Created on:
November 27, 2022
Demolition sites are dangerous places. There are many things that go wrong, from injuries because of falling debris to being crushed by a crane. As a demolition worker, it's important to know how to stay safe on-site so you come home at the end of every day. Here are 6 tips for staying safe on a demolition site.
Demolition is a risky task and potentially dangerous to people if the wrong steps are taken. However, by following some basic rules, the risk of accident or injury is greatly reduced.
It’s easy to forget that every demolition project is a construction site. In addition to making sure that all construction tools are safe (including power tools), you also must make sure that your workers are protected from potential accidents when handling hazardous materials.
Hazards include:
• Electrical dangers from live wires or damaged electrical equipment
• Proximity to any gasses released during demolition work
• Physical hazards such as falling objects
It may seem obvious but planning is the most important aspect of staying safe on a demolition site. By having everything prepared beforehand, you minimize risks and make sure all your equipment is working properly before entering an area. These areas pose dangers like falling objects or toxic fumes.
Conduct a thorough hazard analysis before demolishing any structure to identify any potential hazards that exist. A hazard analysis is an examination of the site and surrounding area to identify potential hazards, both natural and man-made, which could lead to injury or death. It's important to complete one for each site you're working on. It helps you stay safe by identifying dangers like falling rocks or trees, electrical issues, or animal hazards.
If you are supervising a demolition site, make sure you have an emergency plan in place. Discuss the plan with the workers on site and include details about emergency exits and first aid equipment, contact details for emergency services, as well as instructions on how to evacuate safely.
You should also keep in mind that there are times when things go wrong during construction projects. It is important that your subcontractors know what to do in case of an accident or emergency so they help keep you safe at work.
Ensure sufficient facilities are available on-site and demobilize unnecessary vehicles to avoid congestion, which leads to accidental damage.
Consider the safety of pedestrians when it comes to managing pedestrian traffic. For example, consider whether or not people need a designated walkway and if so, where this should be located.
Ensure that there are enough toilets and washing facilities for everyone on site – especially if the site is large or remote. If you have any concerns about your workers’ ability to get safely from point A to point B (and back again), talk with them about how they'll manage their travel time between destinations.
Before any work can begin on your site, you need to make sure that your staff receives adequate training. Training needs to be specific to the job and appropriate for a person's level of experience. It should also be provided by a qualified instructor in a safe environment. The person providing the training must be competent and knowledgeable about what he or she is teaching.
The most important thing is to protect yourself. You are working in a very dangerous environment, so make sure that you always wear the right PPE.
Once you get started, make sure that your gear fits properly and is comfortable enough so that it won't become an annoyance while you work. If possible, try before buying; this way there won't be any surprises when it is time for use. Your helmet should fit snugly and securely with no gaps around the sides or top; eye protection should cover both eyes without leaving room for impact from flying debris; ear plugs should block out high-volume noises while still allowing normal conversation. Check these items frequently throughout the day as well—it's easy for them to become damaged through use or misuse over time!
Designate specific areas for the disposal of hazardous materials, designate clearly marked access routes for forklifts and other heavy machinery, and always ensure there is sufficient space for these vehicles to maneuver freely around the site.
It is important to remember that demolition work is a dangerous task, and it is potentially dangerous to people if the wrong steps are taken. However, by following some basic rules, the risk of accident or injury is greatly reduced. With these tips in mind, you should avoid accidents on your demolition site.
