The Risks of Hazardous Materials: Demolition and Asbestos Removal

Published: March 22, 2023

Carrying out demolition work can be a complex and challenging process, especially when it comes to residential demolitions. House demolitions often involve the removal of a variety of materials that can be hazardous to human health as well as to the environment. It’s due to this removal of materials that demolitions and asbestos removal often go hand in hand, as asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials that can be found in residential buildings.

In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of hazardous materials during demolition work and the importance of taking appropriate safety measures to ensure demolition health and safety.

What Are the Hazards During Demolition Work?

Demolition work involves various hazards, including physical, chemical, and biological risks. There’s always the possibility that structures may unexpectedly fall and cause injuries, or that exposure to certain chemicals and materials could pose health risks. Specifically, chemical and substance exposure hazards can pose some of the greatest risks when it comes to demolition health and safety.

Exposure to asbestos, lead, and other toxic substances can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Biological hazards include exposure to mould, bacteria, and other pathogens that can cause infections and illnesses long after demolitions are complete.

What Are the Safety Measures During Demolition?

To ensure total safety, it is essential to take appropriate safety measures during demolition work. This includes developing a comprehensive demolition plan that takes into account the hazards present in the building and the surrounding area, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). It is also important to provide workers with appropriate PPE to protect them from physical and chemical hazards when completing demolition and asbestos removal. PPE includes respiratory protection, eye and face protection, and protective clothing.

In addition, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation and air filtration systems are in place to prevent the spread of hazardous materials. Regular monitoring of the air quality during demolition work is also necessary to ensure that workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of airborne particles that pose a risk to demolition health and safety practices. A demolition contractor should receive regular training on safe work practices to ensure they are following appropriate demolition safety procedures and risk management.

Do you require asbestos removal and demolition services? Give us a call.

Is Demolition Debris Hazardous?

Yes, demolition debris can be hazardous, especially if it contains materials such as asbestos, lead, and other toxic substances. Asbestos, for example, is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction of residential buildings until the 1980s. It is still present in many older buildings, and exposure to asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious respiratory diseases.

When completing demolition and asbestos removal, hiring a professional to handle these materials is best, since they will have the right training equipment involved to ensure demolition health and safety practices are properly adhered to. They will keep workplace health and create a safe work method statement when completing high-risk construction work.

What Type of Waste Is Demolition Debris?

Demolition debris includes a wide range of materials, including wood, concrete, metal, glass, and plastics. However, it also includes hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and mercury. These materials require special handling and demolition methods, as well as proper disposal procedures to ensure that they do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

A professional demolition and asbestos removal company will be able to safely handle these materials and dispose of them accordingly for you. They will usually complete this process as part of their demolition services.

Contact A-Team Earthmoving For Safe Demolition Services

When it comes to residential construction works, demolition and asbestos removal go hand in hand because asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials that can be found in residential buildings. Demolition work usually involves various hazards, including physical, chemical, and biological risks, and it is crucial to take appropriate safety measures to ensure demolition health and safety. If you are planning on completing demolition operations, it is important to work with industry professionals who have the expertise and experience to manage hazardous materials safely.

At A-Team Earthmoving, we are committed to providing safe and reliable residential demolition services in South East Queensland. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your demolition project.

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