The definition of soft strip demolition
Soft strip demolition is the process of removing all non-structural features from a site prior to any demolition or renovation works due to be completed. This includes any structures internal or external to the building. It aims to leave just the ‘shell’ of a building in order for this to be used in upcoming remodelling or demolition. The term ‘soft strip’ covers the safe removal of a wide range of non-structural items. This includes, but is not limited to walls, staircases, electrical and mechanical fittings, floor coverings or ceilings.
Safety procedures during soft strip demolition works
With any demolition works, ensuring the safety of everyone on site is paramount. Thorough health and safety planning must be carried out before any work begins.
General site safety
As with any construction site, basic health and safety measures must be put in place. Personal protection equipment must be readily available to all who enter the site, to ensure the safety of each individual. This can include, but is not limited to, steel cap boots, Hi-Vis workwear, eye protection, hard hats and gloves.
Site inductions must also take place. The Health and Safety Executive states that “every site worker must be given a suitable site induction”. This is to make sure that each person is familiar with the site, for example any particular risks, first-aid arrangements or accident and incident reporting.
Important health and safety documentation will also be produced. Documents such as RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) will be created which identifies and details the steps needed to undertake a task with due care and attention.
Asbestos surveys and asbestos removal
Before removing any items, it is important to first assess if any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present using an asbestos survey. If ACMs are present within a building (like an artex ceiling for example) and go undetected, the demolition can disturb these materials causing asbestos fibres to be released into the environment.
Inhaling these fibres has serious health consequences and therefore identifying ACMs before work begins can ensure the safe removal or remediation of these materials.
Reddish Vale can undertake any necessary asbestos surveys, asbestos removals and soft strip demolition as a package to guarantee a safe working environment.
Having your asbestos surveys, removals and soft strip demolition within one package can ensure a smooth transition between each service, thanks to our pre-existing knowledge of your property, saving time. This also means that you require just one point of contact throughout the project, removing the risk of miscommunications or misinterpretation.
Construction dust
Soft strip work can also produce a high level of dust and therefore managing this is key to maintaining safety. The level of dust will of course depend on the materials being removed and the removal techniques being utilised, but nonetheless control measures to minimise the risk of the dust produced will be put in place. As stated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), any materials containing silica or wood dust are higher-risk and if breathed in can cause serious health complications.
To avoid this, carefully planning the work to minimise dust and including measures to control the dust produced will be needed.
Sustainability
At Reddish Vale, we take our pledge to sustainability on every project very seriously. We are proud to hold the ISO14001 UKAS accreditation, for good environmental practices. Specialist recycling measures are put into place as we aim to recycle as much material from our demolition works as possible. Documentation of this can be provided and proper waste-management procedures will be applied at every stage of the project.
Looking for reliable soft strip demolition contractors?
If soft strip demolition is required for your next project, why not get in touch? Our friendly team is on hand to offer help, advice and a competitive quote. Enquire today.
