Safe Demolition Methods in Singapore Construction: Assessment Answer

Introduction

The construction business in Singapore is a big part of the country's economy, with many building projects taking place every year. Demolition is a crucial aspect of these construction projects since it clears the way for new buildings to be built. However, if the right precautions are not taken, demolition operations can be extremely risky. Demolition jobs can be dangerous because of things like structural collapse, falling objects, contact with toxic substances, and the usage of large machinery (Bernard Martin, Gladstone & Patric, 2014). As a result, it is essential that demolition work on Singaporean building sites be carried out in a risk-free environment (Zhao, 2021). The process of demolishing a building or other structure entails taking it apart and removing its components. The process weakens the structure, increasing the possibility of its collapse. Severe injuries or even deaths of workers and members of the public can result from a building collapsing in a highly populated location like Singapore. Thus, it is crucial to put in place adequate safety measures to reduce these dangers (Allam & Nik-Bakht, 2023). To ensure that demolition operations are carried out safely, it is crucial to adhere to the stringent laws governing demolition activities that have been enacted by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore (Singapore, n.a.).

The risk of injury is not the only one present with demolition projects. Debris can fall from great heights as sections of a building or structure are demolished, posing a risk of serious injury or death to demolition workers and the general public (Xu et al., 2019). To protect employees and the public from falling debris and other risks, proper safety measures should be adopted, such as the construction of safety nets, protection barriers, and catch platforms. Another risk linked with destruction is the possible presence of hazardous materials in older buildings and structures (Zhao, 2021). Asbestos, lead, and mercury are all materials that, if not handled appropriately, can pose serious health risks to employees. Serious diseases like cancer, respiratory issues, and neurological impairments have all been linked to exposure to these substances. That is why it is so important to survey for potentially dangerous materials and put in place the necessary safeguards before starting demolition (Jaishankar et al., 2014).

The usage of excavators and bulldozers, among other heavy machinery, during demolition work can potentially be dangerous. To ensure the safe operation of heavy machinery, workers operating it should be properly trained and qualified, and safety protocols including the use of PPE and routine equipment inspections should be put into place (Rathi & Khandve, 2014). This paper will examine the risks that might arise from demolition projects in Singapore, as well as the solutions that can be put in place to lessen such dangers.

Definition and Importance of Research Topic

The term "demolition" refers to the destruction or removal of any load-supporting structural part of a building (including homes, businesses, and offices) or non-building facility (including roads, highways, and other non-liveable structures) (Shuai-ping, 2018).

The period of demolition began centuries ago. The opportunities and complexity of today's business environment in this sector necessitate the presence of knowledgeable and skilled workers. When it comes to the building and structural sector, demolition and construction couldn't be more diametrically opposed. A common misunderstanding is that demolition merely entails bringing down a building and transporting the rubble to a dump. There are various reasons why this is not the case. To begin, demolition is a far more comprehensive and difficult procedure than simple knockdown. Second, demolition companies are experts in recycling and reusing as much material as possible. Almost all of the building was able to be recycled or reused, which reduced expenses and increased profits for the owner. To prevent injury or harm to the environment, demolition is a high-risk, complex activity that necessitates special training and attention to detail.

Construction sites have a long history of risky accidents, particularly during demolition projects where safety protocols are not strictly followed. There are numerous potentially harmful processes involved in demolition work, each of which poses a significant risk to workers and the surrounding area in relation to neighbouring houses (Bernard Martin et al., 2014). Extremely high danger exists due to the potential for a wide range of accidents to occur during its execution. As a result, it is important for anyone working in the construction industry to be familiar with demolition procedures and regulations, as well as the fundamental techniques involved in such tasks.

Importance of Research Topic

The study topic of safe ways to do demolition work on construction sites in Singapore is of the utmost importance because demolition work is so important. Demolition work must be done carefully to prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths on Singapore's construction sites, which are frequently located in highly populated areas (Cook et al., 2022). The demolition industry in Singapore is subject to stringent rules, which were implemented to protect both the workers and the general public from any dangers. For instance, before beginning any demolition work, contractors are required by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to get a permission. A comprehensive demolition plan and strict safety protocols must be submitted for approval of the permit (Singapore, n.a.).

In 2020, an accident during a demolition in Singapore demonstrated the significance of establishing risk-free procedures for such projects (Shafique & Rafiq 2019). A worker was killed and several others were injured when a crane collapsed during the demolition of a building. The event prompted a reassessment of Singapore's demolition efforts, with the BCA encouraging demolition firms to take all necessary precautions before beginning their job. Demolition projects will certainly become more in demand as Singapore grows and develops (Singapore, n.a.). Therefore, it is essential to implement risk-free methods of demolition work to reduce potential negative outcomes. Studying this topic in depth might assist figure out what's working and what could use some work.

