Commercial Demolition Tips

When planning a building demolition, it’s imperative to research and orchestrate the razing of the building. Contractors must take care to ensure the safety of employees, passersby, and the environment. Failure to do so can have severe penalties, including the risk of losing applicable business licenses.

When razing older buildings and construction, there’s always the chance that lead, asbestos, and other dangerous materials are present. Generally, you won’t find these substances in newer construction homes. It’s common for property owners to hire contractors to retrofit older houses to bring them up to modern-day standards.

Here are some examples of bothersome, but not illegal, hazards older buildings and homes could contain.

Synthetic Mineral Fibers – Sometimes referred to as SMF, are fibrous products that use rock wool, fiberglass, or ceramic. While these products aren’t as problematic as asbestos, they can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and nose. It is also unproven whether these materials can contribute to lung cancer. For the highest level of safety, demolition crews must wear protective clothing and use safety equipment.

Paint Containing Lead – The presence of lead paint is a hazard that shouldn’t get overlooked. When doing a demolition, cutting through steel beams or other areas coated with lead paint can send lead levels in the air off the charts. OSHA requires that employers make protective clothing, respirators, and handwashing stations available to workers working in these conditions.

Formaldehyde Coated Wood Dust – Dust particles pose a risk to respiratory health. Wood dust and particles coated with formaldehyde become stuck in the nasal passage when inhaled. Two types of wood that could include formaldehyde are particleboard and wood paneling. Protective respiratory gear should always bet used when cutting or working with these materials.

To make each demolition project as sustainable as possible, following green practices when razing buildings helps to minimize waste headed directly for the landfill. Some of the materials that are ideal for recycling include:

Concrete – Depending on the size and scope of the project, a demo project can produce tons of concrete. Industrial mobile concrete crushers allow demo contractors to process all the pavement at the site, turning larger blocks into crushed gravel.

Metal – Metal is a material that can get processed to enjoy a second, or third, life.

Wood – High-quality wood is always a resource that is in demand. Wooden items, including interior beams, doors, posts, and flooring, are items that collectors and architectural salvage companies seek out. Wood that is in poor condition is still recyclable.

If you have a significant razing project in your future, call Lloyd Nabors Demolition. We are a professional and experienced demolition company here to help you deconstruct structures safely.