Demolition meaning
Demolition activity is a major site base activity which takes place in fairly all construction sites. Demolition involves the process of tearing down, pulling down, knocking down, flattening, leveling or bulldozing an existing structure.
The process of demolition could be brought about by development, upgrading, etc. Since demolition is one activity which is inextricably linked with construction projects, we have to define measures to ensure that the process is carried out successfully.
This is why this article after briefly explaining “Demolition meaning”, will also highlight the demolition risk assessment and also safety tips while carrying out demolition activity.
To ensure the safe completion of a demolition activity, two main approaches are mostly adopted:
- Piece meal: Here the structure is being taken down in bits till it is completely flattened.
- Planned collapse: In this pattern of demolition, the supporting components of the structure are always targeted. When the supporting structures are being removed, the building will collapsed on its own.
Demolition Risk Assessment
Due to the numerous risk involved with demolition activity, it is always advisable for proper risk assessment to be carried out before the commencement of the job. This risk assessment will help identify potential hazards and analyze what could happen if a hazard occurs. Some of the risk involve in demolition process are: Fall from height, falling objects, uncontrolled collapse, connected services, exposure to hazardous materials, traffic issues, noise, vibration, fire & explosion, etc.
Follow this link below to learn how to carry out a successful risk assessment and risk rating
Demolition Safety Precautions
- Work should be carried out based on the result of the risk assessment carried out for the demolition activity.
- Only trained operators and workers should be used for the job
- Known risk should be communicated to all members of the team to ensure collective safety.
- The best demolition strategy should be adopted, i.e, Piece meal or planned collapse.
- The history of the structure should be gotten, which will help in identifying some inherent risk which may not be obvious. Like presence of Asbestos, buried services, etc.
- Safe access to and egress from the demolished structure should be provided.
- Adequate segregation should be done to protect third-party intrusion and prevent harm to the public.
- Adequate PPE should be provided and enforced through out the duration of the activity. If need be, the workers should be trained on proper use of PPE before the commencement of the task.
- To prevent immature collapse, some areas may need to be shored.
- Full inspection of the structure should be carried out before the commencement of the demolition activity.
- Adequate job design and procedures should be adopted. For example to protect workers from excessive exposure to vibration, the duration of exposure should be reduced by carrying out the job on shift basis.
- Ensure that the right machineries are selected for the job.
Base on our topic “Demolition meaning – Demolition risk assessment and Safety precautions“; We have successfully highlighted 12 concrete safety precaution for demolition activity. All of these may not be applicable in all demolition activity always, but anytime demolition activity is to be carried out, risk assessment should be carried out by a competent person, and relevant safety precautions adopted to ensure the successful completion of the task.
Related Articles
Working at height risk assessment
6 Methods of risk assessment you should know
Risk Control – Hierarchy of control
