It’s no secret that construction work is hard work. Besides the physically demanding labor, construction workers put their lives on the line because there’s always a chance of sustaining an injury. However, there’s also the concern of construction waste, which can be a safety hazard.
Construction waste comes in many forms, and some types of waste require special handling. There are also specific safety procedures that need to be followed to prevent hazards. It’s the construction company’s responsibility to take the proper steps to ensure that the job site is safe and that workers are aware of the safety regulations. However, since construction waste management is a pretty puzzling matter, one must be mindful of ways to ensure it’s done correctly. Here are some tips to get you started:
#1 – Recycle Those That Cannot Be Reused
If you believe in recycling, you’re in luck because construction waste is a great source to help preserve the environment. You need to make sure that you sort the construction waste properly to determine the items that can be reused and the ones that cannot be reused.
You’ll need to consider whether or not the item is reusable. If it’s not reusable, it should be recycled to be reused as raw material for future construction projects. This will help you save money on future projects because you won’t have to spend on new material, and you can also help save the environment because you’ll be helping the planet by reusing and re-purposing those items.
#2 – Inform Contractors of Safety Regulations
Construction waste can pose a risk not only to the environment but also to the workers themselves. You need to educate contractors on the safety regulations for construction waste.
For instance, if the waste is considered hazardous, you will need to provide the contractor with the necessary equipment (such as gloves, masks, and eye protection) to prevent them from getting contaminated or inhaling or ingesting the hazardous materials. You should also make sure that the employees know the proper procedure to dispose of such waste.
#3 – Prioritize Deconstruction before Demolition
To minimize construction waste, you need to let the contractor know to deconstruct the building before demolishing it. Deconstruction involves separating and disassembling materials in a building structure to reuse and repurpose them.
For instance, if the contractor demolishes a building with steel beams, they can be reused in the same building or a new building. If you wanted to recycle the materials, you could also cut the steel beams into smaller pieces and reuse them in smaller structures.
#4 – Reuse or Donate Any Items in Good Condition
You know how tempting it is to sell items considered not in good condition if you’re a construction company. However, before you do so, you should make sure that you give it a little more thought. Certain items might require repair, but they are still usable. You can use them in your construction projects, provide them to the community, or donate the items to organizations.
#5 – Plan Ahead to Reduce Waste
Above all else, you need to plan ahead to minimize construction waste. As a construction company, you can take measures to reduce waste by doing careful planning before you start a project.
For instance, if you are a residential construction company and have plans to build a new home, you need to evaluate whether or not the client is willing to donate some of the old furniture (such as cabinets and appliances) before you dismantle the old home.
Conclusion
Construction waste is a widespread problem that most construction companies face. However, you don’t have to be helpless when managing construction waste. If you follow the tips that we’ve mentioned earlier, you’ll be able to minimize construction waste and keep your job site safe and clean.
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