Are Old Systems Putting Your Employees at Risk?
There’s a lot of new development happening in California right now, but on occasion, you’ll be working in an old building. Historic buildings, and even the ones that are just a few decades old, often need retrofits and other upgrades so that they can stay functional. The problem, of course, is what happens when you get inside and realize that the structure isn’t set up for you or your employees to work safely. Here are a few hazards to look for when you’re working on older buildings.
- Toxic Substances
People used to use all kinds of materials in building construction that are no longer safe. Lead paint lasted longer than paints with other bases. Asbestos insulation was quite effective as a fire-retardant, but also extremely toxic when disturbed. If you’re going inside the walls of an older building, it is difficult to know what kind of dangers you may stir up once you get started. If the structure predates the 1980s, you may want to arrange for testing for these and other substances before the project begins.
- Poor Ventilation
Many property owners firmly believe that if it still works all right, there’s no reason to replace it. This is how you find ancient heating and air conditioning systems, or structures that don’t have anything at all. This becomes a problem when you start using substances that release fumes and require ventilation that is poor or simply doesn’t exist. Take a moment to test out the ventilation systems to confirm that they are working at levels you need for your tasks. If not, plan to bring in your own equipment.
- Faulty Systems
Along the lines of property owners not replacing systems because they are still operational, you may find some really old and possibly problematic systems behind the walls. Plumbing pipes can last up to 100 years, depending on the material. Most people don’t replace all the plumbing, instead just fixing pipes here and there as needed. This means that if you’re working on something that requires flushing the system, you might have lead pipes or cheap plastic ones waiting to cause trouble.
Electrical wiring often creates the same situation. This system does require upgrading every couple of decades to accommodate new equipment. However, lots of people try to cut costs by tacking on what they need instead of replacing all the wiring. This can leave you with a lot of exposed or damaged wiring that could short out or spark a fire. Be prepared for these old systems and be ready to arrange to fix them as needed.
- Dangerous Pests
Rodents, insects and birds love the opportunity to live with humans. People provide food, water and warm shelter for anything that can tunnel inside. The older the building, the more likely that there will be some kind of infestation. Some, like termites, can weaken the structure. Others, like rats or wasps, can pose immediate harm to you and your employees. If you’re going to be working in the attic, crawlspace or any room that gets infrequent use, get a pest inspection in advance. This will give you time to root out any problems before you start work in the middle of a nest.
- Inadequate Structural Support
When it comes to buildings, what does not destroy them often weakens them horribly. Long-ago water damage, a large earthquake in the 1990s, or even just decades of termite infestation can make the structure insufficiently supportive. Consider the building codes of the period and make sure that the places you plan to stand were meant to hold a live load. Confirm that they will support you in their current condition. You may need to add extra supports or use equipment that sits on the ground to avoid causing the structure to collapse.
Old buildings can be a wonderful artifact of California’s beauty, but they can also be a nightmare for contractors. If you think about the hazards you are likely to face, you can plan ahead and better avoid illness or injury. For more information about becoming a licensed contractor in California, contact CSLS today!
