How to Stay Safe On A Demolition Site
From piles of debris to unstable structures, demolition sites are often fraught with hazards and, without the proper precautions in place, it’s all too easy for an accident to occur.
Whether you’re an old hand or about to step onto a demolition site for the very first time, following the right safety protocols will help to reduce risk; that’s why the team here at Hill Demolition has compiled our top tips for staying safe on a demolition site.
Wear the correct PPE
A demolition site can be an unpredictable environment, so everyone on site should be wearing the appropriate PPE at all times. At a minimum, five-point PPE should be worn, which includes:
- A hard hat (this must include a chin strap if working at height)
- Hi-vis vest or jacket
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Steel toe cap boots
If you’re working on sites with increased hazards, such as excessive dust or high noise levels, then respirators and ear defenders may also be required. Of course, PPE is only effective if it’s properly fitted and in good condition, so you must regularly check your gear for any signs of damage.
Carry out a thorough risk assessment
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, all employers have a duty to make a ‘suitable and sufficient assessment’ of the risks that might compromise the safety of their employees. By carrying out a risk assessment before any work begins, you can identify potential hazards and problem areas, assess their level of risk and make a plan for how to mitigate these. You can also ensure all staff members are aware of these dangers and have been trained on how to manage them.
Maintain constant communication
To ensure the demolition site is as safe as possible, every single person on site must be kept in the loop as to potential hazards. Everyone should be provided with a risk assessment and method statement so that they can prepare, and ongoing safety briefings and toolbox talks should also be held once work has begun to address any concerns or issues. Communication on-site is especially vital and the use of two-way radios and hand signals is required to ensure instructions can be safely relayed in such a noisy environment.
Set out clear work zones
To protect everyone on-site, designated work zones should be clearly established and enforced using the appropriate barriers and signage. For high-risk spaces, an exclusion zone should be set up to ensure only authorised personnel have access. At the same time, a debris zone should be reinforced around the immediate demolition area to prevent injury caused by falling debris.
Be asbestos aware
If the building you are planning to demolish was constructed before 1990, chances are, there may be asbestos present. To comply with all health and safety regulations, a Demolition and Refurbishment Asbestos Survey must be carried out beforehand to identify all asbestos-containing materials, where they are located and in what quantity. This ensures a plan can be put in place to minimise danger and remove the asbestos in a safe manner.
Work with a trusted demolition contractor
Perhaps the most important advice of all, you should always choose a trusted and well-established demolition contractor, like Hill Demolition, to ensure complete safety on your construction site. With over 50 years of experience to our name, we have the equipment, resources and know-how to carry out even the most complex demolitions safely and in line with all regulations.
To learn more or to discuss your project in more detail, please contact our friendly team today – we operate across London, Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
