Demolition and renovation of real estate are certainly to be counted among high risk activities. How can one protect oneself effectively?
Risk factors in building demolition work
Every year numerous accidents occur on building restoration or demolition sites in our country. Apart from injuries, the demolition of buildings also presents further hazards which, if not countered, can result in serious occupational diseases. But what are the actual risks which workers in the building renovation and demolition sectors face? To understand this, various factors such as the assembling of adequate scaffolding and platforms, the use of special machinery as well as the removal of structures, shoring and debris need to be taken into account.Just the thought of having to stage scaffolding brings to mind potential hazards such as falls from heights which needs to be accounted for by providing suitable protective railings and by wearing appropriate equipment.
Another potential source of risk for workers is excessive noise, which can be minimized by using appropriate personal protection devices, such as ear protectors or plugs. The proper use of machinery and as well as timely machine maintenance and service is, moreover, essential to limit excessive noise levels, which should be taken into due consideration also at the moment of PPE purchase.
Another significant hazard is the inhalation of particles or fibres which could be harmful to the respiratory system. To avoid this happening, adequate ventilation needs to be ensured, especially when partial demolition is carried out by hand in closed environments. In addition, in particularly dusty environments, powered tools may only be used inside specific enclosures provided with adequate ventilation and, in order to limit the formation of dust under these circumstances, debris needs to be kept damp so workers need to be further protected by appropriate PPE.
Lastly, additional risks to be taken into account are possible impacts to the head and eye damage. The use of helmets which offer full protection to the head, face, neck and ears is strongly recommended.
Building Demolition and PPE for the respiratory system
As mentioned above, workers involved in building demolition are to be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment able to protect them from various types of risks. But which PPE are specifically designed to protect the respiratory system, head, eyes and ears and, above all, what specifications must these PPE have? The PPE to be used are those for protection against particles in industrial environments. Said PPE are to protect against both solid and liquid particles and be equipped with helmets in order to protect the entire head including the eyes and ears. In addition, they are to be CE certified, ergonomical, fit all head sizes and accommodate beards and eyewear as well as ensure a good face seal.
Respiratory Protective Devices of the KASCO “Industrial Range” are indicated for use in the building industry to protect the respiratory system, head, eyes, and ears. Particularly suitable is the K80 T8 powered air purifying respirator equipped with P3 particle filters for protection against dust.
May 8 2017
Building demolition: what are the risks and how to protect oneself
Risk factors in building demolition work
Every year numerous accidents occur on building restoration or demolition sites in our country. Apart from injuries, the demolition of buildings also presents further hazards which, if not countered, can result in serious occupational diseases. But what are the actual risks which workers in the building renovation and demolition sectors face? To understand this, various factors such as the assembling of adequate scaffolding and platforms, the use of special machinery as well as the removal of structures, shoring and debris need to be taken into account.Just the thought of having to stage scaffolding brings to mind potential hazards such as falls from heights which needs to be accounted for by providing suitable protective railings and by wearing appropriate equipment.
Another potential source of risk for workers is excessive noise, which can be minimized by using appropriate personal protection devices, such as ear protectors or plugs. The proper use of machinery and as well as timely machine maintenance and service is, moreover, essential to limit excessive noise levels, which should be taken into due consideration also at the moment of PPE purchase.
Another significant hazard is the inhalation of particles or fibres which could be harmful to the respiratory system. To avoid this happening, adequate ventilation needs to be ensured, especially when partial demolition is carried out by hand in closed environments. In addition, in particularly dusty environments, powered tools may only be used inside specific enclosures provided with adequate ventilation and, in order to limit the formation of dust under these circumstances, debris needs to be kept damp so workers need to be further protected by appropriate PPE.
Lastly, additional risks to be taken into account are possible impacts to the head and eye damage. The use of helmets which offer full protection to the head, face, neck and ears is strongly recommended.
Building Demolition and PPE for the respiratory system
As mentioned above, workers involved in building demolition are to be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment able to protect them from various types of risks. But which PPE are specifically designed to protect the respiratory system, head, eyes and ears and, above all, what specifications must these PPE have? The PPE to be used are those for protection against particles in industrial environments. Said PPE are to protect against both solid and liquid particles and be equipped with helmets in order to protect the entire head including the eyes and ears. In addition, they are to be CE certified, ergonomical, fit all head sizes and accommodate beards and eyewear as well as ensure a good face seal.
Respiratory Protective Devices of the KASCO “Industrial Range” are indicated for use in the building industry to protect the respiratory system, head, eyes, and ears. Particularly suitable is the K80 T8 powered air purifying respirator equipped with P3 particle filters for protection against dust.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •