Demolition operative
Take down buildings and structures safely and remove hazardous materials. Remove items for salvage and recycling so they can be used again.
About the job
What it's like
You would safely demolish and dismantle old and derelict structures and buildings. You’d responsibly remove hazardous materials like asbestos so buildings are safe for people to use.
You’d remove items from a building or structure for salvage or recycling so they can be re-used.
As a labourer you would:
Prepare the site
Put up rails and safety screens
Lay dustsheets
Separate out re-usable building materials after demolition
As a mattockman / mattockwoman you would:
Strip out fittings
Remove doors and windows
Dismantle roof structures
A topman/topwoman does all of the same tasks. In this role you would also:
Cut steel framework at heights
Strip off fragile roofs
Instruct others in safe demolition practices
You would use tools like hammer drills, oxyacetylene cutting equipment, plant machinery and explosives.
You might also use crane-mounted industrial magnets to recover metals and burners to incinerate materials. You would put concrete slabs through crushers to make aggregate for building roads.
You would follow strict health and safety regulations at all times. You’d use your training to remove of hazardous materials like asbestos and toxic chemicals safely. A knowledge of construction methods will help you to take down buildings safely.
Hours
You would work a basic 39-hour week, but you may be required to work overtime and weekends.
Environment
You could expect to work in all weather conditions, and the work can be dirty and dusty. You would always wear protective clothing on site. You might use specialist equipment, for example breathing apparatus when removing asbestos, or a safety harness when working at heights.
Travel
Work will involve travel from site to site and this may include overnight stays away from home.
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Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Entry varies for the three different types of work:
There are no formal qualifications required to become a labourer but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Entry as a mattockman or mattockwoman would require two years experience, knowledge of demolition and some units from Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Demolition (Construction): Demolition or Plant level 2 (SCQF level 5).
As a topman or topwoman you would be expected to have at least two years' experience, extensive knowledge of demolition and completed the SVQ level 2 (SCQF level 5).
Qualifications that show an understanding of construction and practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Engineering (SCQF level 3) or Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5).
A driving licence can be useful.
It is also useful to not have dust allergies.
To be at least 18 years old.
To be physically fit with good eyesight and hearing
You will need a Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO). This is linked to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to work on most sites.
You may have to take an aptitude test before entry.
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