|
The Demolition
Process
Things Can Go Astray at Many Points in the Demolition
Process |
| 1. Decision to knock
something down |
Ideally this is where the
demolisher considers all the implications, including whether the building contains any
lead, asbestos or other toxic substances. Too often people go from here to step four
(minus rules) and only clean up safely if caught. |
| 2. Check out local
guidelines |
Ideally Council will have
comprehensive requirements that include the relevant sections of the OH&S Act AND
their own lead safe management measures. At this stage of course, as time equals money, a
demolisher is not necessarily going to be the one to insist on the best. At this time the
affected neighbour finds out how little protection they have, but they should ask to see
the OH&S and Lead Management rules and ask specifically which ones the demolisher has
to comply with. |
| 3. Hire licensed contractor
who agrees to abide by guidelines |
This is where even the most
safety conscious demolisher can run into problems, in the absence of the licensing of lead
abatement workers/contractors, ‘lead safe’ operators are hard to find. |
| 4. Knock it down!
(following the rules) |
Ideally this would NOT be
the first time you knew about the building next door being demolished! At this time the
people find they have little or no protection especially in relation to ‘lead
safe’ work and even if there are some rules, no-one is enforcing them – where
are WorkSafe and/or the Council when you need them? |
| 5. Clean up safely |
If all was going well this
would be an ongoing process as demolition occurs. |
| 6. Safe disposal of waste |
All too often you are again
on the phone trying to get someone to stop the uncovered trucks roaring down your street
at all hours. Depending on the make up of the rubble, its safe disposal is governed by
both Council and/or EPA waste disposal regulations. |
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