In summary, protecting the safety of workers and the general public on building sites in Singapore makes the topic of research into safe methods of demolition operations an essential one. Because of Singapore's stringent rules, it is crucial to take all necessary precautions before, during, and after demolition projects. Accidents like the one with the crane in 2020 serve as a sobering reminder of the need for safe demolition techniques. Demolition work in Singapore must be carried out with care, therefore studies in this area can help pinpoint where improvements are needed and promote safety.

Implementation and Conclusion

The three pillars of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) are strengthened by effective implementation of the Construction and Demolition Waste management (CDW) plan. For businesses, it means lower expenses; for society and government, it means better health and fewer social problems stemming from trash accumulations; and for the planet, it means more efficient use of scarce resources (Salihu & Abubakar, 2020). However, CDW management is hampered by the divergent priorities of the two main stakeholder groups. The first set of stakeholders consists of authorities, members of the general public, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and their main goal is to reduce the amount of garbage sent to landfills. The second group consists of project clients, subcontractors, and general contractors who care more about the bottom line than the environmental effects of CDW as they carry out waste management (Mevlja & Kavčič, 2019).

Protective precaution for demolition

Precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of everyone working on the site, anyone passing by, and any property that could be damaged during the demolition (Sanni-Anibire, et al., 2022).

Cautionary Measures for Heavy Equipment

1. Competent persons with appropriate training should operate all dismantling equipment.
2. All equipment should be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
3. Once every 12 months for those lifting goods or materials, and once every 6 months for those lifting personnel, lifting equipment should undergo a comprehensive examination by an authorised examiner (Sanni-Anibire, et al., 2022).

Scaffolding Safety Precautions

1. Only a licenced scaffolding company should erect, install, add, alter, or dismantle scaffolding greater than 4 metres in height (this does not include tower and trestle scaffolding).
2. Maintain a clutter-free working surface.
3. There needs to be a safe way on and off every scaffold.
4. Scaffolding components must be protected from falling objects (Shuai-ping, 2018).

Public Safety Precautions

1. Warning signs and barricades should be set up around the demolition site.
2. The demolition site is off-limits to anyone who isn't a worker there.
3. Wherever exterior walls or roofs are to be demolished, catch platforms should be installed.
4. Demolition plans must take into account the need to move heavy machinery from one floor to another.
5. Overloading of flooring is a potential risk when discarded materials are used as ramps for heavy machinery (Zhang, & Mohandes, 2020).

Measures to Ensure the Safety of Employees

1. Demolition workers need thorough training and clear directions to ensure their work is done without incident.
2. Only employees who have been briefed and given permission to perform the work should be allowed to do so, therefore supervision is essential.
3. Safety gear, including boots and helmets, must be made available to everyone who will be inspecting the demolition site.
4. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that employees have access to necessary PPE (such as safety glasses, earplugs, body harness, gloves, and other protective clothes and gear). Dust masks and chemical protection goggles should also be supplied (Shuai-ping, 2018).

Implementation of Safe Demolition Work

There are a number of precautions that should be taken to make demolition projects as safe as possible.

Risk Analysis

It is important to do a thorough risk assessment before initiating demolition activities. The results of this evaluation should suggest what safety precautions can and should be taken. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will not issue the permit without a detailed demolition plan and stringent safety standards (Zhang, & Mohandes, 2020).

Proper training and qualification

Heavy equipment operators must have the appropriate skills and certifications. They also need to know and follow all the safety procedures and guidelines when carrying out demolition tasks. Personal protection equipment (PPE) for employees is also essential for their safety on the job (Sanni-Anibire, et al., 2022).

Handling of Dangerous Materials 

Before beginning demolition, it is important to conduct a survey to locate and catalogue any potentially dangerous items in the structure. To protect both workers and the environment, hazardous materials must be dealt with in an appropriate manner if they are present (Shuai-ping, 2018).

Safety Procedures 

The right precautions, like the installation of safety nets, protection barriers, and catch platforms, must be taken. Workers and members of the public will be safe from falling objects and other dangers thanks to these precautions (Allam & Nik-Bakht, 2023).

Regularly Inspecting Equipment 

Regular maintenance checks should be performed on all demolition equipment to keep it in top shape. Prior to starting the project, all problems and defects must be fixed (Zhao, 2021).

