3 Ways To Increase Safety During The Demolition Process

Posted on: 7 June 2016

Old, dilapidated buildings must often be torn down in order to make way for new construction projects. While demolishing a building can be exciting, the demolition process does pose some significant safety risks.

Here are three things that you can do prior to making the first blow to an old building to make the demolition process a little safer.

1. Invest in an engineering survey.

Knowing the exact condition of the building prior to demolition can help you plan the demolition process. An engineering survey allows you to gain an accurate understanding of the condition of the walls, floors, and ceilings in the building you are trying to tear down.

Understanding these conditions helps you more accurately predict which parts of the building are likely to collapse first. You can begin working in these structurally unsound areas first, and gain better control over the demolition process.

2. Investigate the building's prior uses.

When you know whether or not a building has been used to store hazardous chemicals, you can take extra precautions to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment during demolition.

Testing and purging may be required to eliminate any traces of hazardous chemicals that still remain within the building, and these are vital safety steps that shouldn't be overlooked when preparing for the demolition process. When you take the time to investigate a building's prior uses, you will have a better understanding of the steps you will need to take in preparation for a safe demolition.

3. Remove glass prior to demolition.

If you are looking for a simple way to make your demolitions safer, then taking the time to remove any glass elements from a building before striking the first blow could be the answer. Windows and doors featuring glass panels can shatter during demolition.

Glass shards could be thrown into the air as your heavy equipment works to tear down the structural components of an old building, posing a risk for any employees operating in the immediate vicinity. By taking the extra time to remove glass elements before you start tearing down a building, you can effectively prevent any glass-related injuries from becoming an issue.

Finding ways to increase safety during the demolition process should be a top priority. Ensure that you are investing in an engineering survey, taking the time to investigate a building's prior uses to determine if hazardous chemicals may be present, and removing any glass prior to demolition to reduce the likelihood of injury the next time you tear down an old building. To find out more, speak with a business like Morris Excavating.

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