January 31 2013 -
This video was intended as an OSHA compliance officer training video and covers the basics of scaffold safety and OSHA requirements found in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. This video is ideal for construction safety training sessions and toolbox talks.
On many demolition and asbestos project, scaffolding is needed. This video is a good start to learn the safety basics. Please make sure you check current regulations and laws for updated information.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Demolition Preparatory Operations as Per OSHA
January 29 2013
OSHA states on their website that prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed.
When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished which has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or other cause, the walls or floor shall be shored or braced.
All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in advance.
If it is necessary to maintain any power, water or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated, as necessary, and protected.
It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.
Where a hazard exists from fragmentation of glass, such hazards shall be removed.
Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a height of approximately 42 inches.
When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above.
All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered over with material substantial enough to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement.
Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the demolition of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.
Employee entrances to multistory structures being demolished shall be completely protected by sidewalk sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet. All such canopies shall be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrances or openings (1 foot wider on each side thereof), and shall be capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot.
For additional information on OSHA demolition regulations go to OSHA's website or contact Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM at dkozul@scrapmetalprices.biz
OSHA states on their website that prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure. Any adjacent structure where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked. The employer shall have in writing evidence that such a survey has been performed.
When employees are required to work within a structure to be demolished which has been damaged by fire, flood, explosion, or other cause, the walls or floor shall be shored or braced.
All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines shall be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, outside the building line before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved shall be notified in advance.
If it is necessary to maintain any power, water or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated, as necessary, and protected.
It shall also be determined if any type of hazardous chemicals, gases, explosives, flammable materials, or similarly dangerous substances have been used in any pipes, tanks, or other equipment on the property. When the presence of any such substances is apparent or suspected, testing and purging shall be performed and the hazard eliminated before demolition is started.
Where a hazard exists from fragmentation of glass, such hazards shall be removed.
Where a hazard exists to employees falling through wall openings, the opening shall be protected to a height of approximately 42 inches.
When debris is dropped through holes in the floor without the use of chutes, the area onto which the material is dropped shall be completely enclosed with barricades not less than 42 inches high and not less than 6 feet back from the projected edge of the opening above. Signs, warning of the hazard of falling materials, shall be posted at each level. Removal shall not be permitted in this lower area until debris handling ceases above.
All floor openings, not used as material drops, shall be covered over with material substantial enough to support the weight of any load which may be imposed. Such material shall be properly secured to prevent its accidental movement.
Except for the cutting of holes in floors for chutes, holes through which to drop materials, preparation of storage space, and similar necessary preparatory work, the demolition of exterior walls and floor construction shall begin at the top of the structure and proceed downward. Each story of exterior wall and floor construction shall be removed and dropped into the storage space before commencing the removal of exterior walls and floors in the story next below.
Employee entrances to multistory structures being demolished shall be completely protected by sidewalk sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8 feet. All such canopies shall be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrances or openings (1 foot wider on each side thereof), and shall be capable of sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot.
For additional information on OSHA demolition regulations go to OSHA's website or contact Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM at dkozul@scrapmetalprices.biz
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Demolition Personal Protective Equipment PPE
January 27 2013
Demolition Personal Protective Equipment should include:
Demolition Personal Protective Equipment should include:
- Hard hat for overhead impact or electrical hazards
- Eye protection with side shields
- Gloves chosen for job hazards expected (e.g., heavy-duty leather work gloves for handling debris with sharp edges and/or chemical protective gloves appropriate for chemicals potentially contacted)
- ANSI-approved protective footwear
- Respiratory protection as necessary
- Other PPE may be required based on specific hazards
Remember to conduct an OSHA engineering survey and a hazard assessment, along with workplan and safety plan to address each hazard and evaluate the proper PPE.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Determine Utility Locations and Perform Disconnects Before Demolition
January 25 2013 - As per OSHA - prior to demolition, all utilities should be marked out and the building/structure to be demolished should be isolated (water, sewer, gas, electric etc need to be disconnected)
OSHA states " One of the most important elements of the pre-job planning is the location of all utility services. All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other services lines should be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, at or outside the building before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved should be notified in advance, and its approval or services, if necessary, shall be obtained.
If it is necessary to maintain any power, water, or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated as necessary and/or protected. The location of all overhead power sources should also be determined, as they can prove especially hazardous during any machine demolition. All workers should be informed of the location of any existing or relocated utility service."
OSHA states " One of the most important elements of the pre-job planning is the location of all utility services. All electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other services lines should be shut off, capped, or otherwise controlled, at or outside the building before demolition work is started. In each case, any utility company which is involved should be notified in advance, and its approval or services, if necessary, shall be obtained.
If it is necessary to maintain any power, water, or other utilities during demolition, such lines shall be temporarily relocated as necessary and/or protected. The location of all overhead power sources should also be determined, as they can prove especially hazardous during any machine demolition. All workers should be informed of the location of any existing or relocated utility service."
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Benefits of Reducing Construction and Demolition Debris in Landfills
January 5 2013 - As per the USEPA -
Reducing the amount of C&D materials disposed of in landfills or combustion facilities provides numerous benefits.
Reducing the amount of C&D materials disposed of in landfills or combustion facilities provides numerous benefits.
- Less waste can lead to fewer disposal facilities, potentially reducing associated environmental issues including methane gas emissions which contribute to global warming
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling C&D materials offsets the need to extract and consume virgin resources, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Deconstruction and selective demolition methods divert large amounts of materials from disposal and provide business opportunities within the local community.
- Recovered materials can be donated to qualified 501(c)(3) charities, resulting in a tax benefit.
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