Important Things to Consider When Executing Demolition Projects

However competent the service provider may be, one thing is certain, demolition projects are potentially hazardous. Inhabitants have no other option but to bear the unrelenting noise, obtrusive smells, chaotic equipment fields, damaged materials, and harsh vibrations till the end of the project.

As you can see, contractors have to walk on a tightrope, maintaining the timeframe, while causing minimal discomfort and disruptions. The strategy is to develop a proper construction plan that considers the well-being of others as well.

Below are the factors to consider for ensuring optimum demolition project output while keeping hazards and noise minimal.

Find a Competent Contractor

It is the charisma and the competency of the contractor that determines how smoothly the work will go. Demolition solutions are of different types, and therefore, find a company that offers an expansive range, large material, and equipment inventory. With precision demolition methods patchwork efforts, build back, and repairs become less time-consuming, and effortless.

Proper Emergency Planning

Are you in need of a demolition service or emergency construction? It is important to find a competent and reliable contractor to ensure optimal results. These professionals have a strong team and reliable equipment for achieving immediate mobilization, meeting your project requirements well within time and budget.

Schedule it Around Downtime

Downtime scheduling will allow the work to proceed during the lull phase so that there is minimal disruption of work and business. Additionally, downtime also signifies minimal traffic on the roads and the slowing down of activities.

When looking for a contractor, make sure that they are ready to offer a flexible schedule, adapting to your specific time frames. Ideal firms keep a force and essential equipment ready for meeting emergency demands.

Control Debris & Dust

Demolition projects signify high volumes of debris and dust that require immediate attention and continuous removal throughout the duration of the project.

Cleanliness at the work site is a paramount consideration for reputable contractors. This is especially true for manufacturing units, hospitals, and commercial businesses who are careful about their professional image.

Airborne dust produced by conventional demolition work may disrupt activities and cause health issues. Therefore, complete elimination of airborne particles is important during the execution of demolition projects.

Control the Vibration & Noise

Another aspect to consider is vibration and noise that can be heard in residential areas. Thus, it is extremely important to bring unwanted noise and vibration under control. The project work can then move forward without interruptions. Some traditional demolition methods that cause a jarring noise include,

  • Jackhammers
  • Implosion/Explosion
  • Wrecking Balls
  • Excavators
  • Hoe Rams

So, good contractors opt for methods that cause minimal work disruption, such as, breaking, crunching, and concrete cutting. Use of controlled techniques result in virtually no noise, and significantly less vibration.

Reputable contractors will also use machinery, power sources, and remotely operated equipment, which they can position away from the work area, minimizing the overall impact of noise and vibration.

Get Rid of Worksite Obstructions

Obstructions at a demolition site can be a real cause for concern. Inflexible and large, heavy equipment pieces will restrict the movement of the worker, leading to clutter in the worksite.

This in turn poses difficulties and danger to occupants and workers alike. It is possible to minimize site disruption and construction traffic with the help of cutting control techniques.

Applying these methods allows the project to be broken up into small and manageable sections, making methodical and timely removal possible.

Competent and experienced contractors dealing with such demolition projects will maintain optimal work site housekeeping, leaving behind negligible operational footprint.

Safe guard the air quality

Preserving the air quality related to the project site and the overall environment in residential areas is extremely important.

Experienced contractors understand this need very well and take precautions to ensure this.
Traditional processes coupled with heavy machinery use lead to the generation of unpleasant odours and dangerous gases. It is up to the demolition firm to take care of this issue using the right methods and equipment to keep air pollution levels to a minimum. This includes the use of,

  • Electric equipment instead of diesel/gas powered varieties
  • Filters & exhaust scrubbers
  • Comprehensive tenting & ventilation
  • Techniques for moving air

By following the right methods, contractors can help safeguard air quality on-site and throughout the surrounding areas.

Use these parameters to find a seasoned, quality and reliable contract or that not only gets the job done, but does it in a safe, quiet and efficient manner.

Most Common Concrete Cutting and Drilling Hazards and Their Solutions

The highly crucial projects involving concrete cutting and drilling come with different risks and hazards. Experienced people dealing with such projects understand those risks very well and are able to resolve them successfully.

