Are you wondering what should be considered before demolition in Sheffield? Demolition can be a complex process, and there are many things you need to think about before things get underway. Some demolition projects see entire buildings being demolished, but it’s also common for sections of structures to be demolished. If you don’t consider all the consequences of a demolition before work begins, things could be very challenging for you. Demolition is a high-risk activity, so it should never be taken lightly.
What kinds of demolition are there? 
Demolition can come in many forms. Here are just a few of the many ways.
Explosives
Explosives are often used in demolition projects to get the job done quickly. The use of explosives could be right for you if the other methods available to you are too slow or too dangerous. If you do decide to use explosives for your demolition project, you will need to create enforced exclusion zones to keep people safe. Pre-demolition and post-demolition structural inspections will also need to be carried out.
Hand demolition
This kind of demolition may be suitable for your project if it is smaller in scale. If you are facing constraints like adjacent structures or pedestrian access, you may need to opt for hand demolition. This takes place using hand tools and needs to be carried out by experienced professionals.
Machine
Demolition by machine can be a good option when you want to prevent people from working at height or manhandling. Some of the machines that are used for this particular method include ones with hydraulic pushing arms, wire ropes and cranes with swinging balls. Other demolition methods can include thermal reaction, drilling, sawing, gas expansion bursters and hydraulic expansion burners.
Why do I need to carry out a demolition risk assessment?
It’s very important that a risk assessment is carried out before demolition work takes place. Demolition projects come with risks even if they are smaller in scale. You need to assess all potential hazards and risks before any work gets underway to ensure safety standards aren’t compromised. If an error is made, lives could be put at risk and the structure of a building could be damaged.
What else needs to occur before demolition work begins?
Before demolition work proceeds, you need to disconnect utilities, carry out intrusive pre-demolition surveys which could include surveys for asbestos if the structure was created before the year 2000 and remove meters. Utilities will also need to be isolated. Soft stripping may also need to take place.
Why is it so important to use the right equipment?
Although it may be tempting to use inferior cheaper equipment, this can be very risky. There is a big chance the outcome may fall short of your expectations if you do the project on the cheap. When you use the right equipment for a demolition project, the margin for error is reduced and you can expect a much better finish.
How do I deal with demolition waste?
How do I deal with demolition waste? A great deal of construction waste is produced during a demolition project. You need to ensure that any waste arising from the project is managed in a responsible, safe and environmentally-friendly way or you could face penalties and risk the loss of your reputation. You also need to treat hazardous and non-hazardous waste differently.
What is the difference between hazardous and non-hazardous waste?
Hazardous waste can include materials including substances like asbestos. These substances can be found in ceramics, tiles, bricks and concrete as well as glass, plastic and treated wood. Metals can also harbour hazardous substances, as can soils, stones and cables. You also need to take great care when disposing of paint cans, paint remover, varnish remover and sealant containers.
Examples of non-hazardous waste include insulation materials, concrete, tiles, brick, metal and cables that don’t contain hazardous substances. If you’re not sure whether the materials on your site contain hazardous substances or not, you can have a survey carried out for you.
Is your demolition project necessary?
If you’re wondering what should be considered before demolition in Sheffield, another thing you need to think about is whether the work is necessary. Demolition is normally only required when you can’t get the results that you require without it.
Who can help with demolition in Sheffield?
At ProDEM, we are here to assist you if you do need help with demolition in Sheffield. We have a great deal of experience in this area and have been in the business for decades. Our services are available to companies, organisations and individuals across Sheffield, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands. We are a family business that knows all there is to know about demolition, earthworks and groundworks. We deliver a comprehensive service for building removal, with all work being carried out in-house. This means we never need to turn to additional contractors to get the work done to the highest of standards.
We are here for you whether you require demolition work no matter the scale. Free quotations and site surveys are available, and we regularly carry out contracts ranging from £1,000 to £1,000,000. Our market-leading management team and specialist site operators provide bespoke demolition services that are tailored to your specific needs.
We can assist you whether you need to demolish a garage or a complex industrial building. We are also proud to be one of the most environmentally-friendly demolition companies in the business. Now you know the answer to the question, what should be considered before demolition, why not get in touch today?
Contact us
You can reach us today by giving us a call on 0115 775 0307 (Nottingham), 0116 430 0273 (Leicester), 0133 231 4065 (Derby) or 0114 419 0247 (Sheffield). You can also complete the form on our website or send an email to info@prodemolition.co.uk. We will get back to you as quickly as we possibly can.