November 15, 2006

LARRY LERNER/FEMA NEWS PHOTO

On 9/11, demoliton contractors played a key role as heavy equipment was needed to move debris before other emergency personnel were able to access the scene.

BRIAN BAKER

Toronto-based Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) recently held a training exercise in Fergus, Ontario, showcasing how valuable contractors would be in disaster relief efforts. The exercise took HUSAR, fire, police EMS, hospitals, works departments and Restoration Environmental Contractors through a simulated tornado rescue operation.

Community Involvement

Demo contractors keen on emergency response

PETER KENTER

correspondent

Immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) arrived on the disaster scene to begin rescue efforts. Much of the work, however, couldn’t take place until heavy equipment had been moved in to lift debris, shore up unstable structures and demolish buildings facing imminent collapse.

The National Association of Demolition Contractors (NADC) is urging decision makers to place experienced demolition contractors on their list of “first responders” for any emergency.

“We believe demolition contractors can supplement the important work of police, firefighters, and EMTs with the on-site equipment and expertise to help save lives, assist in recovery efforts, and make disaster sites safer for the community,” says Michael Taylor, NADC’s executive director.

"We believe demolition contractors . . . make disaster sites safer for the community"

Michael Taylor

NACD Executive Director

“Qualified demolition contractors with knowledge of hazardous materials and equipped with sophisticated specialized demolition and debris management equipment can provide invaluable services.”

Demolition equipment, such as hydraulic excavators with special attachments, can often enable emergency response units to free trapped victims more quickly.

Contractors equipped with a variety of personal protective equipment are also experienced in identifying potentially dangerous materials at a disaster site.

Taylor notes that demolition contractors are already assisting emergency services and being placed on standby by local fire departments, but that a broader recognition of emergency services offered by contractors is needed.

“More should be done to use large contractors for emergency response,” says Craig Moore, corporate safety director with Greenspoon Specialty Contracting. “In the U.S., there are many larger demolition companies with the equipment and resources to handle responses at major emergencies. In Canada, chances are only the big players can provide that kind of assistance. If there were a terrorist attack in downtown Toronto, I’m sure they would call on our services.”

Moore says the ideal demolition responder would need to be able to bring in heavy equipment loaded on tractor trailers. “You also need to have the people on call to come out at two in the morning, so you can get a driver and operator started right away,” he says.

Emergency response crews would first assess the site, then direct demolition contractors to enter the area as necessary.

“After the site has been secured, we have equipment that could knock a building down in 30 seconds,” says Don Bremner, vice president of operations with Restoration Environmental Contractors in Gormley, Ont.

“Our 50-tonne machines could really help out in rescue work under the direction of police and fire services.”

The NADC has offered to assist communities and government departments in establishing contact information for those contractors most likely to be able to assist in an emergency.

“The NADC maintains a directory of qualified candidates for every geographical region,” says Taylor. “We’re poised to provide the needed assistance to emergency response teams on every level.”

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