Demolition sites are often full of hazards. When buildings are being torn down and/or removed, it will inevitably be dangerous if demolition safety isn’t taken seriously. That’s why Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code has such stringent rules and regulations for demolition sites: It’s dangerous work when it’s not done right.
Fortunately, there are companies like FenceLine Rentals Ltd. that can help make demolition safety much easier to manage through temporary fencing, waste management, and more. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most important areas of demolition safety and what you can do to prevent danger from arising.
What to Know About Demolition Safety
In Alberta, demolition safety is overseen by the province’s occupational health and safety code and the National Building Code – Alberta Edition. Demolition permits are handled by municipalities, and both Calgary and Edmonton have extensive resources available for anyone considering a demolition.
The province’s rules and regulations are all designed with safety being a top priority, and it’s best to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the regulations.
The Importance of High Quality Fencing
The National Building Code – Alberta Edition clearly outlines the rules for fencing as they relate to fencing in Section 8.2.1.3, and there are a few key points to note.
- If demolition activity is located 2 metres or more from a public way, a fence of at least 1.8 metres high needs to be erected.
- There can’t be any openings in the fencing, except those that are required for access.
- Where access is required, gates must be kept closed and locked when not in use.
- The fencing needs to be in place from the start of the project right until its end.
How FenceLine Rentals Ltd. Can Help
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers temporary fencing for rent and purchase that meets Alberta’s demolition safety requirements. Both the 6-foot and 8-foot fence panels exceed the 1.8-metre requirement for fencing surrounding a demolition site and are strong and durable enough to keep the public out of your job site, providing a perimeter that will keep them safe.
Temporary fencing is also useful for directing the flow of traffic on your site, which can be a particularly important element of demolition safety. When buildings are being removed, you want everyone on site to know exactly where they can and should be, and temporary fencing provides barriers that can separate different work areas on a demolition site and keep everyone safe.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. also has the gates and hardware you’ll need to provide access points to your work site while meeting Alberta’s demolition safety requirements.
Waste Management Makes a Difference
Waste management is an important part of demolition safety, and it’s always best to avoid common waste management mistakes. When you don’t have a well-thought-out and organized waste management plan, it can create a hazardous environment where your demolition site has hazards that could have been removed, or even industrial waste that poses a danger to anyone who comes into close contact with it.
Having a waste management and recycling plan organized in advance will help ensure demolition safety by keeping your site clean and sanitary.
How FenceLine Can Help
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. not only offers industry-leading bins suitable for use on demolition sites, but our company is also LEED-certified and is an expert in environmentally sustainable practices. We can help you divert expensive materials out of the waste stream and help you create a waste management plan that separates waste streams, ensures that waste is stored in an orderly way, and is removed before bins overflow.
Our industry-leading containers are strong, durable, and can be used with compactors. We also offer reliable, on-time disposal services that help you haul away waste, allowing you to maintain the highest level of demolition safety on your site.
Portable Toilet Placement Counts
Portable toilets are an important feature of every demolition site. Workers require easy-to-access, clean, and secure toilet facilities, and you must ensure that the portable toilets you set up on-site aren’t located in an area that could pose a danger.
Selecting the right portable toilets that are comfortable throughout all four seasons and can withstand the challenges of being set up on a demolition site can be a challenge. Still, there are options available for every demolition site.
How FenceLine Can Help
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers eight different options for portable toilets, ensuring you’ll find one that meets the specific needs of your demolition site. While portable toilets may not seem like they’d play a significant role in demolition safety, setting them up securely and even relocating them to different areas of your site when needed can make a huge difference.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. can help you figure out where to set up portable toilet rentals on your demolition site.
Get a Headstart on Demolition Safety
Demolition safety is incredibly important. It can be a dangerous work environment if not done correctly, but having the right temporary fencing, a good waste management plan, and even considering the placement of your portable toilets carefully on your demolition site will help keep everyone safe.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. has worked with the construction and demolition industries for years, and our products are all built to be durable and safe, whatever the job.
For more information on how we can help with demolition safety, contact us online today.
FAQs About Demolition Safety
Are permits required to demolish a building in Calgary?
In most cases, the answer is yes. There are some buildings that don’t always require a demolition permit in Calgary, such as when removing a detached residential garage. However, it is always best to check with the City of Calgary to ensure you’re not breaking any rules.
Do I need fencing on a construction site?
Yes. Temporary fencing is always required on construction or demolition sites in Alberta, and it’s an important part of demolition safety. Protecting the public who may be walking nearby is critical.