-over from reaching too high or too far, working on debris piles or soft ground.
• Unplanned collapse of walls, floors and partial structures.
• Dust from concrete and masonry. See Silica.
• Noise and vibration, and hydraulic leaks or hose failures.
• Power lines and unexpected utilities.

Machine and operator protection

• The cab should have falling object protection (FOPS) and impact-resistant glass. Many high-reach machines also have tilting cabs so the operator can see up.
• Use the attachment the machine was designed for. Keep the hydraulic quick couplers locked with the safety pin.
• Follow the manufacturer's reach and load charts. Keep tracks fully extended where required.
• Use water spray or misting to control dust.
• Wear seatbelts and keep the cab clear of loose items.

Exclusion zones and spotters

• Set a barrier around the work zone at a distance greater than the height of the structure or the machine's reach, as the plan states. Keep people, vehicles and neighbors outside.
• Use spotters where the operator's view is limited, with clear signals.
• Keep workers off floors and walls being demolished unless the plan allows it.

Last updated: October 8, 2026