Quantifying Construction and Demolition Waste †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Quantifying Construction and Demolition Waste. Answer: Introduction The safe working environment is essential as this ensures the safety of the premises and the people working on the premises. It is the responsibility of the employers or the organizations to create and ensure a safe and healthy working environment. The engineers and the construction workers can create a safe working environment by identifying the potential hazards in terms of the activities at the project site. Therefore, the engineers need conduct risk assessment and identify the hazards in order to avoid them. The government of the countries has certain legal policies and rules that need to be considered by the construction workers to ensure safety in terms of the activities conducted by them at the working site. This report aim towards conducting a detailed risk assessment in terms of the tasks and activities that need to be undertaken and considered while removing the asbestos roof tiles of the buildings of the project. The report also highlights the significance and methods of conducting a risk assessment at a regular interval to ensure and establish the safe working environment. The architecture design of Walka Water Works is presented in the aforementioned diagram. Six different naturally forming fibrous silicate minerals combines to form asbestos. The six fibrous minerals include amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, crocidolite and chrysotile (Wu et al. 2014). However, amosite and chrysotile are found in abundance in asbestos. Asbestos is considered as one of the most toxic materials used in the construction sector for roofing, ceiling materials, cement compounds and roofing shingles. Due to the toxic nature of the material, there is a number of health hazards associated with it. Inhalation of toxic asbestos fibers leads to serious lung diseases. The main diseases caused due to asbestos include: Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that generally affects the lungs of the individuals due to long exposure and inhalation of the asbestos fibers. This type of cancer affects the pleura of the lungs and arises from the serosal lining of the chest. Mesothelioma arises from the parietal or visceral pleural thereby, diffusing within the pleural space of the lungs by pleural effusion (Hussain et al. 2012). As a result, the lungs are slowly encased by solid mass. Moreover, the tumor spreads directly to the lungs, mediastinum and cross the diaphragm thereby, including the peritoneum (Calabro et al. 2013). The general symptoms of mesothelioma include breathing trouble, persistent cough, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain and weight loss (Carbone et al. 2012). Asbestos related lung cancer: Asbestos related lung cancer is general lung cancer that I caused due to extensive exposure of individuals to asbestos fibers. Asbestos related lung cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (Andujar et al. 2013). However, cancer can develop in other parts of the respiratory system such as trachea, bronchioles, and alveoli. Due to the toxic materials of the asbestos, lung cancer develops when the construction workers inhale the fibers. As the asbestos fibers are resistant to most of the chemical reactions within the human system, catabolism is difficult of asbestos fibers (Antao, Larson and Horton, 2012). As a result, the fibers are deposited in the lungs thereby, leading to the developing lung cancer. Asbestosis: Exposure to asbestos over several years leads to asbestosis. The disease is also known as diffused pulmonary fibrosis, as this is the result of inhalation of asbestos fibers. As the asbestos fibers are thin, needle-like and microscopic, it enters the lungs very easily (Markowitz et al. 2013). After inhalation, the asbestos fibers lodge in the pleura of the lungs. Because of continuous deposition of asbestos fibers in the lining of the lungs, scarring or fibrosis occurs (Wolff et al. 2015). Continuous deposition leads to the formation of tumor thereby, resulting in asbestosis. Asbestosis is generally diagnosed after 40 50 years of asbestos exposure. Pleural thickening: Pleural thickening generally happens when individuals are exposed to heavy asbestos. With time, the asbestos fibers are deposited on the pleural membrane or outer lining of the lungs thereby, resulting in thickening and swelling of the lungs (Jeebun and Stenton 2012). Due to excessive thickening and swelling of the pleural membrane, the lungs get squeezed. This eventually results in chest pain and shortness of breath (Miller, Warshaw and Nezamis 2013). The use of asbestos declined drastically since 1970 and more than 5000 workers die due to asbestos exposure. The fibers of asbestos are highly fire resistant and durable thereby, making it less vulnerable to the majority of the chemical reactions. Due to properties of asbestos, the materials have been used extensively for commercial and industrial purposes. The heat resistance ability of asbestos along with the strength is the main reasons of an extensive use of the material (Ahmed and Hoa 2012). Risk Assessment RISK ASSESSMENT FOR: Removal of asbestos roofs from Walka Water Works Risk