Common Risks Associated With Demolition Projects
5 Common Risks Associated With Demolition Projects
While demolition is necessary for preparing job sites, it can pose major safety risks for workers. Demolition crews with professional and personal protective equipment are essential to navigate dangerous environments while managing heavy equipment and hazardous materials.
This guide will discuss the most common risks of demolition projects.
1. Falling Objects
One of the most significant safety hazards for demolition teams is falling objects. When tearing down buildings, pieces may fall unexpectedly. Unplanned collapses can also occur, causing the entire building to crumble. Heavy debris can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
Conduct an engineering survey before starting your demolition project to determine the structure’s condition and post hazard signs to warn everyone on the job site.
2. Falls from Heights
Demolition crews working from elevated positions, such as tall structures and aerial lifts, are at risk of falling from height. Falls from demolition structures are particularly hazardous because workers can fall into lower levels of an industrial facility.
Prevent these incidents with fall protection equipment like harnesses, guard rails and safety nets.
3. Hazardous Materials
Many older buildings contain hazardous substances, such as asbestos and lead. These materials can be disturbed during demolition, releasing toxic particles into the air that are dangerous to breathe in. Workers are also exposed to silica dust particles when demolishing concrete foundations, potentially causing serious health issues like lung cancer, kidney disease and silicosis. Chemicals, dust and fumes are also prevalent on demolition sites.
Workers must wear appropriate PPE and respirators to protect against hazardous particle inhalation during demolition.
4. Electrical Hazards
Electric shock can occur on demolition sites with live electrical wires and equipment. If workers come into contact with these hazards, the consequences can be severe or even fatal. Utilities like gas, water and sewer services can also pose safety risks if not controlled.
Engineering surveys can help you identify electrical and utility hazards on your job site. Turn off breaker switches and utility services to prevent injury.
5. Noise and Vibrations
Exposure to prolonged or excessive noise on demolition sites can cause hearing loss, cardiovascular disease and tinnitus. Vibrations from power tools can result in headaches, back pain and carpal tunnel. Vibrations can also lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which causes blood vessels in the fingers to collapse.
Workers must wear appropriate PPE along with hearing and hand protection to minimize the effects of demolition noise and vibration.
Avoid the Risks of Industrial Demolition Projects
You can eliminate the common risks associated with demolition projects by booking industrial demolition services from GSD Companies. We leverage decades of experience to get every job done right with optimal safety and competitive pricing.