Demolition is no easy task and often times, workers face a wide variety of safety issues and risks. This includes hazardous materials found in buildings that may pose a threat if not handled properly. While demolition waste is mostly a mixture of building materials, a large portion of these can be contaminated with things like lead paints or asbestos. In this month’s blog, we will discuss and identify types of hazardous materials that are often present on a demolition site.

Types of Hazardous Materials

There are a number of things commonly encountered in buildings before a demolition. Many of these contain components or chemicals that are dangerous to human health and the environment. Here are some hazardous materials that may be present but are not limited to:

  • Materials containing asbestos
  • Lead paint
  • Mercury found in thermostats, silent light switches, etc.
  • Batteries
  • Oil and fuels
  • Compressed gases
  • Arsenic
  • Chemicals, pesticides, etc.
  • Electronics
  • Lighting ballasts
  • Fluorescent light bulbs

Conducting a Safe Demolition

A safe demolition involves doing a thorough inspection and removing all hazardous materials before the actual take down. When a demolition occurs without properly removing any hazards, these toxic chemicals will be released into the atmosphere, soil, or even the water supply and lead to several health risks. The project manager or demolition contractor is responsible for inspecting the building and identifying any potential risks prior to demolition. Not only will this prevent toxins from entering the environment, but it will also keep the other workers safe. This is extremely vital because it will be very difficult or impossible to separate hazardous materials after the building is demolished.

It is also important to remove the waste in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. This includes working with recycling facilities to repurpose, recycle, and resell materials. A proper disposal of hazardous materials will prevent it from contaminating the environment.

Conclusion

Here at Morgan Services Group, we always prioritize safety first. All of our demolition projects are conducted in a regulated and organized manner to ensure everyone’s safety on site. If you require a demolition service, our fully-licensed contractors are here to take on any task no matter how big or small. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-855-800-DEMO (3366) for any inquiries.