Video from operator’s viewpoint…

August 12, 2009 General, Video

New video gives unique insight into demolition job from the machine operator’s perspective.

Here at Demolition News, we regularly scour YouTube, Metacafe and Vimeo to bring you the very best and the very latest demolition videos. But time and again, we come back to the work being done in the US by Stephen SetteDucati Photography, a video company that has a real knack for producing interesting and unusual footage of demolition works.

Take this latest video for example, shot unusually from the operator’s cab of a Testa Corp. Komatsu 1250 excavator. Enjoy:

Free redundancy advice line…

August 11, 2009 General, News

Employment law specialist Peninsula offers demolition contractors free redundancy advice.

It is a sad indictment of the parlous state of the UK economy that our latest free offer involves advice on the subject of redundancy law. However, employment law specialist Peninsula is offering demolition contractors some free advice on this tricky subject.

Simply call 0844 892 2772.

Coleman & Co high reach in action….

August 11, 2009 General, Video

New video showing Coleman & Co’s high reach excavator in action.

We received this video of Coleman & Co’s high reach excavator at work on the demolition of the North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke on Trent just this morning. It comes courtesy of John Woodward of C&D Consultancy, who shot the video on his very smart Flip video camera.

Thanks John.

Rats before wrecking balls…

August 11, 2009 General, News, People

Canadian officials are considering making rat extermination a demolition pre-requisite.

Following a recent incident in which hundreds of rats fled a Vancouver demolition contract, Canadian officials are believed to be considering the extermination of the animals a condition of contract on forthcoming demolition projects.

Faced with an exploding rat population, partially the result of a strike by refuse disposal and collection workers, the officials are believed to be reviewing their policy on pest control.

Read the full story here.

It is ironic that, on this side of the Atlantic, many contractors are now required to build alternative accommodation for bats, voles, and a whole variety of bird species!

Giant Kobelco in action…

August 10, 2009 General, Video

Nice video of a Kobelco SK950 (LC) D excavator in operation.

Business Directory…

August 10, 2009 General, News

Don’t forget to secure your space on the Demolition News Business Directory.

In typical entrepreneurial fashion, last week we launched the Demolition News Business Directory that is designed to allow manufacturers and product and service providers to display their wares to a highly targeted readership of demolition professionals.

Now launching this in the midst of (a) a global recession and (b) the start of the holiday period is probably not the best idea we’ve ever had. But the feedback has been entirely positive and we also received some very favourable comments at last week’s Institute of Demolition Engineers’ roadshow.

So this is just a short not to remind you to register.

The cost of just £75 + VAT for a whole year, well within the reach of even the smallest manufacturer or consultant.

And registration couldn’t be easier. Just click here, hit the Join Directory button, fil in the very simple form and you’re good to go.

IDE Roadshow sights and sounds…

August 10, 2009 General, Video

Exclusive overview video from last Friday’s Institute of Demolition Engineers’ Roadshow.

We’re still beavering away in the editing suite (well, back bedroom actually) to bring you some more audio and video footage from last week’s Institute of Demolition Engineers’ Roadshow at Mercedes benz World in Surrey.

However, while that’s happening, here’s a very quick overview video featuring some of the highlights of the venue and the day:

How to demolish a giant prawn…

August 10, 2009 General, News

The search is underway for a demolition crew with seafood experience.

Of all the unusual demolition applications we’ve ever come across, the demolition of this giant prawn is probably the strangest.

Although not yet decided, it now appears likely that this famous Australian landmark could soon face demolition, which set us thinking about the skills required to tackle such a unique task.

Equipment-wise, we reckon that you’re going to need some crab-steer wheel loaders, ideally equipped with a clam-shell bucket and boasting plenty of mussel. The winning contractor will be a selfless individual (ie, not shellfish in any way). Upon completion of the contract, the world will be your oyster.

(OK, we’ve run out of seafood-related jokes but please feel free to add your own in the comments area below).

What Price Sustainability…?

August 8, 2009 Audio, General, People

Exclusive audio podcast by Terry Quarmby, president of the Institute of Demolition Engineers.

Terry Quarmby
Terry Quarmby

Anyone with even the most tenuous link to the demolition business knows that demolition contractors are the undisputed world leaders in the recycling and reuse of materials, a fact that has put this industry at the very forefront of the drive for sustainability.

However, as this exclusive audio podcast reveals, this leadership comes at a cost.

What follows is the raw audio recording of a presentation by Terry Quarmby, president of the Institute of Demolition Engineers, in which he suggests that all is not rosy in the sustainability garden. In fact, Quarmby says:

  • Architects and designers are undermining sustainability initiatives by an increasing use of non-recyclable, composite materials
  • Demolition industry waste return figures are combined with those of the construction sector to help bolster the construction sector’s less-than-impressive statistics
  • That the construction industry is unlikely to reach Government targets to reduce waste to landfill.
  • The sustainability is being pursued at the cost of health and safety, forcing the demolition workforce back into more hazardous areas.
  • That the growth in sustainability has been mirrored with a growth in on-site incidents and accidents

The following podcast runs for about 30 minutes but please try to find the time to listen to this either here or via iTunes.

Audio boos from IDE Roadshow…

August 7, 2009 Audio, General

A series of brief audio boos recorded live at today’s IDE Roadshow.

Although the gremlins prevented these from being uploaded live, the Audio Boo system did (thankfully) retain these audios recorded live at the IDE Roadshow earlier today.

Listen!

Listen!

Listen!