Job Hazards of Demolition
Before beginning on a demolition project, the individuals in charge must make sure the area is adequately prepared and ensure the safety and health of the workers. The preparatory methods involve making arrangements and developing an understanding of all the plans regarding the demolition. Individuals need to know how they are going to bring the structure down and have the necessary equipment for the workers.
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Asbestos
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Individuals working at a demolition site need to be wary of any asbestos in the area. Asbestos is a highly regulated, but hazardous. The United States Department of Labor estimates that 1.3 million construction employees suffer significant exposure to asbestos. The heaviest exposure occurs during demolition. Asbestos can cause severe damage to a person's lungs.
Confined Spaces
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Many employees working at a demolition site are subject to hazardous confined spaces. Confined spaces have walls that can converge inward at any moment, unsteady and uneven floors and exposed live wires.
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Lead
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The most hazardous element at a demolition site is lead, and is the leading cause of illness in the field of construction. The source of lead is found in paint and urban dust. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reported that reducing lead exposure is one of its top strategic priorities. Lead can become hazardous in water, food and air, and individuals can develop neurological and physical problems from exposure.
Hearing Damage
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Because of the high level of explosives involved in a demolition, workers are are exposed to hazardous noise levels that can cause long-term hearing damage. The good thing is that noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented and even eliminated with the proper application of ear plugs or other hearing devices. It is the responsibility of the construction management team to ensure that workers have the proper equipment to deal with these high noise levels.
Respiratory Protection
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Once a structure has been demolished, there are all kinds of hazardous dust, mists, gasses, vapors, fogs and sprays that fill the air and can cause significant damage to the lungs and body. These types of hazards can cause lung impairment, cancer, disease or even death. With the proper respiratory protection, workers can operate safely in all different types of demolition sites.
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