An old building that is beyond repair is best demolished in order to give room to a newer, safer, and stronger structure to live or work in. However, demolishing a structure, especially old ones, should be done carefully. A decrepit architecture can contain hazardous materials, both on the structure as well as the soil around it. Here are some things to do before you go ahead with your plans building demolition to ensure your safety as well as your workers and the neighborhood.

Inspect for Hazardous Materials

A Hazardous Material (HazMat) inspection is necessary before undergoing any demolition activities. Your old building is going to be ripe with so many hazardous materials such as

● Lead

● Asbestos

● Mercury

● Alkaloids

● Ammonia

● Ammunition (in military compounds)

● Bromide solutions

● Carbon

● Pesticides and insecticides

● Corrosive chemicals

● Freon

● Contaminated soil

The list is extensive, and only professional inspectors can fully identify all hazardous materials present that you may have missed during your initial inspection.

Obtain A Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is necessary to avoid legal problems that can interfere with the demolition process as well as lead to costly lawsuits. Building permits should be acquired days prior to demolition and not on the exact day. Keep by the rules as much as possible, and always be on the good side of the city inspector.

Discuss and Plan With Your Demolition Contractor

It’s highly essential that you provide as much as information possible to your demolition contractor regarding on why you are undergoing the demolition and how you wish to go about it. Create a list and make sure you and your demolition contractor understand exactly what needs to be done regarding your demolition project so that everything is done to both of your satisfaction.

Check Your Contractor’s Safety Program

Your contractor should have an established safety program that has been relayed to all individuals of the demolition team, may they be doing inspection, management, or equipment manipulation. You may have to ask questions on each personnel if necessary, and establish the presence of personal protective equipment on site before workers begin demolishing.

Inform your Utility Companies

Give a head’s up to your water, gas, electrical, and communications companies before conducting demolition. They should be given a solid schedule, and that schedule must be followed. Arrangements must be made in order cease the supply on your area to safeguard the area from dangerous accidents. The major line should be marked, cut, and capped to prevent any damage that can interfere with future servicing in the area.

Building demolition can be simple and easy as long as you go by the rules and perform the necessary precautionary measures prior to the project. If hazardous materials such as asbestos have been identified, it’s mandatory that you follow government regulations when it comes to asbestos removal in Melbourne. All hazardous materials should be removed from the site and disposed of properly prevent the spread of contamination in the surrounding areas. As long as you follow the guidelines of your HazMat inspector and the recommendations of your city inspector, your demolition will go smoothly and without any worries.