Methods of Demolition

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The demolition of a home, building, or structure takes proper planning that accounts for everything that needs to be accomplished in the removal of unwanted material. It begins with surveying the structure, identifying any areas of hazardous materials that will need to be removed first, and finally choosing the method of demolition. 

There are two basic methods used to demolish a structure, non-explosive, and explosive. Choosing the proper method will depend on certain factors, but it is safe to say that the non-explosive process is the most popular. 

Non-Explosive Demolition

This is demolishing a structure by hand or machine that does not employ explosives. There are different tools and machinery that can be used with this method. 

  • Sledgehammer: This is arguably the most popular of all hand-held tools used to destroy walls and structures on a property. 
  • Wrecking Ball: A large, heavy ball that swings on the end of cables attached to a crane, the wrecking ball is quite efficient at knocking down structures that otherwise stand up to bulldozers or excavators. It’s also safer to use as well since this does not put the driver in harm’s way. 
    • The only downside is that once the ball starts its swing, its trajectory cannot be precisely controlled. So, it is possible that the wall or structure comes down in an area that was not intended. However, wrecking balls are not used for demolition where such precision is needed. 
  • Bulldozers & Excavators: These large machines are often seen at demolition sites. The bulldozer is used to push down walls and other large materials. The excavator may be even more prominent as it can pull down larger structures and scoop up the material for disposal. 

Explosive Demolition

This method is used when non-explosive methods simply will not work. In other words, structures that are so tall and heavy that only a series of explosions can bring them down. The technique is rather simple. The explosives are used to destroy the support structures of the building all at the same time. Once gone, the weight of the building collapses on itself. 

The building or structure will fall in two basic ways. Like a tree that tips over and crashes into the open ground. Or it can fall into itself which is called an implosion. The latter is generally preferred when there are other structures nearby. By collapsing into itself, it limits the clean-up area to a size smaller than if the building was tipped over. 

Why Choose Brickley Environmental?

At Brickley Environmental, we are experts in the field of demolition. If your home or property needs demolition services, we are the ones to call. 

In addition to demolition, Brickley Environmental offers the following services. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal
  • Mold Remediation
  • Hazardous Waste Removal 

Call today to speak with one of our experts. We will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you make the best-informed decision about which course of action to take. At Brickley Environmental, we place your needs first when it comes to demolition and the many other services we offer. 

For more information on demolition, click here to visit the OSHA website.

Sustainable Management of C&D Materials

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Construction and demolition materials, often known as C&D materials, consist of the basic products used to create residences, buildings, and structures. These materials are used during the construction process, which subsequently means they will have to be broken apart during the demolition phase. 

The result is that such materials will need to be properly disposed of. Quite often during the construction process, materials will be leftover and not used. Such materials include but are not limited to:

  • Asphalt, concrete and bricks or masonry
  • Wood, gypsum, and glass
  • Metal, plastics, and other components

Other components often consist of items salvaged from other projects, such as doors, plumbing, and the like. There are also natural materials that are removed from the property for the purposes of construction, such as soil, trees, stumps, and rocks. 

Amount of C&D Material Debris

In the US alone, the amount of C&D material either created by demolition or leftover from construction is estimated to be 600 million tons each year. This is more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste that is generated. 

It is true that demolition is responsible for around 90% of the C&D material produced. Roughly 455 million tons were reused in some manner with the remaining being sent to landfills. 

Benefits of Reducing C&D Material Disposal

While a considerable amount of C&D material is being reused or repurposed, there are still nearly 145 million tons that are not. The advantages of reducing the amount of material generated are considerable. These include:

  • Fewer disposal facilities
  • Reduce building & demolition expenses
  • Offset environmental impact
  • Reduce use of landfill space 

Creating less overall waste is also beneficial because certain types of waste materials simply cannot be repurposed. By reducing the amount that is generated, more can be repurposed or recycled. This also helps the environment. 

In addition to the cleaner air, land, and waterways, the reduction of C&D materials provides benefits across the board. By focusing on how much C&D materials are used, the construction process can become more efficient and waste less material. For demolition practices, finding ways to properly reuse or repurpose materials leads to greater efficiency, less waste, and more jobs as companies form.

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

For those who are interested in the proper disposal of construction and demolition materials, Brickley Environmental has the knowledge, experience, and equipment to do the job. Over the years, Brickley Environmental has helped many home and business owners dispose of unwanted materials, including those used in construction and demolition. 

Call today and find out more about how Brickley Environmental can help you clean up a construction or demolition site. Contact us today and discover what Brickley Environmental can offer you. 

For more information on sustainable management of construction and demolition materials, click here to visit the EPA website.

Demolition: Construction in Reverse with Additional Hazards

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Demolition

Demolition could be dangerous. The hazards of a construction site are well known with thousands of minor injuries, hundreds of serious injuries, and accidental death being a part of the process. The same is true for demolition; the deconstruction of buildings. 

Although it is easier to demolish than construct, the injuries and fatalities that occur on demolition sites can be greatly reduced with the proper planning, training, protective equipment, and compliance with standards set by OSHA. 

The Hazards of Demolition

Demolition involves the same basic hazards as construction with additional factors that make it, in some ways, even more dangerous. These can include things such as:

  • Hidden Hazardous Materials: Asbestos, Heavy Metals, Lead, and more 
  • Unknown Changes or Modifications to the Building Structure 
  • Weaknesses in Construction Materials
  • Hazards of the Methods Used in Demolition 

To ensure maximum safety for all who are involved in demolition efforts, care must be taken right from the start. Helpful actions that can aid in this include:

  • Planning: This begins with a full survey and inspection of the building about to be demolished by a trained, qualified specialist. 
  • Locating Utilities: All nearby utilities need to be located and accounted for in the demolition process. 
  • Safety Protocols: This includes prevention of fire, having first aid and emergency services close by, and an evacuation plan in case the structure is about to collapse. 

All of this must take place before the demolition work begins. It is this type of preparation that can prevent injuries and save lives. 

Protection

All personnel on the demolition site should wear the proper personal protective equipment or PPE. These include:

  • Head, eyes, face, ears, hands, and feet protection
  • Respiratory Equipment
  • Personal Fall Arrest Systems or PFAS
  • Proper Protective Equipment for specialized jobs, such as welding 

Wearing the proper protective gear can help prevent injuries and even save lives. When combined with the right training, this can only improve the safety conditions on-site. 

Of course, accidents can happen even on the safest and most secure demolition sites. So, proper training on how to deal with injuries and having emergency services easily accessible will also help ensure safety. Following OSHA guidelines also assists in protecting employees on the demolition site. This provides guidance in recognizing potentially hazardous conditions and avoiding and removing them from the property. 

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

Brickley Environmental is the one to call to conduct a safe, secure demolition. With over 30 years of experience in the Southern California area,  Brickley Environmental follows all safety protocols,  OSHA regulations,  and engages in the proper planning to ensure that all areas are covered for your demolition project. Call us today to discuss your needs.

For more information, visit OSHA’s website. 

 

Top 5 Demolitions of 2017

Posted by Abby Gray on

Demolitions and related subjects, such as illegal dumping, was a big part of the news for 2017. It was quite a year in terms of the wide variety of news that is related to the demolition industry. Here are the top five stories about demolitions and related subjects that occurred in 2017.

Drop Hammer

In Finland, a bridge that was built in 1977 was demolished by a device known as a drop hammer. The hammer itself weighs nine tons in total and has a four-ton bullet that smashes structures, like bridges, with great efficiency. The impact from the drop hammer loosens the concrete from the rebar, making it easier to crush the remaining material.

Erith Contractors Recognized

For the 2017 National Grid Property Awards, Erith Contractors made the short list that provides recognition for outstanding service in the demolition industry. The nominations for the company were extensive and included the following categories;

  • Best Stakeholder Engagement
  • Best Large and Small Project Delivery
  • Best Project Documentation
  • Most Considerate Projects
  • Best SHE Leadership

Illegal Dumping

Barry Kilroe, a director of a waste management company, illegally dumped about 75,000 tons of waste and has been jailed for 15 months. His actions were discovered after one of the largest investigations in the history of the UK’s Environmental Agency. Kilroe was the director of KDC Contractors, and he illegally dumped the waste.

Car Park Demolition

A car park located in Edinburgh, Scotland, partially collapsed before a full demolition could take place. The area, which will be the site of the St. James’ Centre, has been fully addressed by the demolition company. The good news was that the collapse did not cause any injuries or deaths due to the large exclusion zone set up by the contractor. The collapse served as a reminder of not only the dangers inherent in the demolition of large structures, but also how responsible demolition companies can prevent disaster because of their safety procedures.

Arson

AR Demolition was subject to an arson attack in 2017, causing considerable damage to their equipment. This follows a previous arson attack in 2015, which also caused damage to the equipment the company uses. The fire damage to the vehicles and equipment was considerable and AR Demolition is responding by increasing their security measures.

How Brickley Environmental Can Help You

If you are looking for demolition services, then Brickley Environmental is here for you. We offer the best in demolitions and the removal of hazardous waste and asbestos, along with mold and lead abatement. We are specialists with many years of experience in cleaning up contaminated properties.

The Dangers of DIY Renovations

Posted by Abby Gray on

It’s not surprising that renovations have become quite common in recent years, given the changes both in the home and in businesses trying to get the most out of their properties. However, there are plenty of dangers involved in the renovation process, so homeowners need to be careful when making changes to their residences.

Here are some of the more common dangers that you may face when renovating your property. By taking the right precautions, you can minimize the chances for injury and complete the renovation in a proper manner which gets you the results you desire.

Using the Wrong Equipment

The Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) can save you from injury and in some cases, save your life as well. Things like working gloves and safety goggles are often ignored by homeowners, in most cases, because they are only doing one job for a short time. However, all it takes is one mistake. So, be sure you are using the proper safety items to keep you safe.

Not Receiving Proper Training

Most people do not receive the proper training to operate power tools which might prevent them from getting injured. Getting trained has been shown to significantly reduce any accidents from occurring.

Not Using Hand Protection

Many hand injuries occur when they get too close to moving blades or similar hazards. Always keep your hands in sight and know where they are in relation to potential dangers. It also helps to wear gloves when possible to avoid scrapes, cuts, and bruises.

Being in a Hurry

If you do not take the time to do the job right, you are asking to get injured. Being in a hurry, rushing through the work, or letting your emotions get the better of you causes mistakes to happen which may lead to injury or worse. By calming down, doing one thing at a time, and being mindful of the right safety procedures, you can minimize the chances of an injury occurring.

Removing Protections from Tools and Equipment

There is a good reason why power tools, particularly saws, have safety guards on them. Yet there are many homeowners who remove such protections for reasons such as convenience which leads to injury. The guard you remove puts your hands closer to the blades which means you increase the chances of getting injured.

Brickley Environmental Is Here for You

If you are considering renovations to your property, contact the experts at Brickley Environmental. We offer years of experience in renovations, demolitions, and the removal of asbestos, hazardous waste, mold, and lead abatement. We are the specialists that offer our knowledge, experience, and equipment to ensure that your renovation efforts go as smoothly as possible.