Demolition Safety: Are you aware?

The OSHA website states that demolition work involves many of the hazards associated with construction. "However, demolition incurs additional hazards due to unknown factors such as: deviations from the structure's design introduced during construction, approved or unapproved modifications that altered the original design, materials hidden within structural members, and unknown strengths or weaknesses of construction materials." The site also states that to counter these unknowns, all personnel involved in a demolition project must be fully aware of these types of hazards and the safety precautions to take to control the hazards.

Before the start of a demolition, contractors must make sure that all safeguards are in place to safeguard all workers and the general public. A pre-demolition checklist is a useful tool for this. Other surveys that must be completed are an engineering survey and a written blasting survey; these surveys include the inspection of chemicals, gases, flammable materials and the transportation, storage, and inventory of explosives. To prevent accidents, it is vital that only authorized personnel have access to the site. This means clearly marking the area and blocking it off to the public. Planning for a demolition is just as important as the actual demolition. Preparatory operations involve the overall planning of the demolition job, including the methods to be used to bring the structure down, the equipment necessary to do the job, and the measures to be taken to perform the work safely (nyc.gov). Another important step that needs to be done is the inspection of asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is dangerous when it is crushed, crumbled or disturbed because fibers can be released into the air; it is essential that they be cleared from the area before any demolition and renovation. Many construction materials contain asbestos due to its excellent insulation, fire proofing and sound proofing qualities.

Environmental concerns and regulations have tightened over the years prompting demolition contractors to place safety as a top priority. It is very important for a competent person experienced in all phases of the demolition to conduct the demolition planning. Planning should also include necessary safety equipment such as specific respirators, hearing protection, safety nets, lifelines, fall protection, warning signs, eye and face protection, and any other hazard protection device needed for the job (scif.com). "Before demolition begins, all electric, gas, sewer, water, steam, and overhead lines etc. must be located and shut off, capped or controlled (scif.com)" Is is also important for demolition contractors to conduct a post-inspection of the area after the blast to insure that no hazards remain. Enough time should be allowed for dust, smoke, and fumes to leave the blasted area before allowing re-entry into the site.

For more information: http://www.osha.gov/ "Hazards & Solutions to Demolition"
Sources:
"Asbestos in Demolition Debris Summary." Department of Ecology. State of Washington. Web. 28 Sept. 2009.
"Demolition Safety Planning." State Compensation Insurence Fund. Web. 28 Sept. 2009.
"Guides & Publications to Demolition Safety." NYC Buildings. NYC.gov. Web. 28 Sept. 2009.