Safety Measures Necessary for Concrete Removal

Safety measures are crucial when dealing with concrete removal. Anything short of this can put a worker’s life in danger along with anyone else that is around the site. It is important to make sure all legal requirements are adhered to. Here are some of the key safety measures that have to be applied with regards to concrete removal and demolition.

safety first

Hard Hats

This is one of the most important safety measures when dealing with concrete removal. Hard hats are key because the head is the most vulnerable when carrying out this kind of work. If the head is not protected, it can be very dangerous due to the amount of falling debris a worker is exposed to.

Respirators

When removing concrete, a lot of dust is generated which is then inhaled by the workers. Thus, it is key to provide your workers with these devices which ensures they don’t breathe in construction dust but clean air.

Breathing in construction dust can become problematic especially in the long term along with the short term discomfort that will be felt. Thus, it is essential to make sure the workers are well taken care of and have access to respirators for their own benefit.

Safety Glasses

The next safety measure that is employed when it comes to concrete removal and demolition are safety glasses to ensure the worker is not only able to see better, but to ensure flying debris and particles do not injure their eyes. The worker’s eyes have to be covered at all times in this environment.

hard hat, safety shoes, and goggles

High Visibility Clothing

High visibility clothing is a must in order to ensure all parties involved are able to see each other at all times. This is done to make sure no one gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets hurt because their fellow worker did not see them. This could lead to severe injuries which could have been prevented had they been wearing high visibility clothing.

Protective Footwear

Workers are obligated to put on protective footwear in the form of steel toe safety boots at all times to protect their feet from being injured by heavy objects. Due to the heaviness of the equipment that is being used and the materials that can often get sprayed around, it is key to have these boots on at all times and not to take them off. If they are taken off, the exposed feet are likely to get injured.

Hearing Protection

There is a lot of prolonged loud noise in these work environments because of the machinery used when removing concrete. Due to the noise pollution, it is imperative they have the right kind of hearing protection. All workers are provided with high quality hearing protection to ensure they do not have their hearing damaged due to the work that is being completed. Not only is there a lot of exposure to noise, but there is continuous exposure which can cause a lot of damage to the ears.

Quality Dust Control Methods

There is a lot of dust that ends up flying about when it comes to concrete removal. It is a part of the environment that a worker is exposed to and thus it becomes important to get rid of the dust as soon as possible and to keep the air clean. The oxygen requirement for these workers is high as the air thickens due to the dust itself. There are ventilation options available along with the respirators mentioned above.

Concrete removal and demolition jobs require professionals with years of experience. There are numerous processes that take place before the worker is able to begin and this is essential when it comes to making sure they do not get injured and are not putting themselves at risk. The safety measures that have been listed here are all part of a checklist that must be followed to ensure the workers are as safe as possible at all times.

Why You Need Concrete Removal Companies and Demolition Expert

Concrete removal, particularly in construction sites, is no small feat. Although most construction firms and do-it-yourself enthusiasts are willing to do the hard work, concrete removal is easier with the help of an expert. To successfully remove and demolish concrete, you need to consider many factors such as the tools and the technical expertise.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about these factors because there are concrete removal services that will do the heavy lifting for you. In other words, concrete removal is a job that should be done only by experts.

concrete demolition site

Of course, you can try to demolish that driveway or floor with a jackhammer. However, that’s not the way to do it. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re doing it the wrong way. Why? Because you need the expertise and the right equipment. Here are the reasons why you need a concrete removal and demotion expert:

Effective Concrete Demolition and Removal

Breaking and removing concrete can be tricky. There could be wires and pipes underneath the concrete. So, if you were to do this yourself, you could end up breaking the pipes and cables, adding more problems.

Experienced concrete removal companies, on the other hand, know the risks and are able to perform the job without damaging any wires or pipes. By hiring an expert, you are saving time, energy and money.

Safety and Experience

The highly skilled concrete removal firms are also safety-conscious. Like other construction trades, there are safety protocols to follow. If you decide to do the work without knowing the rules, the results could be catastrophic.

However, if you’ll hire a good concrete removal service, you’re not just hiring that company to do an excellent job, you’re also hiring the company to protect yourself and your business. Concrete removal companies like Megasaw, for example, have the requisite industry standard safety protocols put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project.

Adequate Insurance Policies

Concrete removal is a dangerous task; it can result in significant injuries. For instance, it’s easy for a construction firm to start removing a concrete without studying a property’s foundations. If something goes wrong and the workers are injured, the construction firm is liable and will have to pay the necessary medical bills.

