A Guide On Demolition Safety
Do you intend to pull down an entire structure or a section of a building? Demolition presents a variety of risks. Below are some demolition safety guidelines.
Inspect The Property
Site inspections can help you prevent demolition accidents. A pre-demolition site inspection should cover the following.
- The proximity of adjacent structures and how the demolition could affect these structures. For instance, you could decide to reinforce the foundations of neighbouring buildings to protect them from damage during demolition.
- Whether the property has amenities such as water, power and gas. Disconnect these amenities before commencing demolition work.
- Check whether the property contains toxic materials such as asbestos. If it does, you must consider asbestos removal before pulling down the building.
- Is the site accessible to demolition equipment such as excavators and wrecking balls? If possible, ensure clear access and install proper signage to prevent accidents as the equipment enter and leave the site.
Draw A Demolition Plan
A demolition plan is a technical document detailing the sequence in which you will pull down the various structural features. Ideally, examine the building's blueprints to establish the different load-bearing elements. This way, the building does not collapse during demolition. In some cases, you might need to install bracing to reinforce the structure during demolition. It is especially so if the building contains severe structural defects. Bracing is also a perfect way to control the demolition process. It is especially so when conducting partial demolitions. Once you draw the demolition plan, you need to share it with your local council to receive a demolition permit.
Assess The Expertise Of Your Demolition Contractor
You should avoid DIY demolition work. You need to hire a demolition contractor to help execute the demolition work. You must examine the contractor's competence before engaging their services. For instance, have they conducted similar demolition work in the past? Does the contractor have a highly skilled demolition crew? For example, their employees should have high-risk work permits. The contractor must also have general liability insurance coverage. Accreditation from professional building contractors' associations is an added advantage.
Check whether your preferred contractor has the equipment to execute the demolition. If the contractor intends to implode the building, inquire about the safety protocols they will enforce at the site. For example, they should clear the area to prevent injuries. Moreover, the explosion should not scatter demolition debris.
Contact a contractor for more information about demolition.
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