Handling Hazardous Materials During Demolition

 
 

There can be more to the average demolition project than simply smashing a building to the ground and clearing it away. Health and safety procedures must be followed alongside responsible demolition techniques that ensure worker and general public safety.

However, of equal importance is the handling of hazardous materials. If you’re curious about how dangerous materials are handled or need to understand the correct processes for your business, here are some of the most crucial facts to know.

 

Common Hazardous Materials Found on Demolition Work Sites

To understand how to handle hazardous materials during demolition projects, it helps to know the most likely ones you’ll encounter. You might be surprised at just how many of the following materials you might find on the average worksite.

Fluorescent Light Ballasts

Fluorescent light ballasts manufactured before 1978 might contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These were used in light ballast small capacitors and can be cause for concern if they are leaking. Studies have shown that PCBs can increase the risk of melanomas, gallbladder cancer, brain cancer, and other cancer types.

 

Fluorescent Lamps

Fluorescent light ballasts aren’t the only worry on the average demolition site. If you encounter fluorescent lamps, there’s a chance they might contain mercury. High exposure to mercury might put the exposed person or people at risk of gastrointestinal tract damage, kidney damage, and nervous system damage.

Both inorganic and organic mercury can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and affect other bodily systems.

 

CFC-Containing Equipment

Equipment like air conditioning units and refrigerators should be handled with care if they contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). According to research, CFCs can affect the central nervous system, cause tremors and convulsions, and even lead to heart rhythm disturbances that result in death.

 

Batteries

While batteries are one of the least likely items to find on a demolition site, they are worth watching out for. Batteries contain lead, mercury, and acid, all of which can be harmful to human health.

 

Fluids

Fluids like paints and solvents should be removed from buildings destined for the wrecking ball before work gets underway. Many hazardous liquids contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation, breathing issues, and an increased risk of cancer in some cases.

 

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos is one of the most frequently encountered materials on a demolition site. Asbestos is present in many buildings constructed before 2000, which means it’s likely to be found in a range of building materials like roofing, cladding, and even insulation.

Before demolition projects get underway, it’s in your best interests to work with an asbestos removal company that can test for and identify any asbestos present. They can then ensure its safe removal before demolition commences.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is one of your best forms of defence against hazardous materials found on building and demolition sites. A wide variety of PPE options like masks, respirators, hard hats, face shields, safety glasses, and gloves can protect against hazards like:

 

  • Chemicals

  • UV exposure

  • Airborne pollutants

  • Infections

  • Radiation

  • Physical injuries

  • Cold conditions

  • Electrical faults

  • Equipment use

  • Slips and falls And more…

 

Obtain Safety Data Sheets

A lot of planning can be involved in the average demolition project, but it doesn’t all necessarily relate to the best way to bring a building down to the ground. Some of it can involve ensuring you’re well informed about all potentially hazardous materials.

One of the best ways to gain the information you need is by identifying specific materials and requesting safety data sheets from their manufacturers or suppliers. You can then follow their recommended instructions for the safe removal of those materials with minimal risk to workers and the general public.

 

Plan for Contaminated Site Management

As demolition work can sometimes involve the cleaning and clearing of contaminated sites, it’s essential to have a plan in place for such a site’s management. You might see the value in:

 

  • Establishing a health and safety plan for your team

  • Performing a thorough site assessment of all hazardous materials

  • Establishing acceptable exposure levels

  • Monitoring air contaminants

  • Providing adequate training and supervision

Prioritise Site Control

Handling hazardous materials can often require more than a face mask and a high-quality pair of gloves. The goal should always be to minimise potential contamination risks to your employees, yourself, and the general public. As a result, site control measures can be crucial, such as:

  • Defining each zone based on the dangers present

  • Creating decontamination procedures for plant, equipment, and personnel

  • Hiring site security

  • Providing dust suppression and screening

  • Prioritising strict hygiene practices

 

Leave Hazardous Material Handling to the Experts

If you want to ensure your next demolition project goes off without a hitch, you need to make hazardous material handling your priority.

With a significant number of hazards present at the average building site, it might be in your best interests to hire experts like Chemcare to assist with the identification and management of potentially harmful substances like asbestos that have the potential to bring your demolition project to a grinding halt.

Karan Kikani