On the other hand, concrete removal companies have insurance policies that are able to handle situations like this. In other words, hiring a concrete removal service is safer for everyone. Accidents can happen anytime, so you need to be careful. That means getting an expert.

The Right Tools and Equipment

concrete building demolition

A good work requires a good set of tools. Let’s face it, you don’t have the right tools to demolish large concrete. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars buying the necessary equipment. The most practical way is to get a concrete removal expert. They have the right tools, they are knowledgeable about the task and they are affordable too.

MegaSaw: Concrete Removal and Demolition Expert in Melbourne

Now that we’ve established a strong reason to hire a concrete removal expert, it’s time to find the right company to help you. Introducing MegaSaw, your concrete demolition specialist. We’ve been providing excellent services for over 40 years. We have the talent, the skills and the tools needed to get the job done. Plus, MegaSaw is fully-insured.

So, if you need a highly experienced concrete removal and demolition service in Melbourne, you’re in the place. Give us a call now at 1300 920 419 or email us at info@megasaw.com.au.

Important Tools Used By Concrete Removal Companies

Planning for home renovation? Perhaps you’re thinking of changing the look of your front yard, basketball court or other concreted areas. Then you may consider the help of a concrete removal company. Concrete removal services are very important as this kind of job is very challenging for certain individuals and require tough tools to perform the task. It is highly suggested to leave the job to qualified and expert personnel to ensure that proper approach and precautions are being undertaken.

Certified removal companies are equipped with all the appropriate tools, machineries as well as expertise to execute the job in the most perfect manner. Most concrete removal solutions vary in their approaches and techniques. You need to be meticulous in choosing only reputable company to deliver you the best performance and quality work. Make sure that the company is highly equipped with functional and advanced concrete cutting tools. Let’s take a look at the important tools concrete removal company use to ensure quality service.

 

Saws

There is a wide range of saws that are used to complete the concrete cutting and concrete removal process. This ranges from petrol, electric or hydraulic driven road saws to handsaws. These are among the vital tools concrete removal companies use. This is to ensure that the cuts are very accurate and leave only a minimal mess. Saws are of great importance in the concrete removal task. They are able to cut big areas of concretes into blocks which are then taken by forklifts or recycle bins away from the site.

X-ray Vision

This is another important tool use in the concrete removal process which ensures that the right approach is being undertaken. What is ‘X-ray vision’ for? Do these tools enable workers to use their own vision to see through the ground? Of course not, these are concrete removal tools designed to detect anything that might be under the ground like concrete or bricks. This is the best approach to take in making sure the concrete being removed is done so in a professional and high-quality manner every step of the way. This is another way to make sure the job is done properly.

Radar

The radar is another type of tool useful in concrete removal or demolition. They are helpful in generating a vivid view of the concrete wall or slab. This type of concrete removal tool is important for post survey data processing, engineering purposes and in reviewing or analysing for pre-design. Radar is helpful in examining what lies beneath the concrete’s surface and avoiding it in order not to create damage.

The radar is used together with the X-ray vision to scan for embedded objects before drilling, breaking or sawing the concrete. This procedure is very vital to ensure that buried obstructions such as wire mesh, drainage, post tension, waterlines, cables conduit, etc. are avoided and not being damaged. This is what most concrete removal companies aim for – to perform quality work without missing any details and do it in a very careful manner.

concrete removal solutions

Cameras

With the rise of modern technology, the use of digital cameras has become a big part of the concrete removal process and all that it entails. There is nothing worse than performing a solution where you don’t have a clear view of what is needed to be done.

Most planning phases for concrete removal involve digital cameras being placed on the ground. This is done to ensure the final look and minimize the mess on the planning that has been applied.

Thermography

Floor heating is another process that is used by concrete removal companies to make sure the results are in accordance with the client’s needs and wants. How does this work? The radars are placed on the floor and the ‘heated’ areas are pinpointed to make sure the right spots are being detected.

These heated areas are the spots that are going to be targeted and removed or demolished properly. Thermography is an important part of the concrete removal process to ensure quality and perfect results. This is the goal of most concrete removal companies for all their projects. That’s why they will utilise processes and tools at their disposal to point out those weak points.

Mapping Tools

The planning phase is easier said than done for these concrete removal companies. As mentioned before, it is not as easy as just getting up and putting together a plan to get rid of the concrete that is in the way. It requires a lot more than just planning. And that is why advanced tools such as mapping tools are used to get the job done.

