Although demolition is necessary, it can be dangerous. There are many safety and health risks associated with demolition, which must be addressed to ensure the safety of both the crew and the project. There is a distinction between risk and hazard in construction demolition. Both are equally important. A danger is an object that could cause harm. Risk is the possibility that the object could cause damage. To identify both hazards and risks, the building contractor must conduct a risk assessment. To prevent an accident that could prove fatal, control measures are put in place. Although hazards cannot be avoided, they can be controlled to reduce the risk.
Why is it necessary to demolish?
When a part of a building is too weak to be renovated, demolition is required. This could be used for both residential and commercial projects, as well as interior demolition. Demolition is the lifting of heavy loads or machinery up to a height. This involves the use of explosives and heavy-duty equipment. Demolition services are needed to demolish a building or provide site work services. A demolition contractor can manage a site for the removal of construction debris, rubble, waste material, and other rubbish.
What is the difference in hazard and danger?
Any physical object or entity that is a hazard, such as heavy machinery, gas pipelines, gas, or the building itself, can be considered a hazard. They can cause injury or disease. It could be weather, toxins or biochemical waste. They can pose risks despite all precautions. These dangerous objects could cause injury to crew members. They can also pose a risk to the health and safety of demolition workers. There are many hazards involved in demolition and construction. The machinery is essential. It will be necessary to demolish the damaged building. It is not possible to avoid it. It is important to mitigate the potential health hazards that may arise from demolition operations.
To identify both hazards and risks, a contractor must first conduct a risk assessment. To prevent an accident or other serious incident, control measures are put in place.
The risk of different demolition methods
Manual Demolition: This also includes the risk of falling objects or demolished walls. Manual handling of equipment, noise exposure and dust are all part of manual demolition. Manual demolition can also involve the use of high-risk explosives. Accidents can occur if explosives are not handled properly.
Manual roof demolition There is a danger of worker falls due to cave-ins. There are chimneys and spires on roofs that must be removed by hand. These roofs are high-risk items.
Wall demolition The greatest risk in tearing down walls is the partial collapse, which can cause injury to workers or damage to equipment. Workers can be exposed to asbestos in walls.
Manual floor demolition Floors that are too heavy can fall. Workers can fall through floors even if there is no reinforcement beneath the floors.
Mechanical Demolition: This demolition utilizes powered mobile plants like cranes, loaders and bulldozers. Equipment injuries are unlikely and should only be operated by trained personnel. Workers must be aware of tensioned tendons in concrete that can cause property damage. Complex lift shafts require preliminary assessment and evaluation before demolition.
How to do a thorough risk assessment
A good contractor will ensure that demolition safety hazards are taken into consideration for safe work. However, there are still huge risks. The possibility of a structure or wall falling is a major risk. Demolition hazards can exist on project sites, which is not the case with other risks. For the safety of all involved crews and employees, safety measures must be put in place. The main responsibility of a project manager is to arrange such measures to reduce hazards and risk for safe work. The first stage in risk assessment is:
Check for hazards such as
Unplanned collapse of a structure
Workers falling from high places
Falling objects that can cause injury
The location of essential services
Exposure to dangerous chemicals
Explosives can cause noise pollution
Other buildings that will be demolished
potential fire hazards
Faults in gas and electrical lines
Exposure to silica dust
Heavy machinery, such as a wrecking ball, is prohibited
Environmental hazards like heat and cold temperatures
These are the main dangers that demolition work can pose. However, there are many microbiological hazards.
Birds and Rats
Biochemical agents
Syringes and needles that have been used
Anthrax or Horsehair plaster
Tetanus can be caused by sewage
Assessment of the demolition risks
Any demolition project that involves manual or mechanical methods requires a risk assessment. This allows you to determine the best control measures.
Identify any construction worker who requires protection for their safety and health.
The structure’s strength and load-bearing ability for demolition
What precautions and control steps can you take?
Layout of the demolition area
There are risks when working in tight spaces
What equipment and machinery can you use?
Technical skills of workers
What environmental risks are workers exposed to such as UV radiation from the sun?
To find safety information and guidelines for products, it is important to study the data and supplies of manufacturers.
Ask crew members for their advice and input based on their experiences.
There are many types of protection clothing that you can use during demolition
What is the best schedule for demolition risk minimization?
Browse the Central Oregon city website for safety guidelines and risk assessment
Who can do a risk assessment?
A building contractor, or a skilled specialist from the crew, can perform a risk assessment. This person must have a solid technical understanding of the work, the factors involved in demolition and the potential risks. He must have the ability to recognize hazards and avoid accidents. He should be familiarized with OSHA standards. OSHA is an Act that was created by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. This Act requires that work projects with high risk be undertaken in order to enforce safety measures at the workplace. OSHA can provide you with information, guidelines and training to help understand risk management.
A specialist can also be used to assist with an assessment. Greenbar Excavation is a Central Oregon demolition company that adheres to safe demolition codes. We are familiar with the industry. We provide risk assessment services to assist property owners and contractors in implementing a risk management plan.
This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Excavation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind! Click Here for more information.
