Demolition environment

Muijser H, Hoogendijk EM, Hooisma J, et al. 1987. Lead exposure during demolition of a steel structure coated with lead-based paints. II. Reversible changes in the conduction velocity of the motor nerves in transiently exposed workers. Scand J Work Environ Health 13 56-61. 

Gravel and crushed rock—stone chips— are obtained by quarrying. Some gravels are collected by sea dredging, which destroys marine environments. However, secondary aggregates, such as crushed rubble from demolition works, offer an alternative to newly quarried materials, and make an attractive, durable surface. 

Environment and health-related problems are dominated by risks emanating from fibre dusts, which are released during the production and processing of mineral wool products and in refurbishment and/or demolition work. If the fibres are sufficiently small and are inhaled, they can enter the lung. They can also induce skin and respiratory diseases and some are also potentially carcinogenic. 

A good guideline for what elements a safety management system should contain is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI/AIHA ZlO-2005 American National Standard Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. A similar standard exists for the construction and demolition industry ANSI/ASSE AlO.38-2000 (R2007) Basic Elements of an Employer s Program to Provide a Safe and Healthful Work Environment. 

It has been assumed that prior to demolition of any part of the reactor vessel, the reactor Internals would have been cut up and removed, most likely through the larger permanent penetrations such as those for gas circulators and man access. This would allow the cutting and breaking up of activated material to take place within an enclosed and controlled environment. An alternative procedure which considers early removal of the standpipe region is discussed in Section 8.5. 

Further impacts of earthquakes on the natural environment include issues of demolition debris, contaminated liquefaction, and other products of the devastation caused by seismic events. As highlighted in the entry V Waste Management Following Earthquake Disaster, effective management of such waste disposal and recycling can either preserve or significantly undermine the natural environment. These impacts on the natural environment have flow on effects on the local population s health, well-being, and resilience. 

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