Mapping tools are devices use to depict what is going to be done by following the simple path or map to accomplish a desired task. This is very important in concrete removal jobs as it can guide the workers to perform the process in a perfect fashion.

Tanks

Another important tool used in the final process of concrete removal is the tank. Underground tanks are simply the tools to ensure the concrete is taken care of and discarded right away.

The tanks are put together through the implementation of modern day technology.  It is where the demolished concrete and debris are kept and disposed in the proper wasteland. Having tanks is very important in concrete removal to ensure the area is cleared of excess concrete and no mess are left in the place. This way concrete removal companies can give satisfaction-guaranteed performance and quality service to their clients.

These are just some of the important tools concrete removal companies use to ensure all of the ‘muck’ that is left behind is taken care of immediately. There should be no debris left behind. The area must be as clean as possible at the end of the removal process. Clients who are able to get these results are often the happiest and most satisfied ones. They have gained the right approach to concrete removal process using only modern equipment and tools. There is nothing more important for a client than great quality in the end.

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.

Concrete Recycling: Mega Saw’s Contribution for a Greener Environment

MegaSaw has been offering concrete drilling and cutting solutions for 40+ years now. They use cost effective and safe methods for masonry products and concrete related services. Aside from this, the company also contributes towards a greener environment through successful recycling of concrete, ensuring complete peace of mind for their clients.

With MegaSaw coming to the aid and ensuring proper disposal of on-site debris, making significant savings is not difficult.

Cost savings with MegaSaw concrete recycling:

  • Savings on transport to landfills, at the rate of $.25/ton per mile
  • Savings on disposal costs at $100/ton

As time passes, the costs of using landfills already overburdened with debris are becoming quite expensive. In such situations, the construction industry has no other option but to look for alternatives to deal with concrete debris successfully, so that they do not become an unnecessary burden.

Today, landfills remain heavily regulated, so naturally, the debris related to land clearing, construction and demolition has become a big headache for everybody related to the real estate industry.

MegaSaw understands the situation very well. They are always looking for ways to minimize the hassles for their clients.

The good news is they have developed a viable method of dealing with this problem, while doing something for the environment at the same time.

Recycling of concrete waste is how they managed the problem. This solution produced the best results for their customers.

Concrete Recycling Process

Do you think that recycling concrete is a complex and expensive process? With MegaSaw at the helm, everything becomes smooth, quick, and highly affordable. Their use of the latest technologies signifies fast solutions in keeping with specific project needs.

Over the years, the company has made a conscious effort toward incorporating state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies, with focus on environmental issues.

Naturally, they emphasized the use of a simple concrete recycling process, which is both time and budget friendly.

For example, when it comes to recycling pavement concrete debris, the process involves breaking the pavement, removal, and crushing of the concrete slabs.

The crushing process turns big slabs into materials of specific quality and size for ease of recycling. Now it becomes possible to reuse the crushed concrete as aggregate in concrete or other structural layers.

In general, people tend to use it in combination with virgin aggregate for new concrete use scenarios. However, it is important to remember that the maximal use of recycled concrete is in the form of sub-base layer aggregate. MegaSaw uses both formats based upon specific situations and client requirements.

Developments in modern technology have led to advancements in the recycling process. MegaSaw is quick to jump on the chance to use them as quickly as possible.

After all, it signifies an economical way to deal with various concrete pavement types. Some of the technology inputs available from the company include the following:

  • Concrete pavement breaking for continuously reinforced, mesh-and-dowel, or plain
  • Mechanized steel removal for minimizing hand labor
  • Crushing equipment application & use for accommodating steel reinforcement

Recycling of Concrete Pavement

Recycling of concrete pavement is MegaSaw’s forte. They offer the best solutions for all types of pavement recycling. This includes use of latest recycling technology for

  •   Plain Jointed Pavement
  • Continuously Reinforced Type
  • Reinforced Jointed Pavement
  • Airport Pavement

Use of high quality equipment ensures that the company is able to recycle concrete pavements of high thickness, including those that are 17 inches or more. Recycling involves transportation of concrete debris to a recycling plant. But many times, they also use portable machinery for on-site green disposal of concrete.

The MegaSaw Benefits

Do you know why concrete waste poses such a big threat to the environment? The simple reason for this is that concrete debris is never biodegradable, not in any shape, form, or way!

