Top 10 Questions for Building Wrecker Interview

1. What are the different types of building demolition techniques and when are each of them used?

There are several different building demolition techniques, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common techniques include:

• Mechanical demolition: This is the most common demolition technique, and involves using heavy machinery to break down the building. It is a relatively fast and efficient method, but it can also be noisy and dusty.
• Implosion: This technique involves placing explosives inside the building to implode it. It is a very fast and efficient method, but it can also be dangerous and requires careful planning.
• Wrecking ball: This is a classic demolition technique that involves using a large ball of steel to swing into the building and break it down. It is a relatively slow and inefficient method, but it is also very effective.
• Selective demolition: This technique involves carefully removing parts of a building while leaving other parts intact. It is a more time-consuming and expensive method, but it is often used when the building is of historical significance or when it is necessary to preserve certain parts of the building.

2. What are the safety hazards associated with building demolition and how can they be mitigated?

Hazard 1: Collapse

• Mitigation: Use proper shoring and bracing techniques to support the building during demolition.

Hazard 2: Falling objects

• Mitigation: Wear hard hats and other protective gear, and set up barriers around the demolition site to prevent debris from falling on people or property.

Hazard 3: Dust and debris

• Mitigation: Use water to suppress dust and debris, and wear respirators to protect your lungs.

Hazard 4: Electrical hazards

• Mitigation: Shut off all electrical power to the building before beginning demolition, and use caution when working around electrical wires.

3. What are the environmental regulations that govern building demolition and how do you ensure compliance with these regulations?

There are a number of environmental regulations that govern building demolition, including regulations on the disposal of hazardous materials, the management of dust and debris, and the protection of wildlife. To ensure compliance with these regulations, it is important to:

• Identify and properly dispose of all hazardous materials in the building prior to demolition.
• Use dust and debris control measures to minimize the release of pollutants into the environment.
• Take steps to protect wildlife from harm during demolition, such as covering open pits and holes.
• Obtain all necessary permits and approvals from local and state environmental agencies.

4. What are the different types of equipment used in building demolition and what are their respective purposes?

• Excavators: Used for digging trenches, removing debris, and breaking down structures.
• Bulldozers: Used for clearing land, leveling ground, and pushing debris.
• Cranes: Used for lifting heavy objects, such as beams and walls.
• Wrecking balls: Used for breaking down structures.
• Jackhammers: Used for breaking up concrete and other hard materials.
• Hand tools: Used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting, prying, and hammering.

5. What are the steps involved in planning and executing a building demolition project?

• Planning: This involves obtaining permits, developing a demolition plan, and identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
• Preparation: This involves clearing the site, disconnecting utilities, and removing hazardous materials.
• Demolition: This involves using heavy machinery to break down the building.
• Cleanup: This involves removing debris, restoring the site, and obtaining a final inspection from the local building department.

6. What are the different methods used to control dust and debris during building demolition?

• Water suppression: This involves using water to wet down dust and debris, which helps to keep it from becoming airborne.
• Dust collectors: These are devices that are used to capture dust and debris before it can escape into the environment.
• Enclosures: These are structures that are built around the demolition site to contain dust and debris.

7. What are the different methods used to mitigate noise during building demolition?

• Mufflers: These are devices that are attached to exhaust pipes to reduce noise levels.
• Sound barriers: These are structures that are placed around the demolition site to block noise from escaping.
• Scheduling: Demolition activities can be scheduled during times when noise levels will be less disruptive.

8. What are the different types of hazardous materials that may be encountered during building demolition and how should they be handled?

• Asbestos: This is a mineral that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. It is found in many older buildings.
• Lead: This is a metal that can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled. It is found in many older buildings.
• Mercury: This is a metal that can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested. It is found in many older fluorescent light bulbs and thermostats.

9. What are the different types of permits that are required for building demolition and how do you obtain them?

• Demolition permit: This is a permit that is required from the local building department before any demolition work can begin.
• Environmental permit: This is a permit that is required from the local environmental agency if the demolition work will involve the release of any pollutants into the environment.
• Historical preservation permit: This is a permit that is required from the local historical preservation agency if the building being demolished is of historical significance.

10. What are the different types of insurance that are required for building demolition and how do you obtain them?

• General liability insurance: This insurance protects the demolition contractor from claims of bodily injury or property damage that may occur during the demolition work.
• Workers’ compensation insurance: This insurance protects the demolition contractor’s employees from claims of work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Pollution liability insurance: This insurance protects the demolition contractor from claims of pollution that may occur during the demolition work.