There are many reasons to carry out a concrete removing project in your home. This can be to renovate the house, replace certain structures or expansions. In this article, we, are going through some safety considerations that can make the process much smoother and efficient.
Before concrete removal takes place, the site has to be assessed. This will allow the removal company to identify potential hazards at the site. This can be gas lines or utilities buried in the excavation area or unstable ground conditions. You will need to consult with the utility companies and local authorities in order to understand underground infrastructure. Once the site assessment is completed, the area has to be prepared fully. Any debris in the area has to be cleared so that there are no tripping hazards. A designated work zone should be established for the work area. This way, everyone understands what the work area is and to take precautions when they enter this. Personal protective equipment is important for workers and some aspects of this are steel toed boots, hard hats, eye protection, high visibility clothing and gloves. In certain projects, the team will need respiratory protection as well when there is a lot of dust and airborne particles. Hearing protection is also required if the noise level at the work site exceeds a certain limit.
The right equipment
And tools should be selected so that concrete can be removed efficiently. The equipment can be selected on the scale of the project. Some common equipment used are concrete saws, jackhammers, specialised machinery for removing concrete and excavators. All equipment should be inspected before work starts so that it is understood they are in good condition. It is also important to carry out regular maintenance checks such as sharpening cutting blades ad lubricating the equipment. This can prevent unexpected failures. There is a lot of dust generated due to the removal process and there should be effective dust control measures so that a safe work environment can be maintained. It is important that the workers take breaks in well ventilated areas and wear respiratory protection when working.
There can be reinforcements in residential concrete structures
Such as rebar and the presence of these materials should be assessed before removal process starts. There are specialised techniques and equipment used to cut and remove reinforced concrete. When there are utilities embedded in the concrete such as plumbing or electrical lines, it is important to proceed very carefully. Ground penetrating radar can be used to identify where the embedded objects are located so that accidents are minimised at the work site. There should also be proper waste management when it comes to these removal processes. This should prioritise the safety of the workers and minimise the environmental impact. There are specific areas that can be designated for waste disposal and you can also check with the company about the disposal procedures. Sometimes the removed concrete can have hazardous materials like asbestos and lead based paint therefore, the regulations related to this should be considered for safe disposal.
