Health and safety are always a priority on demolition sites across the world. Our ethos at M&M Demolition is that every site team member is responsible. We actively encourage our workforce to make us aware of how we can improve.
M&M are an NFDC-accredited demolition contractor and audited by them, so when choosing M&M as your contractor, you can have peace of mind that we are working to the highest standards.
We also follow ten ways to keep everyone working or coming to the site safe.
These are:
1. Always be asbestos aware.
Ensure before commencing any demolition project that an R&D (Demolition and Refurbishment) Survey has been undertaken.
Any survey ensures that a UKAS-approved analyst has surveyed in compliance with EN450001. A poor survey will result in additional costs on the project if work must stop to test and remove any other asbestos.
The demolition phase begins after any identified non-licenced or licenced asbestos has been removed.
M&M operatives are qualified to remove non-notifiable asbestos, but licenced asbestos must be removed by a qualified contractor in airtight enclosures.
2. Training and Experience
Any of the workforce working on a demolition site will not be allowed on site unless they have the appropriate training qualifications and experience
M&M Demolition is an NFDC-accredited contractor and is required to have CCDO with the appropriate NVQ qualifications throughout the management and workforce. The level of NVQ is dependent on their role.
Some of our management have IDE membership as well as Black Managers CCDO cards.
We use accredited training agencies, including the NTG, the NFDC’s training division.
Each member of our team has an individual training record, and all employees are shown on a training matrix. Any retraining is automatically arranged by our training manager when required.
Before we undertake any project, a training needs analysis to identify if additional training is required based on the site survey.
All our Health and Safety team have IOSHH and NEBOSH qualifications.When choosing your demolition contractor, check to see if they are a member of the NFDC. This will mean they have the experience and credentials to carry out the work.
3. Always wear correct PPE
Throughout the demolition process PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be worn
5-part PPE should be worn as a minimum when in a working area. On all sites the requirement should be clearly displayed on signage and includes
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Hi vis jacket/vest
- Safety gloves
- Stell toe capped boats (not rigger boots)
Additional equipment such is issued to carry out specific tasks and environment. These will include face, masks, welding masks, fireproof overalls and gloves.
All our operatives are issued with PPE which they must sign for and keep in good condition. All PPE complies to British Standards.
Site personnel are required to have face fitting tests and records are kept on site. Throughout the duration of a project one brand of mask is kept on site for distribution to ensure
Any operative reporting for work without their PPE after issue is not permitted on site.
Our PPE is branded with our logo.
4. Environmental control and monitoring
5. Traffic Management
A large demolition site can be a busy place with multiple vehicles operating. Workers are at risk from vehicles slewing, reversing, or turning. Vehicles coming and going from the site also need to be controlled for the safety of the public
It is, therefore, crucial that effective traffic systems and measures have to be in place.
Wherever possible, vision aids and machines with zero tail swings should be used.
During the planning stages, Traffic management plans are established. These are reviewed and amended as the works progress on site.
The segregation of pedestrians and vehicles is implemented. This gives clear and unhindered pedestrian routes and vehicle access to all required areas of the site.
Trained gatemen and bankmen manage and assist the flow and control of traffic
on-site. Strict speed limits of 5 mph are enforced.
One-way systems minimise the need for reversing, and reversing cameras are fitted to vehicles and heavy plant to eliminate the need for operatives to be close to vehicles.
Additionally, traffic movements are programmed to avoid rush hour traffic and no queuing of construction traffic outsite the site will occur.
Wheel and road cleaning provision is made where mud and debris is deposited onto the roads outside the site.
6. Risk assessments and method statements
Risk Assessments and Method Statements are the essential elements in planning, preparation and undertaking of a project safely.
At MM Demolition, our structured approach ensures the provision and control of safety from project conception to completion, considering the Pre-construction Information provided at the tender stage. Before commencing the works, the appointed site management team, including our Site Supervisor, Contracts Manager and SHEQ Manager, walks the site and performs a detailed risk analysis.
Method statements are then produced based on controlling the risks.
Weekly site audits by the Contracts Manager and SHEQ Manager also ensure that works follow the approved Method Statement. Any revisions to the method statement have to be approved by the client.
All activities undertaken by M&M Demolition follow the approved programme of work, phased operations and safe demolition techniques. The activities will be planned and undertaken in line with the Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Project Health and Safety Plan and Environmental Plan.
For more Demolition Insights click here
