When you’re handling job site waste, it’s important to have a solid waste management system in place. Various waste products can put laborers at risk of serious injury during both construction and demolition jobs. In order to keep workers safe and the job progressing, here are some guidelines to follow.

General Guidelines

Considering that constructing a typical home can produce 10,000 pounds of waste material, you’ll need a waste management system to make sure the materials are safely removed from the job and taken to proper disposal locations. 

Workers should always wear the proper protective gear when handling materials on construction and demolition sites. Hard hats, eye protection, dust masks, steel-toed boots, gloves, earplugs, and safety vests prevent bodily injury from handling materials and operating equipment. You should know what the materials used are made out of and if there are any risks involved.

Specific Precautions

Construction

Sharp objects are often found on construction sites, so workers should keep an eye out for materials that are sticking out or in dangerous locations. Waste items including jagged pieces of re-bar, broken glass, screws, nails, pieces of steel studs, and bits of cable or wire are objects to look out for.

In addition to sharp objects, mortar dust, loose tar paper or pieces of insulation, and uncured concrete pose potentially serious risks if workers are not aware of them. If they stay alert, they can prevent themselves from breathing in harmful dust, slipping on loose materials, or falling into uncured concrete. 

Demolition

Waste from demo jobs includes much of the same materials as construction sites; however, demolition can introduce hazardous or toxic materials not commonly found on modern construction sites when demolishing older buildings. Lead paint, asbestos, PCB caulking, and mercury switches are highly toxic and should be handled with extreme care by separating them into isolated waste management containers for proper disposal. 

If you manage construction or demolition sites, make sure you plan ahead for proper waste management to keep workers safe. If you don’t have a waste management service, consider contacting Consolidated Waste Services of Asheville, NC. They have over 50 years of combined expertise and offer comprehensive solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential building projects. Call them today at (828) 645-0660 or visit their website for more information.