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.
Go To Top
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.
Go To Top
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.
Go To Top
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.
Go To Top
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.
Go To Top
Please contact us for any kind of demolition and dismantling work for your site.
