Three Safety Considerations to Have in Mind When Undertaking a Commercial Demolition Project

When planning for the demolition process of your commercial structure, you must evaluate different factors which could affect the success of your project. One of these critical considerations is the safety of the worksite. The demolition process can be dangerous and cause unforeseen liabilities. This can translate into unexpected lawsuits and financial losses for your company. You should create a plan for proper demolition with the assistance of a licensed contractor. Here are the most important safety factors to consider before knocking down the building.

Presence of hazardous building materials

Hazardous construction materials might be present in your building if your commercial structure is old. If these materials are not handled correctly, they will contaminate your property. Moreover, these materials can cause harm to the demolition workers, the neighbors and the general environment. You should commission a thorough inspection of your commercial building before the commencement of the demolition process.

The evaluation will help you identify any potentially dangerous material, allowing you to make a plan for safe handling. Asbestos is one of these hazardous structural materials. If asbestos fibers are released, they can cause dangerous respiratory conditions. You should ensure that proper testing is conducted and any asbestos-containing materials are removed. Other hazardous products that you should look out for include synthetic mineral fibers, lead paint and formaldehyde.

Utility location and disconnection

You should ensure that the locations of your service networks within your property are identified before official demolition commences. Commercial properties have important connections to local electricity, water, natural gas and sewage systems. If these lines are damaged while still in use, the worksite will become a danger zone. The workers will be at risk of explosions from damaged gas lines, electrocution by exposed wires and even contamination from broken sewage lines. In ideal circumstances, the identification of the location of the utility network can help in preventing these types of hazards. However, disconnection is still crucial in case of unexpected demolition accidents.

Structural considerations

Finally, you should make certain that an engineering survey is performed. This will help the demolition contractor determine the best method for safe take-down of your building. The assessment of the structural components is crucial in safeguarding the workers, particularly when dealing with a large building. You should note that underground structures can be difficult and hazardous to remove. Make a decision on whether you would like the original foundation to remain as early as possible to avoid complicating the demolition process.


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