Managing Safety Hazards Associated with Concrete Building Demolition Jobs
Concrete buildings are usually built hard and robust so that they can last for years and years. However, there may be situations when these structures may need to be demolished, e.g. to pave way for the construction of a new structure or to create space for alternative use of the land. When demolishing concrete buildings, heavy construction equipment is usually required to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Safety is one aspect of any demolition job that should never be disregarded, and for this reason, it is important to recognise that demolishing concrete buildings with heavy equipment can pose serious safety hazards that must be properly managed.
Here are some key safety protocols that demolition contractors working with heavy equipment can follow to make sure your concrete building demolition job is carried out safely.
Using properly trained employees
Employees involved in the demolition work must always be well-versed with all aspects of their job, including safety. They must know which heavy equipment should be used for every job and how to properly use personal protective equipment so as to ensure they stay safe at all times while the demolition work is ongoing. Proper safety equipment includes high-visibility clothing, work boots/closed-toe footwear, hard hat, respiratory mask and leather gloves. Only trained personnel should be allowed to operate heavy construction equipment. These workers know how to handle any demolition situation and know what to do in the event of accidents on the job.
Using properly maintained equipment
Operating faulty equipment during demolitions is a recipe for disaster at the work site. Faulty equipment can act up at any time and cause accidents that may lead to work-related injuries. To minimise the potential for accidents resulting from the use of faulty equipment, demolition contractors usually perform regular maintenance inspections to keep their equipment in tiptop working shape at all times.
Performing a pre-demolition sweep
Doing a final sweep just before demolition can commence is critical to ensuring that everyone has vacated the building and they're a safe distance away from the building. In addition, some employees will be assigned to monitor the building itself during the demolition so that no unauthorised individuals can come too close to the building.
Demolition contractors at companies like Roach Demolition & Excavations can do so much more to ensure that your demolition job is carried out in the safest manner possible. Talk to them about your specific safety concerns and they will tailor the right safety plan for your job.
