Dismantling walls and structures can come with unforeseen risks such as exposure to harmful chemicals and substances such as lead, silica, and asbestos. Structures with unknown weakness points can also collapse during demolition and cause fatal accidents. For these reasons, proper planning is the key to a successful demolition project that prioritizes safety. Here you will learn some critical measures to take before you begin demolition work.
Assess risks on the site
Before you begin work, conduct a risk assessment on your site. The analysis should comprehensively assess the entire demolition process, hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos, and waste materials. Look for the architectural plans of the buildings and use them to identify any structural faults that could compromise the safety of workers during the process. Once this is done, prepare a demolition plan that includes the technique that you will use, safety measure, and steps that you will take to curb environmental damage during the project.
Minimize demolition hazards
Demolition projects involve the use of sophisticated machinery that if not used correctly can increase hazards on the sites. Additionally, workers can develop respiratory complications after inhaling fumes and fibres from hazardous materials. Carelessness and oversights on the sites can lead to accidents such as head trauma, brakes, cave-ins, and even death. Therefore, there is a need to minimize hazards and risks before commencing a demolition project. First, provide personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes hard hats, masks, and gloves. Also, avail other safety equipment such as signage and fencing. Train workers to ensure that everyone on site understands the safety protocols.
Create a checklist
A checklist ensures that all the procedures are followed in accordance with the demolition plan. Also, with a checklist, you can ascertain that all the safety procedures put in place are followed. For example, you can have a list that includes the following items:
If your demolition project will take more than one day, create a list for each day. Procedures such as inspecting machinery and safety equipment should be undertaken every day before commencing work.
Whether you are knocking down a wall in your bathroom or tearing down an entire structure, it should come as no surprise that demolition work is dangerous. Consider seeking the services of an experienced demolition contractor to minimize risks during the project.