Assessment Assessment conducted by: Date: Due date for 1st review Approval by manager Date: Hazard People vulnerable to risk Adverse impact of the hazard Prevention Effectiveness of the measures Y/N/NA On site Adequate Damage caused due to the release of toxic fibers of asbestos into the atmosphere Workers removing the asbestos roofing Asbestosis mesothelioma, pleural thickening lung cancer Taking appropriate precautions in terms of working attires Maintaining the safety protocols Covering the nose and mouth Wearing gloves Washing of hands Spreading of water on the asbestos sheets in the roof to prevent breakages Proper harness, as the removal of asbestos sheets, is conducted at a height Damage caused by the material containing asbestos releasing fibers into the atmosphere Workers removing the asbestos roofing Asbestosis mesothelioma, pleural thickening lung cancer Spreading of water on the asbestos sheets After removal putting the asbestos sheets slowly in order to prevent breakage Covering the asbestos sheets removed from the roof at a distance. Using wheelbarrows and trolleys to carry the asbestos removed sheets to the dumping area Safe Work Method Statements Procedure (in steps): Possible Hazards: Risk Score Safety Controls: Removing asbestos sheets Getting exposed and working in close contact with the electrical cables Maximum Switching off the entire power system of the building wherever possible a well-trained person needs to conduct the procedure. It is difficult to discontinue or isolate the entire electricity of the building where asbestos is removed. Therefore, the circuits and the electrical lines needs to be identified locally and discontinued by a competent electrician. In case light is required for working, the use of generators and portable lights are suggested (Borys 2012) Removing asbestos sheets Release of asbestos particulates in the atmosphere thereby, affecting all the workers and people present High to Extreme (persisting) ?The use of compressed air to discontinue the electricity, removal of electrical powers and using power tools to remove asbestos sheets is advisable to the workers. ?In order to restrict the spread of asbestos fibers, closing the doors and windows of the buildings is suggested (Holt and Allen 2015) ? Spraying and spreading of water and sealant before removing asbestos sheet is advisable if the asbestos sheets have deteriorated and is fragile with time. The workers removing the asbestos sheet need to prevent breaking the sheets. Additionally, the workers must not drop the asbestos sheet rather keep it on the ground avoiding breakage (Frost 2013). It is necessary for the workers to spread water around the nails that was used for attaching the asbestos sheets. Spreading of water will wet the area around the nail. This will make it easier for the cutters to remove the nails thereby, preventing breakage and spreading of the asbestos sheets. All the materials used for attaching the asbestos sheets such as nails and bolts needs to be disposed as asbestos waste. Suitable PPE needs to be worn by the workers engaged in removing asbestos sheets. In order to ensure safety for the workers, they need to take safety measures that include full disposable suits, gloves, safety goggles and boots along with covering the respiratory track completely. The use of P3 dust filter cartridges is suggested. The PPE needs to be replaced by the workers engaged in removing asbestos sheets by using decontamination facilities. Removing asbestos sheets Release of asbestos particulates in the atmosphere thereby, affecting all the workers and people present High to Extreme (persisting) ? The residues on the floor due to asbestos removal need to be sprayed with eater for wetting it. After wetting the residues, HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) needs to be used that will act as a vacuum. Moreover, the residues collected by the vacuum needs to be put in bags and disposed along with the decontamination of the vacuum parts (Hoshino and Nakamichi 2012). Asbestos sheet removal from the roof The asbestos residues might fall of the ground or on the roof Maximum In order to remove asbestos sheets from the roof, the use of high platforms along with portable scaffolds and scissors are suggested.In case the aforementioned measure is not possible, walkways passage for the workers needs to be laid that is approximately 50 mm wide (Toyokuni 2014). Suitable railings or guard needs to be used around the perimeter of the roof for protection. Safety harness needs to be worn by the workers for ensuring protection according to Australian Standards AS/NZ 1891 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices (Darcey and Feltner 2014) Asbestos sheet removal from the roof Possibility of asbestos sheets falling from roof due to manual handling Average The asbestos sheest needs to removed in such a way that it is not broken. Therefore, in order to prevent breakage, lifting devices such as scaffolds and scissor needs to be used. The asbestos sheet needs to be carefully lowered in the ground with the help of more than one worker. Removal of asbestos sheets on windy days needs to be strictly prohibited. ? Asbestos removal from the site Asbestos particles to the exterior atmosphere where Workers and members of the