Solutions for Demolition Dust Control and Common Safety Hazards
Soon, the construction markets will undergo a massive change. This is all due to seven challenges outlined by the CMAA—Construction Management Association of America. Do you know what is at the top of these challenges? It is none other than aging infrastructures that are way beyond their lifetime.
But what does that mean for the demolition companies in California? You might have already caught on. Yes, there will be a lot of old infrastructure demolitions. This brings in a set of new challenges, like dust hazards after demolitions.
Dust at a demolition site is not just a mere aftermath or residue. It poses a significant threat, and if not handled properly, it can result in severe health issues for workers and those in the vicinity. This is a matter of serious concern that needs immediate attention.
Today, we will talk about the common dust hazards after demolition and how to control them.
Importance of Demolition Dust Control- The Hazards
The importance of dust control was discovered in the 1700s through a simple real-life example of stone cutters. Stone cutters of those times worked without any real protection, and after many years of work, they would fall ill. These incidents served as a wake-up call, leading to more research and a better understanding of dust-related hazards that can cause major harm to human health.
The workers of a demolition project are not the only ones at risk of dust hazards. The local community, the area's groundwater, and the nearby wildlife are also at risk.
Let's take a look at some of the major potential health effects that come with exposure to dust after demolition-
1. Respiratory Irritation
Respiratory irritation occurs when any substance is inhaled, causing a reaction in the respiratory system. Without proper dust control on demolition sites, inhaling substances like lead dust and silica dust can lead to respiratory irritation. In more severe cases, respiratory irritation can include-
- Histoplasmosis: This disease is caused by a fungus called Histoplasma, which thrives in specific environments. When inhaled, it can lead to serious pneumonia symptoms.
- Silicosis: One of the oldest known illnesses linked to dust exposure is silicosis. It arises from breathing in crystalline silica, which is often present in airborne dust and found in materials like stone, rock, sand, and clay.
2. Higher operating costs at the job site
Exposure to dust can become costly for a demolition company sacramento . When demolition equipment is exposed to dust, the engine and other moving parts collect dust. This heavy dust exposure causes engines to wear out faster, leading to more frequent maintenance and repairs. This not only drives up operating costs but also cuts into demolition firms' profitability. On the other hand, effectively controlling dust keeps the site cleaner and simpler to manage.
3. Regulations from Community Demolitions
Dust after demolition is a major health hazard. Other than that, dust settling in nearby houses can also interrupt the daily lives of the people in the community you are working in. This potentially damages community relations and makes it harder to get building or demolition permits in the future. To prevent these issues, many communities require a specific level of dust control.
How to Control Dust at Demolition Sites?
The best part about demolition service in Sacramento is that there are many easy ways to control dust. All the methods we are going to mention are effective and protect the surrounding community and the workers from exposure to dust. Let's learn about them in detail.
1. The Technique "Wet Wet Wet"
This approach is very simple, as the name suggests. It uses hoses to spray water over the site to control dust. Before the demolition process starts, the area is drenched with water to keep the dust in control and prevent it from becoming airborne. Additionally, specific sections of the site are often sprayed again just before work commences there. When the demolition debris is collected and loaded onto the truck, it is again sprayed with water before the materials are removed from the site.
2. Dust Suppression System
Here are the two major dust suppression systems used by professional demolition service in sacramento to keep the dust under control-
- Mist: Unlike the "wet wet wet" method, misting systems create an atomized fog in specific areas of the job site instead of soaking the entire area. This helps to reduce dust and is ideal for longer-term projects. Often called "air washing," this technique can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Negative Air Machines: These portable machines remove dust, mold, debris, and other harmful contaminants from the environment. Negative air machines are popular for controlling demolition dust and are easily moved around the job site. They can be used alongside misting systems and the wet method.
Safe and Clean Demolition Service In Sacramento With JM Environmental Stockton
Dealing with demolition dust hazards can be challenging, but JM Environmental is here to help. Our professional demolition service in Stockton, CA ensures a dust-free environment, protecting workers, the community, and you.
From complete demolitions to selective and surgical demolitions, our team of demolition contractors in Stockton handles every project with precision and care. We also specialize in fire damage, structural concrete, and swimming pool demolition. Our detailed approach includes installing critical barriers, using engineering controls to isolate work areas, and maintaining site cleanliness to ensure safety and compliance.
Trust JM Environmental to deliver safe, efficient, and clean demolition service in Stockton. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next demolition project and keep your site dust-free!
