There are plenty of dangers in building demolition. Oregon job sites may contain trenches, heavy equipment, and fall hazards. Due to the inherently dangerous nature of any construction or demolition site, contractors must prioritize safety first. While most bystanders notice only the large equipment used to take down buildings, there are many other hidden dangers that are less obvious to the non-professional. Today we’re taking a look at three hidden ways that demolition contractors keep workers and the general public safe from harm.
How Demolition Experts on Keep the Public Safe From 3 Hidden Demolition Site Dangers
- Demolition Contractors Provide Protection from Respiratory Toxins, including asbestos, Synthetic Mineral Fibers (SMF), crystalline silica, and plain old dust. Another dangerous airborne substance that demolition workers may be exposed to is Synthetic Metal Fibers (SMF). When materials are cut or broken apart, these dangerous substances may be released into the air. Contractors are therefore required to protect workers from respiratory dangers by providing and requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment, such as respirators.
Demolition firms must also consider how to protect the public from dust exposure. Some methods for dust control include regular sprinkling (to keep exposed dirt from blowing away in the wind), installing windbreaks, or using atomized spray systems to distribute a mist. Mist water droplets have the opposite electrical charge of dust particles; as the mist is sprayed, the particles are attracted to droplets and the dust hazard is eliminated.
- Demolition Firms Protect the Surrounding Community from Noise Exposure. Continued exposure to noisy environs can cause permanent hearing damage; therefore, most cities and states enforce noise ordinance standards. As an example, our hometown of Portland, Oregon allows 85 dBA at a 50’ distance between the hours of 7am and 6pm on weekdays; any higher noise levels or differing hours of operation require a special noise permit.
Demolition is an invariably noisy affair; it’s nearly impossible to take down buildings quietly. Contractors may use vibrating equipment, or cause loud bangs by ramming excavator attachments into facades. To minimize noise pollution for nearby communities, demolition contractors may stockpile soil, muffle equipment, or erect barriers. Of course, demolition contractors are also required to wear personal protective equipment when working on site.
- Demolition Experts Create Fire Plans. Demolition sites contain several fire hazards. Any heat-generating tools create a fire risk, for one thing. Moreover, incendiary materials may be left on site for disposal. Before demolition can begin, managers must create in-depth fire plans. Demolition fire plans outline escape routes and name preventative measures. The fire plan may also state the location of fire extinguishers, where sprinklers will be installed, and how the demolition firm plans to handle flammable materials. The City of Portland requires demolition contractors to include fire safety in their site plans.
A few more dangers that demolition contractors must prevent include uncontrolled building collapse, disturbance of utility lines, and the release of hazardous substances. Keeping the public safe can also mean adeptly directing traffic. As your Portland demolition experts, we always put safety first. Call us today to learn how we can take down your building with a minimum amount of bother for neighbors.
[Photo by NAVFAC via CC License]