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Demolition Safeguards
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We have to take appropriate
safeguards in the demolition and dismantling work as follows:
Prior
to the Start of Demolition
All personnel involved in a demolition
project must be fully aware of the various hazards, which may be
encountered, and the safety precautions that may be taken in order
to control the hazards. Beginning any type of demolition project
without all the players knowing every aspect of the plan is an
invitation for something to go wrong.
Hold daily pre-job safety meetings with all workers, stressing
safety basics, common sense, alertness, and proper use of
demolition equipment. The meetings should cover inspection, proper
use and maintenance of all tools and equipment.
Also, keep in mind that OSHA mandates an engineering survey be
undertaken by a competent person prior to beginning a demolition
project. This is necessary to determine the condition of overall
structure, and also the possibility of the unplanned collapse of
any portion of the structure. Safe floor loads should be
determined to prevent overloading with demolition.
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Hand Tool
Hazards
The vast majority of hand tool injuries
occur when the proper tool is not used for the job. Workers are
often tempted to use whatever is at hand to hammer, pry or chip
instead of going to get the proper tool. When the wrong tool is
used for the job, injury is much more likely to occur than if the
right tool is used correctly.
Wrecking bars or crowbars: Make sure they have a
sharp point or keen edge that allows the bar to get a firm hold on
the object being moved. Using poor substitutes for these tools,
such as pieces of pipe, angle, iron or other building materials
can be a serious mistake, since the are more likely to slip or
break and cause injury.
Wire and bolt cutters: These require the wearing of
eye protection at all times. Don’t use a cutter too small for
the task, or try to gain added leverage by putting a length of
pipe over its handle. These tools are made to withstand a certain
amount of stress, depending on their size. Dangerously
over-stressing them can result in injury.
Sledges and hammers: These also require workers to
wear eye protection in order to prevent possible blindness from
concrete chips and splinters. Inspect equipment prior to use for
unacceptable conditions such as mushroomed heads, cracks,
looseness and splinters.
Shovels: Shovels are often thought of as a
relatively safe construction tool, but improper use can cause
serious back injuries, as well as injuries to other parts of the
body. Proper use requires a firm, solid stance, and moving the
entire body in the direction the material is being thrown instead
of twisting the back or knees.
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Power Tool
Hazards
By their very nature, power tools are
potentially more hazardous in general than hand tools. Power
sources such as compressed air, electricity, and gasoline further
exacerbate the safety hazards brought about through careless
handling or incorrect usage.
Pneumatic power tools: The biggest safety concern
with these is their air hoses, which can be either punctured or
cut, or damaged by heat and chemicals. Any of these things can
cause a hazard if the result is an uncontrolled whipping of the
air hose. To avoid injury from free-flying hammer bits, make sure
the bit is properly secured in the tool and avoid squeezing the
trigger until the tool is in the work.
Electric power tools: These must be properly
grounded or double-insulated to prevent electrocution. Be sure to
inspect the cord for fraying, cracks, and other damage before use,
and avoid using an electric tool while standing on a wet surface.
Gasoline power tools: One of the biggest hazards
involved with these tools is the explosive nature of the fuel used
to power them. Gasoline spilled on hot engine surfaces and the
accumulation of vapors and fumes can cause explosive conditions.
Refuel in a cooled engine where there is adequate ventilation, and
away from sparks, flames and other heat sources.
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Machine-Mounted
Tool Hazards
Falling debris is of particular concern in
demolition projects, both in terms of the workers actually doing
the demolition work, and other workers or bystanders. Make sure
the demolition area is clear of all unnecessary personnel prior to
work. Large attachments, such as those on excavators, require a
viewing area of at least 75 feet, and one of about 30 feet for
smaller attachments, such as those mounted on skid-steer loaders,
backhoe loaders and mini-excavators. Make sure all attachments are
installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Refrain from
modifying tools or equipment without first contacting the
manufacturer.
When an excavator, skid-steer loader, or other piece of equipment
is used on a floor deck, floor openings must have protective curbs
installed to prevent the equipment from falling through the
opening.
Excavators should have cab safety screens installed over top and
front glass when demolishing any type of overhead structure, as
well as a falling objects protection structure (FOPS). Cab windows
should be of transparent, shatterproof glass.
The ball on a ball and crane should not exceed the smaller of 50%
of the crane's rated load capacity, or 25% of the breaking
strength of the wire rope on which the ball is suspended. Check
with the crane manufacturer before beginning work to determine if
the crane can be used safely for demolition, as a demolition ball
places unusual stresses on a crane boom.
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Clothing
and Dress Tips
A large part of demolition safety involves
proper dress and the use of appropriate safety accessories,
especially when using power tools.
- Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught in machinery
- Pull long hair back
- Remove any jewelry that can interfere with safe machinery
operation
- Wear safety goggles or glasses with side protection
- Use a face mask in dusty applications, ear plugs when the
site is especially noisy or for extended periods of work
- Heavy work gloves should be worn to protect against the
steady vibration of power tools and the heat that can be
generated, especially in the bit
- Wear steel-toed shoes or boots.
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Please contact us
for any kind of demolition and dismantling work for your site. |
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