Staying Safe on a Demolition Site
It can be an absolute jungle at the typical demolition job site, with heavy machinery running all over and operators moving too fast for their own good. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says there were 39 fatal injuries to workers in construction last year, alongside four public fatalities. These figures highlight why health and safety must be at the forefront of all demolition activity. Safety Always Comes First At UK Construction Waste Co and below are our top tips to ensure everyone is safe on a demolition site.
Key Takeaways
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Essential for all site workers and visitors to ensure safety.
Site Management: Keeping the area free of any dangers or intruders is essential.
Environmental Monitoring: Control noise, dust, and vibration levels to prevent health issues.
Asbestos Precautions: Conduct surveys and proper removal to avoid severe health risks.
Training and Qualifications: Invest in staff education to prevent accidents.
Traffic Management: Formulate separation methods between people and vehicle transportation while running site traffic.
Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)is a must during demolition site. PPE is an assortment of equipment designed to protect workers from dangers in the workplace. Essential PPE items include:
Hard Hats: It does manage to brace head injuries with the debris that falls.
Safety Gloves: Protects you from cuts, abrasions and dangerous substances.
Safety Glasses: Shields eyes from environmental hazards and flying dust particles.
High-Visibility Clothing: Bright appearance to keep workers seen and therefore safe.
Steel Toe Cap Boots: Suitable for foot protection under heavy objects.
Ear Protectors: They help protect your ears from sound damage(metrics such as hearing loss).
Dust Masks: Safe to use with harmful dust in the work area and prevent hazardous waste from contaminating respiratory health.
Keep the Site as Clear as Possible
Maintaining a clear site minimises trip hazards and ensures smooth operations. This involves two key aspects:
Waste Management: Regularly remove debris and waste materials to prevent obstruction and potential accidents. A robust waste management strategy should be in place to handle the generated waste efficiently.
Access Control: Limit site access to authorised personnel only. An onsite presence that is not needed puts people at risk - particularly in structurally compromised areas. Make sure that the visitors are not only informed about safety protocols but also follow them.
Monitor Noise, Dust, and Vibration on Site
Demolition activities generate significant noise, dust, and vibration, all pos health risks if not adequately controlled. Implement the following measures:
Noise Control: Use ear protection and schedule loud activities to minimise exposure.
Dust Management: Employ water sprays and suppression systems to keep dust levels low.
Vibration Monitoring: Regularly check and document vibration levels to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Make Sure an Asbestos Survey is Carried Out First
Get a complete asbestos survey in place before you begin demolition works. Asbestos (a hazardous material common in older buildings) can create serious health hazards when disturbed. A professional survey guarantees that any asbestos is properly pin-pointed and removed by trained professionals so the demolition can carry on safely. This step is necessary to protect workers and nearby residents from dangerous asbestos fibres.
Invest in Training and Qualifications
Preemptive action through training and education is the best way to prevent site accidents. Ensure that all staff members are appropriately qualified, especially in areas like health and safety training specific to demolition work. Keep up-to-date on new safety measures and industry regulations by taking extra courses.
Implement Traffic Management
A construction site that is a demolition can have 100s of vehicles and machinery moving through it. Importance of traffic management plan at the global structure to ensure safety:
Traffic Control: Assign separate vehicle access and processes and mobile equipment to reduce spear - accidents.
Separation of Vehicles and Pedestrians: Design pathways for cars and walkways to prevent accidents.
Reversing and Turning: Consider site layout to reduce reversing and tight turns, which frequently cause accidents.
Conclusion
Our world is full of potential landslides; if a mistake could trigger one somewhere beneath your feet and put you in danger from above, the safety factor is essential on demolition sites. Following these tips and using safe practices will reduce the odds of an accident/ injury. For several years, the UK Construction Waste Co team has been helping to ensure that their demolition processes are quick and safe. With our reputation for excellence, we hold a selection of industry accreditations to show just how seriously committed to safety we are.
Contact us today for expert demolition services in London, Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond the UK. Click here to check out our website, head over there and request your free quote. We need to work together to create a secure and fast demo disposal.
