DEMOLITION SAFETY Before the start of any demolition project, careful preparations must be made to ensure the safety of workers on the job and of other individuals within the vicinity of the demolition site. Planning for a demolition project is as important as actually doing the work; and according to Cal-OSHA, a competent person experienced in all phases of the demolition should conduct the demolition planning. Planning should involve the entire demolition operation including methods to be used to bring the structure down, necessary equipment to do the job, and measures to be taken to perform the job safely. Prior to the start of demolition, an engineering survey must be completed to assess the condition of the framing, floors, and walls to prevent a possible premature collapse of the structure. The demolition contractor is responsible for planning the wreckage of the structure, the equipment to do the work, informing worker of hazards and safety requirements, and public safety. Planning should include necessary safety equipment such as specific respirators, hearing protection, safety nets, lifelines, fall protection, warning signs, eye and face protection, and any other hazard protection device needed for the job. The engineering survey should determine if there are any chemicals, gases, explosives or flammable materials previously used or stored at the work site, which may still present a hazard. Examples include asbestos containing insulation or lead-based paint used in the initial construction. Service and utility companies should be notified in advance of the demolition. Then before demolition begins, electric, gas, sewer, water, steam, and overhead lines etc. must be located and shut off, capped or controlled. If it’s necessary to maintain some of the services, temporary relocation should be performed and all workers notified of the new locations to avoid accidents. If blasting is planned, a complete written blasting survey must be made by a qualified person. The survey should include the transportation, storage, and inventory of explosives as well as any fire precautions to be taken. A post-inspection of the area should be conducted after the blast to insure that no hazards remain. Enough time should be allowed for dust, smoke, and fumes to leave the blasted area before allowing re-entry into the site. Emergency preparation is a crucial element of the demolition planning process. Workers should know how to respond to possible emergency situations and evacuation routes should be devised, explained, and posted. Local medical or emergency responding facilities should be named and posted in a readily accessible location with phone numbers and addresses. First aid and CPR equipment with the names of on-site certified individuals should also be available on-site. The demolition area should be clearly marked as such to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed within restricted areas of the site. All site workers or authorized personnel should be dressed in appropriate personal protective wear and be informed of safety practices and emergency procedures.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 12:23:48 +0000
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