Demolition works happen all the time, with property owners getting rid of old structures and replacing them with something far better. Such developments are generally straightforward, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their risks.

Demolition works can require a significant amount of planning due to how many hazards present themselves on the average building site. Before your next project gets underway, take the time to review the following necessary demolition safety precautions.

 

1. Prepare for Asbestos

The majority of buildings being demolished to make way for new ones were built before 2000. As asbestos was prevalent in many building materials before 2000, it’s safe to assume that any structure being demolished contains it.

Before you bring in the demolition equipment, consider whether you first need to contact licenced asbestos removalists in NZ to undertake testing and removal of hazardous materials. This step can be crucial as damage of ACM on a building site could see friable asbestos released into the air, putting all those in the general vicinity at risk of exposure.

Treat every demolition site as if asbestos is present and ensure all ACM materials are safely removed before demolition gets underway in earnest.

 

2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When you think of PPE, you might assume it’s just for the health industry or asbestos removal. However, it’s also a general term that incorporates any safety equipment for any industry with hazardous or dangerous materials.

When you’re undertaking a demolition project, PPE should be used to support other safety measures you have in place. Hard hats are essential for any overhead risks, including those working around machinery. Eye and face projection is also paramount for anyone using chemicals, power tools, or working in intense environmental conditions.

Hearing protection, respiratory protection, and hi-viz vests can also keep you and your team safe from a variety of hazards present in the average construction workplace. Most workplaces even require the use of protective clothing like waterproof leggings, gloves to prevent hand injuries, and safety footwear to prevent feet injuries.

 

3. Prioritise Training, Qualifications, and Experience

The average demolition site can be dangerous, with a multitude of different hazards present that may cause injuries. While site managers and business owners do all they can to mitigate the risks, they still exist. 

As a result, hiring competent employees with proper training, experience, and qualifications may be how you keep everyone safe during demolition works. Ensure they have undertaken the appropriate training courses, have the right qualifications, and know how to keep themselves and others safe.

It’s also imperative that any specialised tasks such as asbestos removal be carried out by teams with the appropriate class A or B licences to undertake the job safely.

 

4. Keep a Clean Site

Clean and tidy worksites may equate to safer worksites, which means there is value in having measures in place to keep all areas organised. This may mean arranging for daily debris removal and having dedicated skip bins for various materials.

A safe working environment is also one that ensures all employees have what they need to take care of their health and wellbeing, such as bathroom facilities, running water, a changing area, and shelter from the elements.

 

5. Monitor Dust, Vibrations, and Noise

Worker safety is crucial, but so is environmental protection. Make sure you have plans in place to ensure environmental hazards are kept to a minimum, and neighbouring properties are kept safe. Generally, this involves monitoring dust, vibrations, and noise.

Temporary water supplies can be how you limit the dust ending up on neighbouring properties, along with specialised curtains or barriers to keep it contained. You may also be able to limit the effects of vibrations and noise by keeping specific noisy activities between suitable daylight hours.

During the planning phase, always factor in the quietest methods for undertaking a specific task. For example, you might use a pulveriser or bucket to remove concrete rather than noisier equipment like impact breakers.

 

6. Perform Risk Assessments

Before a demolition project gets underway, businesses must undertake risk assessments to highlight any potential risks and how they will be mitigated.

Generally, a demolition risk assessment takes into account risks like:

• Hazardous materials

• Demolition activity risks

• Waste material disposal

• Plant and equipment

• Equipment decontamination

• Site remediation

• Asbestos removal

Steps are then put in place for regular site checks to occur to ensure that all outlined hazards and potential risks have been identified and rectified.

 

7. Manage Waste Disposal

A significant amount of waste can leave the average demolition site, so plans must be put in place to allow for this to be disposed of safely. Create contingency plans that include precautionary measures to reduce the risk of spillage or release, and understand your local council’s requirements around asbestos waste removal.

 

Outsource Your Demolition Job to the Experts

Removing a structure from a property can require many more planning and safety measures than you might think. The complexities of such a project may mean that after deciding to demolish a structure, you outsource this task to an expert team who can take all necessary precautions to ensure a satisfactory result.