Challenges of Soft Strip Demolition in the UK

Soft strip demolition can be challenging in the UK, as several rules and regulations must be followed. For example, knowledge about asbestos removal from old houses, proper waste removal, and worker safety measures are necessary in the UK. Soft strip demolition is the best sustainable way to renovate your old building. However, understanding its challenges can help you plan better for soft strip demolition. The following discussion shall focus on soft strip demolition's challenges or cons. You'll learn the challenging phases of the soft strip process that might hinder the workflow.

Removal of chemicals

Before starting soft strip demolition, harmful chemicals or contaminated elements must be removed from the site. It is done to safeguard the health of workers and other individuals involved in the demolition process. However, proper safety measures are necessary to remove hazardous chemicals from the site. It can be challenging for the soft strip demolition contractor to remove dangerous chemicals from the site safely.

Asbestos removal

Asbestos has been used in UK buildings as insulation due to its excellent heat resistance capability. However, it has been declared harmful to human health as it can cause lung disease, cancer, etc. Removal of asbestos from old houses requires expertise and a license from the Health and Safety Executives in the UK. Following proper guidelines and finding contractors with proper licensing can be challenging.

Dust pollution

Dust pollution is a challenge of the soft strip demolition process. When removing inner walls or any concrete elements, many dust particles may cause health issues. If proper dust control measures are not taken, surrounding neighbourhoods can also be disturbed. Controlling dust can be challenging if your soft strip demolition process is happening on a large scale. Before starting the soft strip demolition process, you should discuss with the contractor how to control the spread of dust particles.

Sound pollution

Soft strip demolition processes involve machinery that can produce excessive noise. For example, jackhammers, drill machines, excavators, etc., produce sufficient noise to be considered noise pollution. Neighbours can object to the soft strip demolition work if too much noise is produced. It would be best if you discussed with your soft strip demolition contractor to adopt measures and tools to reduce sound pollution. You can also ask them to work when sound pollution will have less impact on neighbours.

Workers safety

Workers' safety during the demolition process is paramount in the UK. The contractor must ensure the workers use the necessary protective masks and equipment. Dust particles from wood, silica, or asbestos can significantly harm workers, so protective masks are essential. The Health and Safety Executives in the UK provide guidance on protecting workers in the workplace. They suggest providing workers with training to ensure their safety and preparing risk assessment reports to manage risk factors. Your moral duty is to ensure no workers are harmed during the soft strip demolition process. You should consult with your contractor and check for protective equipment.

Efficient tools for soft strip demolition

You should check with the contractor if modern equipment is used for soft strip demolition, which produces less noise and dust. These equipment are costly, so not all contractors can use them. Finding a demolition contractor who follows all the guidelines and uses advanced equipment can be challenging. However, it would help if you always chose a contractor whose practices align with the latest rules and regulations and who uses efficient tools.

Waste removal

Waste removal is necessary and challenging after the soft strip demolition process. Removing asbestos waste requires experts. On the other hand, categorizing waste according to its nature and carrying it to a specific place for the dumping requires knowledge of waste removal. The UK Environment Agency suggests that your waste is your responsibility, meaning you must remove your construction waste accordingly. If your contractor does not remove waste properly, you can be fined or face jail term. Hence, you must ensure your contractor is capable of managing construction waste.

Conclusion

The challenges of soft strip demolition are of different types and nature. Finding an efficient contractor with expertise in waste removal or modern machinery can be challenging. However, you are responsible for reducing noise and dust pollution and managing waste in the post-demolition process. Strip Out Company can take care of all the challenges you might face during the soft strip demolition process. We utilize modern equipment to reduce waste, dust, and noise. We also focus on safety aspects during the soft strip demolition process.