Demolition of Building
The demolition of a building can be very challenging especially if you are not trained and qualified to perform demolition or licensed deconstruction. The demolition of a building takes, careful, thorough and detailed preliminary planning so that a structure, which is generally more than one story, is brought down safely. That is why building demolition is usually left to the experts because it’s safe to say that demolishing a structure is not nearly as easy as it appears to be in the movies. Here is a look at how the demolition of a building takes place from start to finish.
The Site is Prepared
Prior to a demolition taking place, it is important that all utilities are taken care of meaning turned off, capped, etc. This means contacting all utility companies including but not limited to electrical, gas and water and ask that they turn the utilities off. While electricity and water are indeed required for the demolition, they simply should be moved to a separate location for the duration of the demolition project.
The demolition work site should be examined for anything that could be flammable, hazardous, etc. Ensure that all debris has been cleared and if lead based paint or asbestos is found within the building, ensure that proper and legal procedures are followed to remove the hazardous material.
Gather Equipment and Establish Plans
As per OSHA requirements, all necessary safety and personal protective equipment should be obtained. There should be enough gear for each worker on the job. This could include ear plugs, safety goggle, face masks respirators, hard hats, etc. A first aid kit should be assembled and kept on site in the event of a minor injury emergency. In fact, it would be best if a medical professional with first aid training could be on site for the demolition project just in case their services should be required, which hopefully, they would not.
In addition, a fire and safety plan should be established and given to all workers. This includes an exit strategy from the building, the work site, etc. Any and all access ways should be cleared in case a medical vehicle needs to come near the job site and fire hydrants should be easily accessible with nothing blocking their use. Further, the public surrounding the building should be notified of the demolition of the building and barricades should be set up all around the demolition work site as a safety precaution.
Demolish and Clean Up
Now it is time to place the explosives in their proper places, usually within columns that will cause the building to fall inward. Always perform a test explosion to make certain that the explosive is working properly. Clear out the entire building, make certain everyone has left and are in safe courters and then detonate the explosives for the demolition of the building, which can only be performed by a certified blaster. Conclude by:
- Examining and disposing of non-detonated explosives.
- Haul off debris.
- Clean up the work site.