Classes of Hazardous Waste Resulting from Demolition of Old Structures
Buildings that have been in place for decades can be brought down to give way for better, more beneficial structures. The benefits in question extend beyond the monetary gains because the new structure comes with enhanced safety features and better amenities for the occupants. The most challenging aspect of demolitions and restoration projects is the presence of hazardous waste. Typically, these are materials that can compromise people's health and the environment's well-being if you do not dispose of them properly. You need this piece before taking on a demolition and restoration project. It will teach you about the various classes of hazardous materials, and the critical things you should know about them.
Lead Paint
Lead is one of the leading hazardous materials found in old painted buildings. It is an active ingredient added to certain types of pain to make the coating durable, accelerate drying and help the paint coating retain its fresh appearance. On the downside, lead is harmful to the environment, and you should keep it from finding its way to waterways and soils. It can also cause some health deformities for people.
Disposal of lead paint begins with safe handling. Collect all the paint chips from the rubble and store them in tough plastic bags for disposal. Larger pieces should be held in specialised containers or covered mobile dumpsters. Thereafter, disposal specialists can come in to proceed with the lead paint abatement procedures.
Equipment Containing Mercury
Buildings can also have equipment and fitting containing mercury. It is a popular ingredient for accessories that need to handle varied extreme temperature or pressure levels. Examples include air conditioning systems, float switches, pressure gauges and drain traps. Here, you must start with an examination of the equipment to establish the presence of mercury. If present, then make sure that the mercury doesn't spill when disassembling the accessories. Handle them in an intact manner. Keep them sealed and packaged correctly to mitigate breakages. More importantly, label them clearly "mercury-containing equipment."
Ionising Smoke Detector Units
If your building has ionising smoke detectors, you need the services of radioactive specialists at the start of the demolition. Some of the smoke detectors use radioactive elements fitted in different parts of the equipment. Essentially, they are a danger in untrained hands because of the harmful rays that they can give off. Your best bet is carrying out a survey of the building for smoke detectors before demolition, then calling in professionals to examine the type detectors before extracting them.
Contact a hazardous waste disposal company to keep your demolition project safe.