What Is Soft Strip Demolition?

What Is Soft Strip Demolition?

If you’ve never used demolition services before, then you might feel a little in the dark about the meaning of some of the phrases and their importance within the whole process of demolition.

For example – what is soft strip demolition and what’s involved? Is it a vital part of the demolition process and how should it be carried out?

Soft strip demolition services involve the necessary removal of all non-structural elements onsite. These can be located both inside and outside a building and should be removed before demolition of all or part of the structure takes place.

This process includes the safe removal of all fixtures and fittings, walls, ceilings, staircases, temporary structures, equipment and machinery and mechanical and electrical fittings, to make way for the demolition, refurbishment or re-modelling work to take place in the most efficient and effective way.

Soft Strip Demolition with Safety In Mind

Reliable soft strip demolition contractors are aware of the high levels of dust and noise which can be created when soft strip demolition takes place, therefore they will also be aware of the importance of proper planning before any work begins.

Planning of a soft strip demolition project will begin with internal and external visual surveys and risk assessments, as well as an asbestos survey in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

The removal of asbestos may at times be carried out in parallel with the soft strip operation, in order for the asbestos removal contractor to get access to all areas of asbestos that have been identified.

An assessment to ascertain environmental control measures, consideration to ecological surveys considering the presence of wildlife, construction phase plans and site waste management plans may also be required, depending on the scope of the works.

Correct and comprehensive demolition planning will ensure that, not only is the work carried out effectively and satisfactorily, but that the health risks associated with work in dusty environments are assessed and operatives undertake regular health screening.

Consideration will be given to the most appropriate soft strip demolition techniques which can be used to minimise dust, such as:

  • Whether areas can be screened off to prevent the dust from spreading.
  • What Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is required for the people who will be working in the area and who will check that it is worn correctly.
  • Can water or on-tool extraction methods be used?
  • Is there adequate natural ventilation? If not, can mechanical ventilation be provided?

Any problems which might arise, as a result of the noise produced by soft strip demolition, should be considered and tackled in advance. The soft strip demolition will be planned to take place at a time that will cause minimum disruption and disturbance for the buildings which surround the area.

Ask About Our Soft Strip Demolition Services

Rabbit soft strip demolition contractors can carry out the work as a standalone project, or as part of a complete demolition project that we can oversee from start to finish.

All Rabbit demolition services are conducted with the intention of reducing waste as much as possible and minimising the amount that goes to landfill by recycling the majority of materials arising from the demolition and strip out process.

We have many years of experience in all aspects of demolition, including the soft strip process, which we have carried out on demolition sites of all sizes. Get in touch with us today for more details of how we can help you with your demolition project.