Residential Demolition: Four Critical Precautions for Managing Hazardous Materials
If you are preparing to knock down your building for renovation or to construct a new structure, you should choose a qualified demolition contractor. This is crucial because process of taking down a building completely or partially presents a lot of danger. The most obvious is the risk of physical harm by the equipment, tools and falling elements. However, this is not the only concern.
When demolishing your house, you must also think about the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos and heavy metals like lead in the structure. If these carcinogenic, toxic and irritant compounds are not managed well, they will have significant negative health effects. Here are some precautions for managing hazardous materials to keep in mind during your demolition project.
Inspect the Materials
It is essential to inspect your residential building for dangerous materials before commissioning demolition. Identifying the location of these hazards will help you minimise the potential complications which could arise. For instance, if there is asbestos in the house, you can avoid disturbing it during partial demolition. Map out or list the areas with hazardous construction materials. If you are uncertain, you should collect samples for lab testing.
Check the Rules
There are regulations and laws which are set in place to protect the environment and the public against the effects of hazardous materials. These rules are essential for preventing irresponsible behaviour in handling compounds which could have a lasting negative effect. Therefore, you should conduct your own research on the relevant national, state and local laws. Also, consult your demolition contractor for more personalised guidance.
Consider Removal
It is advisable to remove hazardous materials before proceeding with demolition. This course of action is particularly beneficial if you are conducting complete demolition because you cannot avoid disturbing zones with the dangerous compounds. Removing the materials beforehand will reduce the risk of contaminating the environment and harming the people around. For instance, if there is asbestos in your house, plan for removal to prevent the fibres from becoming airborne.
Plan for Disposal
Finally, hazardous materials must be disposed of correctly. These compounds cannot be handled in the same manner as general construction waste. Poor disposal could attract penalties and legal complications. Moreover, if you place some dangerous materials in your general garbage, the waste management company might reject the load. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a specialised rubbish collection business which deals with dangerous construction waste or to find the disposal sites in your local area which accept hazardous materials.
To learn more about your options, contact a demolition contractor.