Demolition services are an excellent way to get rid of old structures. They can also be used to increase a building’s value or to make room for expansion.
The process of demolition is highly technical and requires specialized equipment. It is also very important to follow safety procedures to ensure the job is completed safely and efficiently. See our home page.
Safety
Demolition is a dangerous process that can cause injuries to both workers and the general public. However, the risk of injury can be reduced if safety measures are taken.
Before demolition work can begin, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that a competent person complete an engineering survey. This survey determines the condition of the structure’s framing, floors, and walls, as well as any risks of an unplanned collapse.
It also involves an assessment of any hazards to employees. This must be done before employees are allowed to enter the building, and it’s necessary for employers to have written evidence that the survey was conducted.
Demolition contractors must ensure that employees are properly trained and wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) during their work. This includes safety helmets, work boots, and other gear.
Environment
During demolition services, a lot of materials are released into the environment. They include toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and even contaminated soil.
There are many different environmental remediation tactics that demolition contractors can use to help remedy contaminated sites. Some of these involve separating contamination from people, and other methods are more geared towards treating the contamination directly.
Another way that demolition contractors can help the environment is by recycling or disposing of hazardous material. Demolition professionals understand the laws and regulations that govern the handling and disposal of hazardous waste, and they know how to safely remove them from a site.
Other environmental concerns that can arise during demolition services include asbestos abatement and mold removal. Professional companies will follow strict guidelines for addressing these problems. They will ensure that all areas of the building are sealed off, and they will apply anti-fungal solutions to prevent further growth. These measures are not only good for the health of those who work on the project, but they will also protect the surrounding environment and wildlife.
Debris
Demolition services can be an important part of any building renovation project. They help to make sure that old buildings are replaced with new ones and keep your property clean for future uses.
However, this process can also leave behind a lot of debris. Whether it’s nails, scrap metal, or raw materials from carpentry or electrical wiring, these materials need to be disposed of properly and safely so that no one gets hurt.
The EPA estimates that the total amount of construction and demolition debris generated in the United States in 2018 was more than double the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW). This includes material such as steel, wood products, drywall, tile and asphalt, concrete and other materials used in buildings, roads and bridges.
Using a dumpster for demolition waste disposal can help to keep this debris out of landfills. It can also prevent these materials from releasing methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Inspecting
Demolition work is typically a high-risk activity, and it is imperative to inspect the job site before any demolition takes place. If you don’t, you may receive bids from contractors based solely on what they think needs to be done at the site, which can result in you paying for services that aren’t as complete or accurate as they should be.
The inspection process begins with a walk-through survey to visually observe and gather information on the property. This allows the inspector to note items of interest that may become part of a commercial inspection report.
Research, including the review of documents and interviews, augments information gathered during the walk-through survey. The client is responsible for gathering and providing copies of any appropriate documents during the research portion of a commercial inspection. Check this out for more details.