Whether it is a commercial demolition of an entire building or just a minor office strip-out, we can’t ignore the possibility of accidents. An expert demolition company takes all the potential accident cases into account and creates a thorough plan that minimises the chances of such unexpected events.
The article discusses some of the common accidents that could happen in an office demolition or strip-out with some tips on how to be prepared for them.
Common accidents in office strip-outs
Falls and trips
Trips and falls can usually occur due to loose materials, debris, or uneven surfaces. They might be severe when a worker falls from a height. Therefore, it is essential to take necessary precautions to prevent them.
One of the most important tips to prevent such accidents in an office strip out is to keep the area as clean as possible, highlight the hazard and use caution signs and barricades when needed.
Manual handling injuries
Lifting heavy furniture or equipment can lead to back and muscle injuries. Such injuries aren’t usually deadly, but being prepared and taking extra precautions is good for all.
Make sure you train workers in proper lifting techniques, use equipment like dollies or forklifts when necessary, and distribute the weight evenly.
Electrical hazards
Office strip-out sites usually are at major risk of electrical hazards. Disconnected or exposed wires can cause electrical shocks.
That is why it becomes inevitable to check that a licensed electrician safely disconnected all electrical systems before starting the strip-out. It is also important to mark exposed wires and keep them away from foot traffic.
Chemical exposure
You can find many materials in an office. Some of the office materials or cleaning agents may contain harmful chemicals. To prevent such chemical exposure, it is wise to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks.
Asbestos exposure
Asbestos was a well-known insulation substance back in the 1940s, and some older buildings may still contain it, which can be hazardous when disturbed. Before strip-out, conduct an asbestos survey and removal if necessary.
Noise pollution
Noise pollution is one of the common problems with demolition sites. It is usually annoying but unharmful. However, extremely loud equipment and machinery can lead to hearing damage.
To prevent this from happening, provide hearing protection for workers and use quieter tools when possible. Schedule noisy tasks during off-hours if the office is still partially occupied.
Fire hazards
Fire hazard is also one of the potential accidents that might occur on office strip-out sites. Electrical work, cutting, and welding could pose major reasons for fire hazards.
This danger can easily be minimised by keeping fire extinguishers on hand, ensuring proper ventilation, and following fire safety protocols when working with potential ignition sources.
Concluding thoughts
Office strip-out projects often pose many accident possibilities. Ensuring the safety and soundness of workers, property, and the surrounding environment is non-negotiable.
In this article, we have listed some common accidents that might occur during office demolition, strip-out or shop defit procedure and provided guidance for avoiding them with proper planning by considering essential factors.
Contact us to learn more about safety precautions on demolition or strip-out sites, or hire a Deft Demo for a safe and seamless strip-out project.