Page 72 - Occupational Health & Safety, July/August 2019

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
held methods produce heavy vibrations that can lead to long-term injuries, such as nerve damage and hand-arm vibration syndrome. These injuries can result in more workers’ compensation claims down the line and may cause company insurance premiums to
increase. Additionally, remote-controlled equipment doesn’t cause operators to fatigue as quickly as hand-held tools, increasing pro- ductivity because the machine will perform at a consistent level.
Remote-controlled robots allow operators to monitor their work at a safe distance from hazards such as ledges (common in bridgework), flying debris, and harmful silica dust. In addition, by eliminating the need to stand near a ledge, contractors save time otherwise spent setting up fall abatement systems.
Not only does new hydrodemolition technology help keep workers safe, but also it lowers labor costs while boosting productiv- ity. One operator generally controls the machine and can complete concrete removal tasks as fast or faster than multiple workers. For example, some hydrodemolition robots can remove as much as 800 square feet of concrete bridge deck at a depth of 4 inches per hour, a fraction of the time it would take a crew with hand-held breakers.
The secret to the hydrodemolition process is the pressurized water penetration. The combination of high pressure, water vol- ume, and precise, robotic-controlled movements creates a power- ful, efficient system. In comparison, operators using hand lances, an alternative method for some concrete removal and cleaning tasks, can’t handle the same reaction forces as a robot. This means a significantly higher concrete removal rate from the machine versus the hand lance.
The hydrodemolition machine’s stable design maximizes the
CORPORATE PROFILE
Construction Employers Association
www.ceacisp.org
950 Keynote Circle, Suite 10 Cleveland, OH 44131
Tel: (216) 398-9860 | Fax: (216) 398-9801
Contact Information
info@ceacisp.org
THE INDUSTRY LEADER FOR SILICA SAMPLING
The Construction Employers Association has been the voice of leadership for the advancement of quality construction in Ohio since 1916. Our core services include: training, safety, labor relations and advocacy.
The Construction Employers Association is the industry leader for the Silica Sampling and Objective Data Program. This program saves contractors thou- sands on silica sampling while simultaneously building a searchable sampling database for the construction industry. Participating contractors can rely on the database in the future when managing employee safety and multiple- contractor activities where job tasks produce respirable silica emissions.
For more information on Silica visit www.ceacisp.org/silicaprogram. Circle 78 on card.
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Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2019
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