Jan 26 2025

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How to Handle Hazardous Materials Beyond Asbestos in Demolition Projects

Common Hazardous Materials Found in Demolition

Asbestos often grabs all the attention when it comes to hazardous materials in demolition—and for good reason. But it’s far from the only thing you need to worry about. Older buildings can hide a surprising array of toxic substances that pose risks to workers, neighbours and the environment if they’re not handled properly.

Here’s a closer look at the most common hazardous materials lurking on demolition sites.

Lead

Lead used to be everywhere—in paints, plumbing and even roofing materials. If you’re working on a building constructed before the 1980s, there’s a good chance you’ll run into it. The problem? Lead dust released during demolition can cause serious health problems, especially for kids.

Mercury

Ever cracked open an old thermostat or fluorescent light bulb? Then you’ve seen mercury in action. This stuff is toxic, and when mishandled, it can release harmful vapours or contaminate the soil.

Mould

Mould is a sneaky one. It thrives in water-damaged or poorly ventilated spaces, and while not all mould is harmful, some types can release toxins that irritate the lungs and skin. For demolition crews, stirring up mould spores can quickly become a health hazard.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are a throwback to the days when they were used in electrical equipment, adhesives and caulks. Unfortunately, they’ve been linked to health issues like cancer and immune system damage. These materials often crop up in older commercial buildings.

Silica Dust

When concrete or bricks are broken down, they release silica dust—a fine powder that’s easy to inhale but tough on the lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease.

Contaminated Soil

If your demolition site used to house a petrol station or industrial facility, there’s a good chance the soil has absorbed some nasty chemicals like hydrocarbons or heavy metals. Handling this safely is critical to avoid spreading contamination.

Safe Handling and Disposal Protocols

Demolishing a structure with hazardous materials isn’t just about tearing things down—it’s about doing it safely. That means following strict protocols to protect everyone involved and keep the environment safe.

Start with a Thorough Assessment

You can’t handle hazardous materials if you don’t know they’re there. A detailed site inspection is step one. This includes:

  • Surveying for asbestos and other hazardous materials like lead or mercury.
  • Testing samples from building materials and soil to pinpoint contamination.

A good assessment sets the foundation for a safe and efficient demolition plan.

Protect the Team with PPE

No one should be on-site without the right gear. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must and includes:

  • Respirators for keeping harmful dust and vapours out of workers’ lungs.
  • Chemical-resistant gloves and suits for handling toxic substances.
  • Eye protection to guard against splashes or flying debris.

It’s all about giving your crew the tools to stay safe.

Keep Dust and Vapours in Check

Hazardous materials spread through the air faster than you’d think. To stop this, demolition teams rely on:

  • Water sprays to keep dust from kicking up during demolition.
  • Ventilation systems to capture airborne toxins like mould spores or silica dust.
  • Temporary barriers to contain work areas and limit exposure.

A little control goes a long way in keeping the air safe to breathe.

Remove Hazardous Materials Carefully

Each type of material needs a specific removal strategy. For example:

  • Lead paint should be removed without sanding or grinding, which creates toxic dust.
  • Mercury-containing devices need to be handled gently to avoid leaks or spills.
  • Silica dust is cleaned up using HEPA vacuums, not standard tools, to prevent it from spreading.

Attention to detail during removal ensures hazards stay contained.

Dispose of Materials Responsibly

Once the hazardous materials are out of the building, the job isn’t done. Safe disposal is just as important as safe removal. This includes:

  • Sorting waste by type to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Using certified carriers to transport hazardous waste.
  • Sending materials to licensed facilities equipped to handle toxic substances.

The paperwork may not be glamorous, but it’s critical for compliance and accountability.

Train Your Team

You can have the best protocols in the world, but they’re only as good as the people following them. That’s why worker training is so important. Topics covered include:

  • How to spot hazardous materials.
  • Proper use of PPE.
  • Emergency response plans in case something goes wrong.

A well-trained crew is a safer, more efficient crew.

Coastal Demolitions’ Commitment to Hazardous Material Safety

At Coastal Demolitions, we take hazardous materials seriously. We know that handling them properly isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about doing right by our workers, our clients and the communities we work in.

Thorough Site Inspections

Every project starts with a detailed assessment to identify potential hazards. We work with certified professionals to ensure nothing is overlooked, from asbestos to lead and beyond.

Specialised Tools and Techniques

We don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Our equipment and methods are designed to minimise risks at every step, whether it’s using water suppression to keep dust down or enclosing contaminated areas to prevent exposure.

Highly Skilled Teams

Our crew is trained in the latest safety protocols for handling hazardous materials. They know what to look for and how to handle it safely, ensuring every project runs smoothly.

Trusted Disposal Partners

We partner with licensed waste facilities and certified carriers to guarantee that hazardous materials are disposed of responsibly. When we leave your site, you can rest easy knowing everything has been handled properly.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Where possible, we prioritise recycling and sustainable disposal practices. By sorting materials on-site and working with eco-conscious disposal partners, we reduce the environmental footprint of every project.

Why Choose Coastal Demolitions?

With decades of experience across the Gold Coast and surrounding regions, we’ve built a reputation for handling even the toughest demolition projects with care. Whether it’s lead, mercury, or mould, you can count on us to manage hazardous materials safely and efficiently.

Concerned about hazardous materials? Coastal Demolitions ensures safe handling and disposal for a secure demolition process. Contact us today!

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