The Key To Site Safety

Demolition experts are calling on specifiers and designers of demolition projects to involve demolition contractors in the early planning stages of a project in order to ensure that high levels of site safety are achieved.

The call was voiced by UK-based demolition specialist, J Freeley, in the light of proposed changes in the Working at Height Regulations across Europe. According to the company's managing director, John Freeley (pictured), many design teams automatically stipulate demolition by hand for tall structures, believing that to be the safest option. However, it is often the case that mechanical demolition could be safer.

Mr Freeley said, “Hand demolition is often stipulated by the design team as a matter or course in tender documents, especially where the demolition site is close to occupied buildings, or where there are issues of pedestrian safety.

“But this is often unnecessary and can pose safety problems to the demolition operatives who are working at height, and this has been brought into focus by the proposed changes to the European regulations. Advanced demolition techniques - including the latest machines incorporating pulverisers and selector grabs - mean that careful demolition at height can carried out by machine without compromising the safety of demolition operatives in any way”.

“If the demolition contractor is involved in the early stages of the planning process, demolition techniques can be planned and implemented to fulfill the needs of the client and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations without compromising the safety of either operatives, pedestrians or adjacent building occupants.” he concluded.