Are you unsure how to clean up after a demolition takes place? If so, you’re certainly not alone. Many site managers find the task of cleaning up following demolition work to be a challenging task due to the substantial amount of debris that tends to remain. In especially testing scenarios, the clean-up process can involve dealing with various hazardous materials. In this article, we’ll talk about the steps that are often taken following demolition in Leicester.

Before cleaning begins

Before the cleaning process gets underway after demolition, the site must be safe to access. This is why remaining hazards like exposed wires, unstable structures and sharp objects are normally taken away before the remainder of the work begins.

Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Using PPE during clean-up work after demolition work is absolutely essential. The PPE used during the demolition process can include safety goggles, gloves, dust masks or respirators and tough footwear such as sturdy boots. These can protect people from any remaining hazards that went undetected before the clean-up process began.

Sorting debris

We strongly recommend sorting demolition debris into different categories. You could base these around materials. Categories can include concrete, metal, wood and bricks. You may also need to separate any hazardous materials you come across whilst you are cleaning up. It’s also a good idea to separate recyclable and non-recyclable materials. If there are any materials that can be recycled, it’s a great idea to ensure these are used again to ensure the project is as sustainable as possible.

Dealing with heavy machinery and equipment

If heavy machinery was in use during the demolition process, this needs to be cleaned and stored away properly. It’s vital to remove as much debris from the machinery as possible to ensure it’s fit for use in future. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dealing with hazardous materials

If the building was old, it may have contained hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint. These are normally removed before the demolition process begins. If there are hazardous materials remaining after the demolition, these should be removed by a specialist to prevent them from causing any harm to those working on the site as well as those in close proximity to it.

Cleaning up dust

Demolition work can generate a great deal of dust. This is why it’s so important to use water sprays or take other measures to get dust under control. This helps to keep airborne particles to a minimum. Industrial vacuum systems are highly effective at cleaning up dust and debris.

Disposing of debris compliantly

It’s very important to dispose of debris in accordance with regulations. Rules can vary from one local authority to another, so make sure you know what your obligations are when you’re dealing with debris. Your local authority can tell you what your recycling options are. Many of the materials left over after demolition projects are recyclable. Once all clearly visible debris has been removed from the site, you can sweep or vacuum the area to ensure no small, loose debris is left behind. A final inspection should take place to ensure all hazards and debris have been dealt with.

What to look for in a demolition contractor

There are many factors you need to think about when you require the services of a demolition contractor. These include ensuring the company has sufficient experience in this area. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from former clients and to ask as many questions as you feel you need to. The contractor should have a fantastic record when it comes to health and safety. They also need to be fully compliant with all relevant legislation.

The best demolition contractors work closely alongside their clients, offering bespoke guidance that fully meets their needs. Many contractors also carry out all the clean-up work themselves, keeping your workload to a minimum. By seeking out the best contractors available to you, you can avoid disappointment when you require high-quality demolition work.

Who can help with demolition in Leicester?

Now you know more about how to clean up after a demolition takes place, you may be wondering who can help when you need to book demolition services near you. At ProDEM, we have a great deal of experience when it comes to carrying out demolition work in the Leicester area. We have been a leading force in our industry for over three decades, giving us a vast amount of experience in all aspects of demolition and hazardous waste removal and disposal.

Our team have demolished everything from large industrial buildings to garages and everything in between over the years. We are here to give you everything you might need from a local demolition company and can also offer some of the most competitive prices on the market. Free site visits are always available so we can identify the best way to help you. We can help you whether your project involves underlying environmental challenges or not, and have vast experience with helping clients deal with problems like bats and hazardous waste.

Perhaps you’re in need of soft strip demolition services prior to a full-scale project taking place. If so, this is something that we can help with. We can assist with all aspects of demolition work. You can rest assured that we deal with all waste in a compliant manner, ensuring its always cleared away both safely and responsibly. We’ll separate recyclable materials including timber, metal and plastic during your project so these can be reused or repurposed.

Contact us

If you’re still wondering how to clean up after a demolition takes place or you’re looking to hire local specialists in demolition in Leicester, get in touch today. You can reach us by phoning 0116 430 0273 and discussing your requirements with our team. Alternatively, complete the form on our website. We will get back to you at our earliest opportunity.