public may be affected Main priority In order to prevent the damage of the asbestos sheet, a separate place needs to be selected for keeping the asbestos that is removed. For disposal, the asbestos sheets needs to stacked on polythene sheeting and wrapped suitably. The bags containing asbestos needs proper sealing. In order to decontaminate the area where asbestos removal has been conducted, the use of HEPA filter is suggested before leaving the site. The vehicles and site used for asbestos removal needs to be approved by EPA and local authority. The asbestos removal sheets and wastes related to it needs to be put directly put in the dustbins that must be covered by polythene bag, that is, 0.2 mm thick. The bags will be no larger than 1200mm by 900mm (Salazar et al. 2014). Transportation of asbestos materials on site Collisions with pedestrians and the workers on site Main priority The speed of the vehicle transporting asbestos needs to be generally 10 km/hr and needs to be driven maintaining all the traffic rules. It needs to be ensured that barriers and safe access routes for pedestrians and workers supervising pedestrian access routes if heavy equipment is moving in and out of the work site across a pedestrian access point The drivers needs to restrict themselves in engaging in distracting activities such as use of mobile phones, eating and listening to music. Requirements of EPA Measures Undertaken Collection and Storage Asbestos fiber and dust waste According to WHO, the asbestos waste needs to be covered properly to avoid emission (WHO 2015). Moreover, the asbestos waste needs to be stored in bags with specific characteristics that include: The bag should be of heavy duty but low density polyethylene bags with 0.2 mm thick, 0.9 m wide and 1.2 m in length. The waste bags should be tied properly and should not contain more than 25 kg of waste. According to the Australian Standards AS 1319- Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment, the asbestos removal bags should be marked CAUTIOUS ASBESTOS Collection and Storage Any type of asbestos waste If the waste is stored in sealed bags: The bag containing asbestos wastes should be kept in containers that are leak proof. According to the Australian Standard AS 1319- Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment, the bags containing asbestos waste needs to be marked by writing DANGER-ASBESTOS WASTE ONLY-AVOID CREATING DUST. The font size should not be less than 50 mm in size. In order to prevent spillage, the mouth of the container needs to be closely fitted followed by storing the waste in secured area that restricts the entry of unauthorized person. This will help in mitigating the adverse environmental impact. Storage and Collection Stabilized asbestos waste in bonded matrix The asbestos waste stored in the disposal bags needs to water to be sprayed on it. This will prevent the emission of the asbestos dust particles in the air. The asbestos wastes needs to be covered all the time Transportation Any type of asbestos waste The asbestos waste needs o be transported in vehicles that are leak proof. Before leaving the disposal site, the asbestos residues need to be removed properly. Transportation Stabilized asbestos waste in bonded matrix In order to prevent emission of asbestos dust particles, the asbestos wastes needs to be wetted (Paglietti et al. 2012). Disposing Types of asbestos wastes The asbestos waste should be disposed only in authorized lands (Tiwari and Saha 2015). Burial is one of the ways of disposing the asbestos wastes. The asbestos waste should be buried at to a minimum level at the dumping site. Without creating dust emission, the waste must be disposed at the dumping ground. Prior covering the asbestos waste, it should not be compacted. Earthmoving equipment needs to be avoided for asbestos removal. For making roads, the use of these wastes should be prevented. Conclusion In this report, it can be concluded that asbestos is a toxic material that consists of six different types of fibers. The asbestos fibers are thin, needle-like and microscopic due to which the fibers can easily enter the lungs of the workers. Due to long time exposure to asbestos, the workers develop fatal diseases such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer. In most of the cases, the diseases due to asbestos exposure are diagnosed after 40-50 years thereby, making the treatment difficult. The early symptoms of asbestos related diseases include chest pain, shortness of a breath and persistent cough and cold. Therefore, in order to remove asbestos or work in presence of asbestos, the worker needs to take appropriate safety measures. This will help the workers to prevent the inhalation of asbestos while working. Safety measures that need to be undertaken while asbestos removal includes avoiding working in presence of heat, covering the nose tightly for preventing inhalation of asbestos fibers along with taking extra caution for preventing breakage of the asbestos sheets while removal. Moreover, In order to prevent breakage of the old asbestos sheets, initially, the workers need to spray water on it. This will make the process of asbestos removal easier. References Ahmed, A.F. and Hoa, S.V., 2012. 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