Demolition hazards & control measures
Introduction
Demolition work involves the dismantling,
destruction, or removal of structures, buildings, or other infrastructures.
Demolition work can be hazardous due to the presence of numerous risks such as
falling objects, electrical hazards, and exposure to hazardous substances.
Therefore, it is essential to identify, assess, and control the hazards
associated with demolition work to ensure the safety of workers and the general
public. In this article, we will discuss demolition hazards and controls.
Demolition Hazards
Falling
Objects: During demolition work, there is a
risk of falling objects such as bricks, debris, and equipment. Falling objects
can cause serious injuries or even death if they hit a worker or a member of
the public. The risk of falling objects can be reduced by using safety nets,
barricades, and warning signs.
Electrocution: Demolition work often involves the use of heavy equipment that can
come into contact with overhead power lines. This can cause electrocution and
result in serious injuries or death. Workers should be trained on the safe use
of equipment and should be made aware of the location of overhead power lines.
The use of insulated tools and equipment is also recommended.
Hazardous
Materials: Demolition work may involve the
presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and mold. These
materials can cause serious health problems if they are not properly handled
and removed. Workers should be trained on the safe handling and removal of
hazardous materials. Personal protective equipment such as respirators and
protective clothing should be worn.
Noise
Pollution: Demolition work can produce high
levels of noise that can cause hearing loss or other health problems. Workers
should wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect their hearing. Noise barriers can
also be installed to reduce the impact of noise on the surrounding environment.
Structural
Failure: Demolition work can cause the
structure being demolished to fail prematurely. This can cause serious injuries
or death to workers or members of the public. The demolition contractor should
carry out a structural assessment to identify any weak points and ensure that
the structure is properly supported before any demolition work commences.
Demolition Controls
Planning: A detailed demolition plan should be developed and approved by
relevant authorities. The plan should identify the hazards and risks associated
with the demolition work and outline measures to control or eliminate these
hazards.
Training: Workers should be trained on the safe use of equipment, the
handling of hazardous materials, and the use of personal protective equipment.
Equipment: The use of appropriate equipment such as cranes, excavators, and
jackhammers should be used to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
Site
Preparation: The site should be properly
prepared before any demolition work commences. This includes the removal of
hazardous materials, the installation of barricades and warning signs, and the
proper support of the structure being demolished.
Environmental
Controls: Measures should be taken to
control noise pollution, dust, and other environmental impacts.
Supervision: A qualified supervisor should be present on site to ensure that the
demolition work is carried out safely and according to the plan.
Conclusion
Demolition work can be hazardous due to the
presence of numerous risks such as falling objects, electrical hazards, and
exposure to hazardous substances. Therefore, it is essential to identify,
assess, and control the hazards associated with demolition work to ensure the
safety of workers and the general public. The use of appropriate equipment, the
proper handling and removal of hazardous materials, the installation of safety
measures such as safety nets, barricades, and warning signs, and the presence
of a qualified supervisor are all important controls that can be used to
mitigate the risks associated with demolition work. By implementing these
controls, we can ensure that demolition work is carried out safely and
efficiently.
