The destruction and dismantling of commercial and residential properties occur for several different reasons. The property could be condemned, or the owners could want to build something completely different in the area. Whatever the reason, the destruction process is dangerous, and operators need to move with caution. Here’s how to stay safe during a building demolition.
Watch Out for Hazardous Materials
One of the biggest threats to building demolitions is not the dangers presented by the equipment; it’s the silent killers. Asbestos inside a building risks the lives of workers and residents. Before preparing to demolish and destroy the property, operators need to watch out for signs of asbestos within a building.
Any asbestos found must be removed from the site safely before destruction commences. Only specialized and licensed contractors can remove hazardous minerals from the site. They know the proper steps and procedures required to perform the task.
Notify the Neighborhood
The building demolition will have a direct impact on those in the surrounding area. People deserve to know about any upcoming destruction in their neighborhood. Workers don’t necessarily need to go door to door to send out notifications, but they do need to post signage.
Construction signs, traffic cones, and marked-off tape are enough to send the message. However, if there are individuals with visual impairments in the neighborhood, workers do need to notify those members if the demolition is in close proximity to them.
Wear Your Protective Gear
Gathering a specialized and licensed team is part of the necessary preparation for a building demolition. And once that team comes together, every member needs to wear the proper protective gear. Regardless of the demolition method chosen, the PPE is straightforward and applies to every strategy.
The minimum requirement for PPE is five items. Depending on the dangers of the operation, site managers can instruct their crew to wear additional protective gear. As a precaution, OSHA requires workers to wear the following:
- Hard hats
- Safety gloves and goggles
- High-visibility vests
- Steel-toed boots
Crew members should refrain from exposing skin while working on the site. They should wear full pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Mandate Training
The best defense is a good offense. Mandate training sessions for every crew member before beginning operations. Even workers who are licensed and have experience need to go over safety precautions with trainers and site managers before starting destruction.
Staying safe during a building demolition is the highest priority for everyone involved. Training sessions significantly decrease the risk of accidents happening on-site. Host these sessions over the span of several days, at least a week before demolition begins. The specific number of training sessions you will host depends on the chosen demolition method and the extent of the dangers present.