Conclusion

Demolition is a necessary but sometimes dangerous aspect of every building project in Singapore. It is critical to protect both demolition employees and the general public by adopting safe demolition practises. Demolition procedures for each given building will vary depending on a wide range of variables, including but not limited to: the state of the demolition site; the building's structural structure; the building's age; the building's height; the demolition budget; the building's location; the stability of the buildings immediately adjacent to it; and so on. The demolition of a structure must be carefully orchestrated to protect the employees and the surrounding area from harm. When it comes to dismantling larger structures, especially ones that need to be dismantled with extreme accuracy, explosive or implosion demolition is the method of choice. The demolition process should be carried out with the goal of minimising threats to public health and safety, site crew wellbeing, and environmental quality in the surrounding area. Safe demolition work can be achieved through the implementation of the steps outlined in this chapter, such as conducting risk assessments, receiving enough training and qualification, handling hazardous materials, employing safety measures, and routinely inspecting equipment. Increased enforcement of safety legislation, required safety training and certification, the adoption of new technology, and routine safety audits are just some of the suggestions for moving forward. The building sector in Singapore as a whole will benefit from these actions and suggestions since they will make demolition work safer and more efficient.

Recommendation

The following suggestions should be considered to significantly enhance the safety of demolition activities on Singapore-based development sites:

1. Increased Safety Enforcement & safety regulations: There needs to be more done to enforce these regulations after the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) passed strict laws limiting demolition activities. In order to get contractors to take safety requirements seriously, fines for breaking them should be increased (Singapore, n.a.).
2. Required Safety Training and Certification: There needs to be obligatory safety training and certification for all demolition employees. This will guarantee that all employees are aware of the necessary precautions to take during demolition (Zhang & Mohandes, 2020).
3. Technology Implementation: Demolition sites can be made safer with the use of cutting-edge technology like drones and robots. Drones, for instance, can be used to check buildings before demolition, and robots can be programmed to safely handle potentially dangerous substances (Mahajan, 2021).
4. Scheduled Safety Inspections: To make sure that safety procedures are being followed and that employees have the resources they need to do their jobs safely, audits should be conducted on a regular basis. It is important to address any problems right away (Salihu, Aliyu, & Abubakar, 2020).

References

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Bernard Martin, A.A., Gladstone, K.S., & Patric, Y. (2014). Assessing the Potential Hazards of Demolishing Operation. Civil and Environmental Research, 6(9).

Cook, E., Velis, C. A., & Black, L. (2022). Construction and demolition waste management: A systematic scoping review of risks to occupational and public health. Frontiers in Sustainability, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsus.2022.924926

Elshaboury, N., Al-Sakkaf, A., Abdelkader, E. M., & Alfalah, G. (2022). Construction and Demolition Waste Management Research: A Science Mapping Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084496

Jaishankar, M., Tseten, T., Anbalagan, N., Mathew, B. B., & Beeregowda, K. N. (2014). Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 7(2), 60-72. https://doi.org/10.2478/intox-2014-0009

Mahajan, Ar.Gayatri. (2021). Applications of Drone Technology in Construction Industry: A Study 2012-2021. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 11, 224-239. 10.35940/ijeat.A3165.1011121.

Mevlja, B., & Kavčič, K. (2019). Impact of stakeholders on the development of non-governmental organisations in Slovenia. Ekonomski pregled, 70, 236-258. 10.32910/ep.70.2.4.

Rathi, S., & Khandve, P. (2014). Demolition of Buildings--An Overview. International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD), 1, 8.

Salihu, A. A., Aliyu, S. S., & Abubakar, M. (2020). An evaluation of safety risk factors during installation and dismantling of tower cranes in construction sites. Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH), 39(3), 992 – 1000. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v39i4.4

Sanni-Anibire, M. O., Abiodun Salami, B., & Muili, N. (2022). A framework for the safe use of bamboo scaffolding in the Nigerian construction industry. Safety Science, 151, 105725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105725

Shafique, M., & Rafiq, M. (2019). An Overview of Construction Occupational Accidents in Hong Kong: A Recent Trend and Future Perspectives. Applied Sciences, 9(10), 2069. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9102069

Shuai-ping, Y. (2018). Environmental pollution in construction sites and corresponding green construction measures. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology an International Quarterly Scientific Journal, 17(4), 1287-1292.

Singapore. (n.a.). Technical Advisory for Demolition. Wish Council. Retrieved from: https://li.eversafe.com.sg/HTIM/4.%20Demolition-%20Technical%20Advisory.pdf

Xu, K., Shen, G. Q., Liu, G., & Martek, I. (2019). Demolition of existing buildings in Urban renewal projects: A decision support system in the China context. Sustainability, 11(2), 491. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020491

Zhang, X., & Mohandes, S. R. (2020). Occupational health and safety in green building construction projects: A holistic Z-numbers-based risk management framework. Journal of Cleaner Production, 275, 122788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122788

Zhao, X. (2021). Stakeholder-Associated factors influencing construction and demolition waste management: A systematic Review. Buildings, 11(4), 149. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11040149

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