#1. Scope-depth, not industry tenure
A real demolition expert has 8+ years on a specific scope (high-reach, industrial, structural). 'In construction for 20 years' is not the same as eight years of demolition.
#2. Equipment mastery
Experts describe machine behaviour at the edge — long-reach stability envelope at 32 m with a 1,800 kg pulveriser in 35 km/h winds — not just brochure specs.
#3. Authority alignment
Approvals tied to the claimed scope — DM unlimited-height for high-rise, Civil Defence controlled-demolition for explosives, hazardous-waste licence for asbestos.
#4. Verifiable HSE outcomes
Honest LTI rate, near-miss reporting and post-incident learning notes. 'Perfect zero forever' is a measurement problem, not an HSE achievement.
#5. Methodology under pressure
Ask: tell me about the most difficult moment on a recent project — what changed, what you decided, what you would do differently. Specifics or generalities reveal the level.
#6. USF's expert evidence file
Per-scope CVs of senior site staff, project references, ISO certificates and HSE statistics — all available within one working day, no NDA.