Outlined below are some of the most common concrete cutting and drilling hazards along with their solutions:

a) Kick Back

This signifies violent or sudden movement of saws away from cutting surfaces, posing extreme risks for both bystanders and the operators. Different types of injuries may occur, including, bruises, fractures, cuts, and strains. Any contact with blade signifies lethal lacerations. There can be numerous causes for kickback, including the presence of unstable surfaces, embedded objects as pipes or wires, and cutting above the shoulder level.

Some of the precautions to minimise the chances of kickback include appropriate equipment selection and use of scaffold for projects over shoulder height. Careful consultation with the builders plan helps in avoiding embedded objects. Also, keep bystanders at a safe distance, away from an ongoing project and never circumvent or remove guards.

b) Inverted Cutting

It is important to take certain precautions related to inverted cutting to ensure smooth operations and keep hazards at bay. It involves cutting slab undersides, overhang, or floor. One should never undertake to do this using a hand-held saw since this affords little control on cutting machines present over shoulder height. Only, appropriately trained operators should undertake such projects that too using wall track-mounted saws. Never use water-cooled saws for such projects because water will flood inside the motor and create yet another hazard.

c) Noise Generation

Excessive generation of noise at the cutting site is another possible hazard. It may lead to damage of hearing because of extremely loud noise in short periods. Lower noise levels for lengthened periods may also create problems. It is important to implement control measures to keep the chances of damage to the hearing to a minimal.

For minimising or eliminating noise risks use saw noise-reduced blades, quietest blades and equipment, and gain information regarding equipment noise levels prior to purchase. Those who are not related directly to concrete drilling and cutting project should stay at least 7 m away from the job site. Use of hearing protectors is another precaution that can minimise the risks related to generated noise.

d) Gases & Dust

In order to deal effectively with gases and dust generation related to concrete cutting it is important to take the right precautions. While use of equipment for dust extraction and water suppression is ideal, it is not possible to apply them in all scenarios. If possible, use slower masonry and concrete drilling or cutting equipment, which generate minimal dust, if any. It is important to use respiratory guards at such project sites to keep health hazards at bay. Filter particulate respirators are a good choice since it gives protection against,

  • Dust
  • Fibres
  • Lead Fumes
  • Asbestos
  • Silica

Silica dust is a major cause behind silicosis, chronic problem that leads to scarring and stiffening of the lungs. While symptoms are quite slow to appear it ultimately leads to health degeneration of the patient. Carbon monoxide gas emanating from concrete cutting sides is extremely hazardous. This odourless and colourless chemical asphyxiates, causes unconsciousness, rapid coordination loss, and even death. Respirators covered by OSH regulations are ideal for use in such environments.

e) Manual Tasks

Manual tasks related to concrete cutting projects bring with them a variety of hazards such as static or awkward working positions maintained/repeated for long periods of time. Trip and slip hazards or violent reactions of a different equipment are other problems that may crop up anytime. Use of proper support frames can minimise repetitions and holding of static positions. Whenever possible, try using lighter equipment, reduction in movement range, proper safety training for operators, and pre-check blades and different components.

f) Electricity

One cannot emphasise enough the hazards posed by electricity during concrete cutting. Pooled water always increases the chances of electrocution; therefore, its removal with dry or wet vacuum cleaner is necessary. In order to go for wet cutting always use petrol engine, hydraulic, pneumatic powered equipment and try avoid using those powered by electricity. Any electrical portable equipment in use should have protection against Earth leakage. Regular inspection and tagging of equipment with trained technicians is crucial too.

g) Vacuum Pressure Loss

Those who use vacuum assembly for anchoring stands of core drills are open to injuries if slurry, fills in the vacuum pump, leading to vacuum loss so that drill stand breaks free. In order to avoid this the operator should utilise bolt stands at least whenever possible. Use of sound surfaces for use of vacuum attachment is necessary, and so is monitoring of equipment on a regular basis to ensure vacuum pressure maintenance.