So, while over the years, it may gradually crumble pitiably, it still sits as it is in place or at landfills for times to come. Can you allow this to happen to your environment? What about the substantial costs involved in transportation to the landfills in the first place?

MegaSaw takes its concrete disposal responsibility seriously. They will never allow Mother Earth to clutter up unnecessarily.

Consequently, when you are dealing with this company, you will be able to reap all the benefits related to concrete recycling the successful way.

Concrete recycling is the energy saving endeavor when compared to various mining processes or transportation related to new aggregates. Use of recycled material in new constructions is another cost-saving proposition that the company wants their clients to benefit from thoroughly.

Remember, the responsibility of MegaSaw doesn’t end with construction project completions. It already contemplates the next step – that of recycling concrete successfully. Naturally, one cannot deny the company’s contributions towards a greener environment!

Possible Hazards and Warnings During Concrete Removal

Concrete removal jobs involve different types of hazards. There must be issued a clear and comprehensive warning for possible hazards contractors might face during their job. Here’s a brief list of possible hazards against which the participating contractors are warned.

Trip or Fall Hazards: Contractors are warned to be careful about protruding nails and other sharp objects. Surfaces they are working on must besturdy and not slippery. They also need to wear hard-soled work boots designed to protect their feet against crushing as well as other possible hazards. They must also maintain proper safety by maintaining stable 3-point contact with the ground and also must not stand on the topmost rung.

Chemical Handling Hazards: Contractors must not open or use chemicals with which they are not familiar. Before handling any chemical they must go through the safety data sheets provided by the manufacturers. Even those who are familiar with using chemicals are asked not to mix chemicals for precautionary reasons. Wearing eye protection at the time of handling them is a must.

Noise: Contractors also need to use earplugs to protect their hearing while working around loud equipment like heavy generators or chainsaws.

Head Injury Hazards: While working under low ceilings, or areas with a risk of overhead debris fall, or possible electrical hazards, contractors must use hardhats compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standards.

Respiratory Hazards: Due to excessive dust during concrete removal contractors are also asked to use P100/HEPA filtering face masks. They are advised to conduct a seal check every time they use a face mask respirator. This is because apart from dust, other harmful particles like silica, asbestos, laden sand, mold and paint dust may also be present there. Contractors with pre-existing respiratory problems require a medical checkup before taking part in a concrete removal job. In addition, several other precautions are taken to ensure absolute safety while working.

Mold and Biological Hazards: In water damaged buildings, furnishings and materials, there is a high risk of mold contamination. Contractors must use only NIOSH approved respirators while working in those areas. Any porous material that has been wet for more than 48 hours must be removed and discarded. There are also specific instructions about cleaning non-porous surfaces.

Skin Irritation Hazards: When handling fiber glass, concrete or disposables exposed to sewage water, contractors must wear full sleeve shirts to prevent any kind of skin infection and irritation.

Lifting Hazards: The job often includes lifting of heavy loads. Contractors must learn to use safe lifting techniques for preventing any kind of back injury. For safe lifting, contractors should squat and lift. They should avoid bending by their waist when lifting any heavy object. There are also a few additional instructions. They include keeping the load as close to your body as possible; bowing the back and raising the head first while lifting; keeping feet apart; and to avoid jerking or twisting while carrying a load. It is best to wear shoes with no-slip soles. Following these precautionary measures ensures complete safety while working under demanding conditions.

Electrical Safety: Contractors working in cleanup projects and concrete removal jobs must never run a portable generator in closed conditions. The carbon monoxide emitted from the generators is extremely harmful, even fatal in indoor conditions. Shut the generator before refueling. All electric chords must be thoroughly checked for any kind of defect or punches. Contractors are required to use ground-fault-circuit-interrupter or GFCI while working with electrical equipment on a wet surface. They must also maintain a safe distance from grounded power cables. Any electrical equipment coming in contact with water must be checked intensively by a licensed and qualified electrician before switching back on.

Work Zone Traffic: While working near moving vehicles, it is mandatory for the contractors to wear high-visibility clothing and head protection. They must also use proper devices for traffic control to avert any possible accident.

Chain Saw Safety: There is a great potential for injury with this equipment. If not properly trained to handle chain saw or other similar equipment, contractors must abstain from using them. Even those trained to use them must also wear protective gear like hard hats, face shields, clamps and work gloves for maximum safety.

Contractors should be familiar with all the above mentioned hazards and the necessary protective measures before they indulge in concrete removal or other similar activities.

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