Name the tool and the decision it supports

An AI label can describe very different products, such as camera analysis, progress software, document search, or an automated warning. Remote-controlled equipment, machine sensors, and robotics are not necessarily AI. Start with the exact input, output, and person responsible for acting on it.

A useful review asks whether the tool solves a defined site problem. It should not replace the engineering survey, utility control, qualified supervision, or other duties that still apply to demolition work.

Test the safety case in the real work area

NIOSH is studying construction robots because they may move workers away from some hazardous tasks while also creating struck-by, caught-between, interface, and unexpected-movement risks. A changing demolition site is less controlled than a factory cell.

Before use, the project team should understand the operating envelope, exclusion area, emergency stop, communications, training, inspection, and manual fallback. The manufacturer instructions and project safety plan need to agree.

Require evidence instead of a product demo

Ask the vendor how the system was tested, what conditions reduce accuracy, how false alerts and missed detections are measured, and how updates are controlled. A pilot should use a limited task with a result that can be checked independently.

  • Baseline performance before the tool is introduced
  • Pass and stop criteria for the pilot
  • Named human review for safety or production decisions
  • A record of failures, overrides, and unexpected behavior

Review data and exit conditions

Cameras, location data, plans, and site records can create privacy, security, ownership, and retention questions. NIST's voluntary AI Risk Management Framework addresses trustworthiness risks across the design, development, use, and evaluation of AI systems. The contract should state what data is collected, where it goes, who can use it, and what happens when the pilot ends.

Keep the tool only if the measured result and safety review support it. Define an approved fallback or stop-work condition for times when the system is unavailable or outside its tested conditions.

Check the current rules for your project.

Costs, permit steps, codes, disposal requirements, and site conditions change. Confirm current requirements with the responsible agencies and qualified professionals before work begins.

Check the details

Official sources

These agencies and public resources support the planning information in this article. Open the current source before making project decisions.