An accident on the tight-access demolition site would be a demolition contractor’s worst nightmare. A little mistake and your company and client both go into serious legal and financial trouble.
Tight-access demolition projects are full of risk. Fortunately, you can mitigate them with little care and caution. Being experienced demolition professionals, we believe it is our duty to make you aware of such risks and their mitigations, too. So, read on to learn about them.
Risks you might face during tight-access demolition
Limited workspace
Tight access demolition’s main challenge is its limited workspace. Your workspace’s confined space can lead to limited flexibility for both workers and the equipment they use. As a result of this, sometimes accidents and injuries happen on tight-access demolition sites.
Compact equipment, such as a mini excavator, sledgehammer, etc., can be a good help to demolish buildings in confined spaces. However, you need to develop a detailed site plan to optimise the workspace and movement of equipment.
Limited visibility and access
Limited visibility is another significant problem in the majority of tight-access demolition projects. Neighbouring buildings are often situated so close to the demolishing building that they almost entirely block the sunlight. Due to this, workers often experience visibility limitations, which sometimes turn into major issues.
For spaces that do not have enough sunlight, it is advisable to use artificial lighting. Installing mirrors and cameras on equipment can also help enhance operator visibility, leading to efficient and safer work. Moreover, make sure you establish clear communication protocols like signalling systems for equipment operators to mitigate any risks involved.
Dust and air quality issues
It is not only the sunlight that neighbouring buildings in confined spaces blocks. They also decrease the ventilation, which traps the dirt and small particles within the area. Demolition projects are notorious for generating a lot of dust, and when it happens in tight spaces, the air quality significantly affects the surrounding environment.
To tackle this issue, it is wise to implement dust suppression measures like water sprays or misting systems. Small water droplets will trap the dust particles and bring them down, significantly reducing air pollution around the site.
Structural instability
Buildings in confined spaces are often much older. Older buildings often have deteriorating material, which makes them vulnerable to structural instability. To save your project from this risk, do a thorough structural assessment to identify weak points. Implementing a phased demolition approach and using bracing or shoring techniques to stabilise the structure can also help mitigate this risk more effectively.
Noise and vibration impact
Noise pollution is another issue that demolition activities are notorious for generating. The high level of noise and vibrations can potentially cause disturbances to neighbouring structures or communities. Fortunately, this is easier to tackle. By implementing noise barriers and soundproofing measures, you can minimise the impact on surrounding areas.
Need reliable help?
Tight-access demolition projects are full of risk, and that is why you need an expert who can carry out the job with care. We are an experienced demolition contractor in Sydney that you can rely on. Contact us today to get a free consultation and quote on your next project.