June, 5 2013
FERMA is proud to announce the launch of its new website. We hope you’ll find it serves as a valuable resource to learn more our company, services, and projects.
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June, 5 2013
| Misconception | Fact | |
| 1 | Demolition contractors primarily implode, or “blow up” buildings. | Implosions account for less than 1 percent of all demolition work. |
| 2 | Demolition contractors destroy many structures that should be saved. | Demolition contractors are instrumental in achieving the goals of preservationists. |
| 3 | Demolition contractors don’t participate in the nation’s recycling effort. | The demolition industry was salvaging building elements and materials for reuse long before it was the “ecological thing to do.” |
| 4 | Demolition contractors unnecessarily overcrowd landfills with debris. | The industry is reducing its use of landfills in favor of recycling. |
| 5 | Demolition is an unsophisticated business. | A safe and successful demolition project requires a working knowledge of both construction and the law. |
| 6 | The methods of demolition never change. | Demolition practices today are not only quicker but safer and more cost-effective. |
| 7 | One demolition contractor is basically the same as the next. | Don’t tell that to the owner who has had the misfortune of dealing with an inexperienced contractor. |
| 8 | Demolition is dangerous business. | In the hands of professionals, the danger is controlled. |
| 9 | Demolition is expensive. | Commercial demolition work generally costs less than 2 percent of the replacement cost of the building. |
| 10 | Once a demolition project is completed, the owner’s worries are over. | A project owner cannot “contract away” his responsibility or liability. |
June, 5 2013
Demolition contractors can strengthen government’s response to natural and man-made disasters by getting highly involved during the planning stages for emergencies, according to Jeff Kroeker, president of the National Demolition Association (NDA), Doylestown, Pa.
During the NDA Annual Convention in San Diego in late March, demolition professionals who were at ground zero in Christchurch, New Zealand, following a magnitude-6.3 quake in 2011 gave presentations. The experiences of the demolition experts and the city’s leadership can provide valuable lessons to others responsible for emergency management, especially in earthquake-prone areas, according to the NDA.
The NDA is intent on alerting communities in the United States that may be unprepared for a Christchurch-like event, says Michael R. Taylor CAE, Executive Director of the association. As a result, the association has formed a Disaster Response Committee, which has prepared a Disaster Response Manpower and Equipment Survey for local and state governments to use to help them prepare in advance to help save lives, facilitate faster response, and avoid the consequences of delayed decision making. The survey is available on the association website, www.demolitionassoication.com, in its new Disaster Response section.
“The U.S. Geological Survey, the science organization of the U.S. government, has predicted with a 99 percent certainty that there will be a similar magnitude earthquake in California in the next 30 years,” says Taylor. “Our Committee, including those experts who have been working in Christchurch for the last two years dealing with everything from downed utilities, lack of food, housing, and power, hazardous materials disposal, and the safe demolition of damaged structures can share some invaluable lessons with other communities needing assistance with disaster planning.”
The NDA website has also made available for public viewing a video produced by Ward Demolition Co. showing the damage of the earthquake, as well as the presentation he made at the convention.
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