Do’s and Don’ts of Concrete Removal in Melbourne

In all types of demolition work, you will surely have to deal with concrete removal at the end. Well, maybe you have searched for concrete removal in Melbourne, but before you move any further, you should know a few points for making informed decisions. At VWD Group, we always prioritise informing our clients about the work for which they are hiring us. 

As your trusted demolition professionals in Melbourne, it becomes our responsibility, too. In today’s article, we will be sharing all the dos and don’ts of concrete removal in Melbourne. So, if you are a contractor or need concrete removal for your site, this article will help you understand all the important things about completing your concrete removal in Melbourne safely and responsibly, providing expert concrete removal advice at every step.

What Are The Important Do’s Of Concrete Removal?

So, without any further ado, getting straight to the point. Below, we will discuss one by one the best practices to complete your concrete removal in Melbourne the right way.

You Should Get The Required Permits

Before you even think about touching any concrete slab, you must get the right permits. This is not just a suggestion, but it’s the law in Victoria. You need to apply for a Building Permit first. If your work affects more than 50% of your dwelling’s front or any structural parts, you also need a Section 29A Report and Consent from your local council.

Well, when you choose us, we will get these permits sorted during the demolition permits. Further in this article, we will also discuss why it’s a bad idea to start your concrete removal process when the permits are in process. 

Always Hire A Licensed And Experienced Contractor

Concrete removal is a kind of job best left for professionals. Most important, if the concrete removal job is bigger than 10 square metres, involves structural parts, or you think it may have asbestos, you should never skip on hiring professionals for the job.  

Licensed contractors know the rules and have the right equipment. They also understand how to handle dangerous materials safely and have the right insurance to protect you if something goes wrong. 

At VWD Group, we’ve seen too many DIY attempts that ended in injuries, neighbour complaints, and cost way more than hiring professionals from the start.

Test For Dangerous Materials Before Starting

You should always test for asbestos, lead paint, and other harmful materials before any concrete removal work begins. Old concrete footings and fibre-cement often contain asbestos. You can’t see it with your eyes, so proper testing is the only way to know.

If asbestos is found, you need a Class A or B licence holder to remove it safely before demolition starts. Trying to dispose of asbestos yourself is actually not safe for you and also not a legal thing in Melbourne. 

Protect Your Workers With The Right Safety Measures

Worker safety should never be compromised during concrete removal. Your team needs fit-tested respirators to protect against silica dust. Victoria has very strict rules about silica dust. Workers can only be exposed to 0.05 mg/m³ over an 8-hour day.

Other than this rule, each member in your team should have proper protection gear. This includes hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, and steel-capped boots. You must use wet cutting methods or on-tool extraction systems to control dust. Air monitoring is required, too. These aren’t optional extras – they’re legal requirements.

Control Dust And Water Runoff Properly

Dust control is one of the most important parts of concrete removal. You must keep all cutting and coring wet to prevent silica dust from becoming airborne. 

You need to bundle or vacuum all slurry and dispose of it through an EPA-licensed processor. The alkaline runoff from concrete can harm the environment, so proper containment is not just good practice – it’s the law.

Keep Your Transport Legal And Documented

When moving concrete waste, you must use covered trucks to prevent spillage. You need EPA transport certificates for prescribed industrial waste. Keep all tipping dockets for at least five years. This is because you may need them later for compliance checks.

Don’t overload your vehicles either. Spillage on roads breaks VicRoads rules and EPA litter laws. You would never want to pay fines, which makes it more important to do things properly.

What Are The Things You Should Never Do During Concrete Removal In Melbourne?

While you know about the best practices, you should also understand the things you should avoid doing when you are considering concrete removal in Melbourne.

Never Start Work Without Valid Permits

As mentioned earlier about issuing valid permits is a very important thing you should never skip. Well, because without valid permits, you are clearly inviting trouble for your concrete removal in Melbourne. The Council can stop your work immediately. This delays your project, and you may have to redo things that don’t meet the rules.

Not just this, you will also have to pay fines and re-inspection fees that you could have avoided. When you hire an experienced team like us, we will make sure to get all the permits sorted before starting with the work.

Don’t Dry-Cut Or Grind Concrete

Dry cutting concrete creates dangerous silica dust that can cause serious lung disease. It’s illegal under OHS Regulations, and WorkSafe will prosecute if they catch you. You must use water suppression or proper extraction systems.

Uncontrolled silica dust doesn’t just harm workers, but it can also affect neighbours. The health risks are real, and the legal penalties are major. 

Never Just Dump Or Bury Concrete Waste

Dumping concrete on private or public land is illegal and expensive. EPA fines for corporations can reach $1.2 million. Also, as per the law, individuals can face up to seven years in jail. Even burying waste on your own property can be illegal.

Use proper disposal methods through licensed facilities. It costs more upfront, but saves you from massive fines and legal troubles later. When you hire an experienced team like us, you do not have to worry about any of these points, because we take care of them all.

Never Let Contaminated Water Enter Storm Drains

Concrete slurry and wash water are highly alkaline and can cause serious harm to water bodies and wildlife. Never let this runoff reach stormwater systems. You must bundle and treat it first, then dispose of it through licensed processors.

The Environmental Protection Agency is very strict about water pollution, and you will again face penalties that you could have avoided.  

Don’t Leave Your Site Messy

A messy site creates safety hazards and compliance issues. You must remove all reinforcing offcuts, mesh, and debris. Leaving materials scattered around can cause injuries and attract penalties from authorities.

Clean sites also show respect for your neighbours and the community. It’s a basic requirement that professional contractors always follow. 

Get A Free Quote For Concrete Removal In Melbourne

At VWD Group, we have completed more than 1000 demolition projects in Melbourne, and concrete removal is basically part of all our projects. When you show faith by choosing us, we make sure that it doesn’t go to waste. In all those 35 years, we have only served quality work to each of our clients. We never make things complicated for you. This is why we always take time to explain what’s involved in the process clearly. Avail our concrete removal service in Melbourne; we will give it to you, with no pressure. Also, for expert concrete removal advice, just call us at 1300 893 366 or send us an email at info@vwdgroup.com.au, and we will get back to you.