Safety Tips for Large-Scale Industrial Demolition Projects
Well, not all demolition works are pretty same, but one thing is common between all of them. It’s taking extra measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Apparently, it becomes even more important to pay attention to safety protocols when it’s a large-scale industrial demolition.
We are VWD Group, and we have been Melbourne’s trusted team of demolition professionals for more than 35 years now. We have completed more than 1000 projects till now, and this includes all types of demolition works. So in today’s article, we will share some important safety tips for large-scale industrial demolitions, focusing on safe industrial demolition methods to protect everyone involved and the surrounding environment.
You Must Always Start With A Detailed Engineering Survey
Before any industrial demolition in Melbourne begins, you need a proper engineering check by a qualified structural engineer. This person looks at how strong the building is, finds the main support parts, and works out the safest way to bring it down.
They also spot dangerous materials like asbestos, lead paint, and other harmful stuff that needs special removal first. Without this survey, you’re basically working blind and putting everyone at risk.
Set Up Proper Site Security And Access Control
Safety starts with keeping the wrong people out of dangerous areas. Put up strong fencing, clear warning signs, and control who gets in. Also, for mechanical demolition work, your safe zone should be 1.5 times bigger than your building’s height. Other than this, also set a relevant plan for the foot traffic. This way, you will have control over the safety of workers and the public from falling debris or unexpected accidents.
All Dangerous Materials Should Be Disposed Of Properly
Survey the whole building to find and safely remove all asbestos before any structural work starts. Only licensed asbestos workers can do this – Class A or B, depending on what type and how much. You need to set up sealed areas with air systems that suck air out, plus areas for cleaning up afterwards. Similarly, lead paint and other toxic substances also need special care.
Silica Dust Should Also Be In Your Control
Concrete cutting and breaking create silica dust that can seriously harm your lungs. Use wet cutting methods and dust control systems to keep exposure under 0.05 mg/m³ over 8 hours. Heavy equipment operators need enclosed cabs with good air filters. Give workers proper masks and test the air quality regularly where dust control might not be enough.
You Should Manage Noise And Vibration Properly
You should always make appropriate plans for controlling noise and vibration with set limits and ways to reduce them. Use sound barriers, pick quieter equipment when you can, and limit working hours to keep neighbours happy. Monitor vibration levels constantly during mechanical work to prevent damage to sensitive buildings and equipment nearby.
Always Be Sure About The Ground Stability And Load Limits
Just make sure the ground can bear your heavy demolition machinery, that too, when working on upper floors. Test the ground or soil and improve it if needed. Never go over floor weight limits and remove debris regularly to prevent overloading. Collapsed floors kill workers and destroy equipment.
Always Follow The Right Demolition Sequence
Always work from top to bottom when doing industrial demolition in Melbourne. Take out the upper floors before touching the supports below. This stops uncontrolled collapse and keeps the building stable while you work. For steel buildings, take apart one column at a time and one level at a time. Random demolition is asking for trouble.
Ask Your Contractor To Install Temporary Support Where Needed
Actually, during the demolition works, buildings get weak and may need extra support to stay safe. A structural engineer should design these temporary braces and supports. In this process, the engineers make a solid plan about how loads change as you remove parts of the building.
Other than this, your demolition work can also affect nearby buildings, so you need to check this risk as well. Sometimes you need to add underpinning or side supports to keep neighbouring structures safe. Monitor vibration levels all the time to make sure you’re not damaging other buildings. Insurance won’t cover damage you could have prevented.
You Should Choose The Right Equipment And Train Operators
Always choose the demolition equipment that matches your building size and site limits. Make sure all operators have proper training and certificates for their machines. If you’re using wrecking balls, keep the ball weight to 50% of the crane’s capacity and use the shortest boom possible. Wrong equipment choices can surely result in unwanted accidents.
You Should Never Overlook The Importance Of Emergency Preparedness And Response
Before even starting the work, the first thing that professional demolition contractors in Melbourne do is prepare for emergencies. Sudden or unwanted emergencies are actually common during industrial demolition works. That is why professionals never behave overconfidently when it’s about emergence preparedness and response. Make clear plans for obvious emergencies like building collapse, fires, chemical spills, or medical problems. Apart from this, always communicate about clear escape routes and safe meeting places to everyone who’s involved.
You Must Arrange Medical And First Aid Services
While we have already mentioned this in the last point, we are again highlighting it separately. That’s because we really do not want you to overlook its importance. Always keep clear access for emergency medical vehicles and maintain communication with your nearby medical facility for emergency response.
Always Hire Licensed Experts For Explosive Demolition
Explosive demolition should only be done by licensed professionals with relevant experience. This is because it requires special knowledge. Hire qualified demolition engineers to design blast patterns, work out charge weights, and set timing sequences. This isn’t regular demolition work – it’s rocket science with explosives.
You Should Also Set Clear Safety Zones For Explosive Work
Well, this point automatically gets covered when you hire experienced industrial demolition contractors. But again, we just want you to be sure you are not compromising with anyone’s safety, so we are highlighting it separately. Ask your contractor about the detailed evacuation plans for the blast zone. Also, work with local authorities to manage traffic and public safety. Use precision timing and monitoring systems to make sure the building falls the right way.
You Must Do Regular Safety Checks And Worker Training
Check safety conditions every day with qualified people who can spot changing conditions and new dangers. Write down all checks and fix problems right away. Make sure all demolition workers get proper safety training for their jobs and the hazards they might face. Keep training records up to date and document any accidents to prevent them from happening again.
Trust VWD Group For Your Large-Scale Industrial Demolitions In Melbourne
VWD Group is your trusted team of demolition contractors in Melbourne. We always use safe industrial demolition methods. So, when you choose us, we take care of all these safety protocols.
Trust us, and we will make sure that you never have to search for demolition professionals near me ever again. In our 35 years of experience, we have only worked to earn the faith of our clients. You can get your free quote today, just call us at 1300 893 366 or send us an email at info@vwdgroup.com.au.