In construction, controlled demolition consists in the bringing down of structures that, for various reasons, no longer need to exist. Typical building implosion requires numerous strategically placed small charges which, when exploded, allow the building to collapse onto itself. Many people have seen at least one of these events but very few stop to think that behind such an event are a number of workers who need to control the implosion and successive phases very closely.
The controlled demolition of buildings: what is it all about
In construction, controlled demolition consists in the bringing down of structures that, for various reasons, are no longer needed. Typical building implosion requires numerous strategically placed small charges which, when exploded, allow the building to collapse onto itself. Many people have seen at least one of these events but very few realize that behind it are numerous workers whose job is to control the implosion process and successive phases very closely.
In fact, during the controlled demolition of buildings, the workers need to ensure that the whole process takes place under safe conditions and that all possible risks to workers’ health have been accounted for.
Huge amounts of dust and debris are generated during controlled demolitions causing serious problems to the respiratory system but also to the head, neck and, above all, ears owing to the high noise levels produced by the explosions.
Workers in this sector are among the highest risk categories and their health and safety needs to be protected by making use of suitable personal protective equipment.
Many risks are present during the demolition of buildings starting from flying debris chips launched at such a speed to cause serious injury and even death.
The dust which builds up, on the other hand, is so fine that it can be inhaled very easily causing local and even more widespread irritations to the respiratory system which can degenerate into far more serious diseases.
These concrete, crystalline silica (RCS) and metal dusts and fibres, are among the main causes for the onset of lung cancer among workers in this sector. The law specifies that demolition workers are to wear personal protective equipment to protect their health and safety.
PPE for protection against demolition hazards
Among the personal protective devices most suitable for the respiratory protection of demolition workers are the powered air purifying respirators equipped with helmets . These respiratory protective devices are designed to provide maximum breathing protection to workers, thanks to filters that block entry into the helmet of any harmful material or substance. Polluted environment air is cleaned by filters mounted directly onto the helmets while any excess and expired air is expelled through diaphragm valves.
In this way workers can work autonomously without having to resort to additional devices for the protection of the respiratory tract. The system is compact and does not require breathing tubes or external electrical power cords.
In addition to respiratory protection, powered respirators with helmets provide other types of protection as well, for example, they protect the head from flying debris chips which could strike workers’ eyes, ears, and neck with very serious consequences. Finally, they also provide hearing protection as the helmet dampens the noise generated by the explosions.
KASCO’s Kompat88 respirator features all these characteristics and is one of the safest RPD for the protection of workers against demolition work risks.
Sep 4 2017
Demolition hazards – some advice on how to protect oneself
The controlled demolition of buildings: what is it all about
In construction, controlled demolition consists in the bringing down of structures that, for various reasons, are no longer needed. Typical building implosion requires numerous strategically placed small charges which, when exploded, allow the building to collapse onto itself. Many people have seen at least one of these events but very few realize that behind it are numerous workers whose job is to control the implosion process and successive phases very closely.
In fact, during the controlled demolition of buildings, the workers need to ensure that the whole process takes place under safe conditions and that all possible risks to workers’ health have been accounted for.
Huge amounts of dust and debris are generated during controlled demolitions causing serious problems to the respiratory system but also to the head, neck and, above all, ears owing to the high noise levels produced by the explosions.
Workers in this sector are among the highest risk categories and their health and safety needs to be protected by making use of suitable personal protective equipment.
Many risks are present during the demolition of buildings starting from flying debris chips launched at such a speed to cause serious injury and even death.
The dust which builds up, on the other hand, is so fine that it can be inhaled very easily causing local and even more widespread irritations to the respiratory system which can degenerate into far more serious diseases.
PPE for protection against demolition hazards
Among the personal protective devices most suitable for the respiratory protection of demolition workers are the powered air purifying respirators equipped with helmets . These respiratory protective devices are designed to provide maximum breathing protection to workers, thanks to filters that block entry into the helmet of any harmful material or substance. Polluted environment air is cleaned by filters mounted directly onto the helmets while any excess and expired air is expelled through diaphragm valves.
In this way workers can work autonomously without having to resort to additional devices for the protection of the respiratory tract. The system is compact and does not require breathing tubes or external electrical power cords.
In addition to respiratory protection, powered respirators with helmets provide other types of protection as well, for example, they protect the head from flying debris chips which could strike workers’ eyes, ears, and neck with very serious consequences. Finally, they also provide hearing protection as the helmet dampens the noise generated by the explosions.
KASCO’s Kompat88 respirator features all these characteristics and is one of the safest RPD for the protection of workers against demolition work risks.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •