Here at US Industrial Demolition, we believe there’s a lot that residential demolition contractors can learn from replicating some of the practices that large scale contractors use when demolishing and dismantling more prominent commercial buildings and warehouses. In all instances, demolishing any building, no matter how big or small should be a very carefully orchestrated and well-researched affair. There is no margin for error and it’s therefore essential that you work with a company, like US Industrial Demolition, who are completely conscientious about not just environmental, but also employer safety.
There’s far more to demolition work than merely tearing down buildings.
Experienced demolition contractors are highly skilled and competent when it comes to locating and safely removing materials that are both salvageable as well as hazardous. While all demolitions firms should abide by EPA standards which advice on the best environmentally safe techniques to employ when dealing with dangerous materials such as asbestos and lead, at US Industrial Demolition, we believe it shouldn’t just stop there. As a forward-thinking company, we attempt to exceed those government standards, finding even more innovative way to clear sites and reuse materials.
In this respect, commercial demolition experts are uniquely positioned to help residential contractors understand more about green demolition services. While today’s new residential houses contain far less toxic materials, if you are retrofitting an older home, you’re likely to come across several irritating and illegal hazards that the commercial sector is experienced in handling on more significant industrial sites.
Let’s take a look at some of the potentially harmful hazards you’re likely to encounter.
Synthetic mineral fibers (SMF)
Fibrous products made from substances including rock wool, fiberglass and ceramic. They can be highly noxious, irritating eyes, nose and throat so we’d definitely recommend that workers handling these fibers wear respirators and protective clothing.
Wood dust containing formaldehyde
It’s not uncommon for old wood paneling and particleboard to contain toxic traces of formaldehyde, so when dealing with wood dust on-site, the risk of contractors inhaling this dust and it becoming lodged in the nasal passages is high. Once again, that’s why we always insist that our workers and contractors wear protective respiration gear when handling wood paneling on site.
Lead paint
A hazard that frequently gets overlooked by less experienced companies, steel construction beams are often treated with lead-based paint. Once you start cutting those beams away, the levels of airborne lead particles go off the chart. Again, workers exposed to these environmental conditions should be fully kitted out with protective clothing, respirators and handwashing stations.
We’ve mentioned just a few of the materials that you need to be aware of and monitor exposure to when taking down buildings; from old homes to factories, air traffic control towers to warehouses.
If you’re not confident that your existing team is experienced and knowledgeable enough to handle these hazards, then talk to a professional commercial demolition company like US Industrial Demolition. We can provide unique and valuable insight into how to safely retrieve and remove a vast range of chemical hazards.