STAR / 28.05.2009PETALING JAYA, May 28 - The Jaya supermarket building in Section 14, a Petaling Jaya icon being torn down for redevelopment, collapsed today, trapping seven people during demolition works that went awry in the busy commercial district.
Police said some 30 workers were in the demolition works when part of the building collapsed at 4.45pm.
Ambulances have been rushing the injured to the nearby Universiti Hospital, witnesses said. Rescue workers are at the scene as police mount a security cordon to keep away a curious crowd.
Originally called the Jaya Shopping Centre, the landmark was built in 1974 and was one of the first supermarkets in Petaling Jaya that survived the many facets of development until now.
It was one of the few lifestyle centres in Petaling Jaya before the introduction of bigger shopping malls in the Klang Valley. There are several new developments across the road that have also taken up former tenants who moved out last year when it was closed down for redevelopment.
The shopping centre was involved in a controversy in the early 1990s when it built a 10-storey car park extension - four storeys higher than what the building plans approved by the then Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ). The building has four storeys of retail units, office units and a multi-level carpark.
DOSH GUIDELINE FOR DEMOLITION IN CONSTRUCTION
DEMOLITION
DEMOLITION
1. The selection of demolition method should take into consideration the size, strength and location of the structure to safeguard the safety and health of the employees and public.
2. The risk assessment study should be done to determine possible causes for structural instability and provide the action plan to ensure safety and health.
3. Demolition work should be carried out in such a way so as not to affect the stability of the structure or adjacent structure, which may cause the structure to collapse unplanned.
4. In demolition of structures that are in close proximity to public area, demolition work should be carried out during non-peak hours.
5. All demolition work should be done by trained personnel under the supervision of a designated person.
6. Demolition activities should not be continued under adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, storm, which could cause collapse of already weakened structures.
Preparatory Work
1. Before demolition operations begin :
(a) adequate inspection should be made by designated person.
(b) if necessary to prevent danger, unstable parts of the structure should be made secure.
(c) all utilities should be effectively disconnected or shut off at or outside the property line.
2. The danger zone around the structure should be adequately fenced off or warning sign posted.
3. Before the commencement of demolition work, the structure should be free from any toxic or hazardous substances (e.g asbestos materials).
4. Where applicable metal scaffold enclosed with peripheral nettings should be erected around the building or structure to be demolished.
5. Before demolition work is carried out, ensure that these materials are removed:
(a) glass in doors, windows, etc.
(b) loose objects.
(c) projecting parts.
(d) explosive, inflammable, toxic and harmful substances.
Catch Platforms for Demolition Operations
1. During the demolition of the exterior walls of a structure originally more than 12.2 metres high, catch platforms shall be provided along the exterior, faces of such wall, where necessary, to prevent injury to the public. (Reg. 43(1), Building Operations And Works Of Engineering Construction (Safety) Regulations, 1986)
2. Such platform shall be designed by a Professional Engineer and certified for safety prior to erection and use. (Reg. 43(2), Building Operations And Works Of Engineering Construction (Safety) Regulations, 1986)
3. Such catch platform shall be maintained not more than 6 metres below from which the exterior walls are being removed. (Reg. 43(3), Building Operations And Works Of Engineering Construction (Safety) Regulations, 1986)
4. Catch platform shall not be used for storage of materials or be used as working platforms or walkways. (Reg. 43(4), Building Operations And Works Of Engineering Construction (Safety)
Regulations, 1986)
During Demolition
1. During demolition work, the contractors should :
(a) provide workers and public the appropriate information related to safety and health hazards during demolition works.
(b) follow demolition sequence and method as provided by demolition / structural engineer.
(c) ensure the site in a safe condition and in compliance with safety and health plan requirements.
(d) provide workers with all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) related to safety and health risks they are exposed to.
(e) take adequate steps to keep the debris or area being worked on sufficiently moist to lay the dust.
