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Demolition FAQs

9 February 2023

Brittany Washington

Do you intend to demolish a structure? Reality TV makes demolition fun and thrilling. However, this is not always the case. In most cases, people suffer injuries during demolition since they do not know how to conduct demolition works safely. Below are some demolition FAQs to help you comprehend the process. 

How Do You Prepare For Demolition?  

Adequate preparation can help prevent demolition accidents. Below are some demolition preparation tips; 

• Do you intend to conduct partial or total demolition? Assess the structural plans to determine the viability of partial demolition.
• You need to detach utilities such as water and electricity to avoid accidents during demolition.
• It would be wise if you inform your neighbours about the demolition work. It is especially so if you intend to use loud demolition equipment.
• Inspect the building for toxic substances such as asbestos or lead. If possible, remove these materials before you commence the demolition works.
• Incorporate sustainability. For instance, you could remove internal fixtures such as window frames, curtain rods and sinks. These items could be resold to home developers or scrap metal dealers. 

Do You Need A Demolition Contractor?

There are several compelling reasons to hire a demolition contractor. First, you need a permit to demolish buildings in Australia. To acquire this permit, you need to lodge a demolition plan detailing the demolition sequence and the safety measures you will deploy at the site. As a property owner, you lack the expertise to draw a demolition plan. Therefore, there is a likelihood that the local council will deny the demolition permit. Conversely, a demolition contractor has the technical expertise and accreditation required to draw the demolition plan and acquire a demolition licence. 

Another advantage of hiring a contractor is that they have the equipment and personnel to conduct all kinds of demolitions. For instance, the contractor could use jackhammers and sledge hammers to conduct partial demolitions. Moreover, they have heavy construction equipment, such as excavators and wrecking balls, to pull down entire buildings. The professional could also use explosives to demolish the building.  

What Safety Measures Should You Consider During Demolition? 

As a rule, you should barricade the area to prevent third parties from accessing the site. Remember, they could suffer accidents since they do not comprehend the site risks. All personnel at the demolition site should wear protective equipment such as helmets, boots and gloves. How will you control dust at the site? Use water curtains to control dust. Moreover, use a safety net to contain demolition debris at the site. 

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