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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM67373
Volume:
10 |
9 |
Sep 2026
Pages:
1-11
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
FIRE TECHNOLOGY & SAFETY ENGINEERING
VIKRANT UNIVERSITY, GWALIOR
Construction and demolition activities generate substantial quantities of waste, some of which may contain hazardous substances capable of adversely affecting workers, surrounding communities, and the environment. Hazardous construction waste may include asbestos-containing materials, lead-containing paints, contaminated soil, solvents, adhesives, oils, chemical containers, treated materials, and dust containing respirable crystalline silica. During construction, renovation, and demolition, inappropriate identification, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of these materials can increase exposure risks. This research paper examines the environmental and occupational health risks associated with hazardous construction waste and proposes a systematic framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling these risks. Particular attention is given to exposure pathways, worker health effects, environmental contamination, waste segregation, storage, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, training, and monitoring. OSHA identifies asbestos, lead, silica, and other chemicals or heavy metals as potential hazards that may be hidden within existing structures, particularly during demolition. OSHA Respirable crystalline silica generated from concrete, brick, stone, mortar, and similar materials is associated with serious diseases including silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease. OSHA+1 The paper proposes integrating hazardous-waste management with Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to improve construction-site safety and environmental performance.
KEYWORDS
Hazardous construction waste represents an important occupational and environmental health challenge. Materials such as asbestos, lead-containing products, silica-containing materials, solvents, paints, oils and contaminated materials can create exposure risks during construction, renovation and demolition. The risks are particularly significant when hazardous materials are not identified before work begins, when waste streams are mixed, or when hazardous materials are improperly stored, transported or disposed of. Silica exposure from construction and demolition activities is a well-established occupational health concern, while asbestos and lead can also create serious hazards when hazardous building materials are disturbed. OSHA+2 An effective management system should therefore integrate hazard identification, risk assessment, waste characterization, segregation, engineering controls, worker training, PPE, emergency preparedness and environmental monitoring. The proposed HIRA-based framework provides a practical method for identifying hazardous construction-waste risks and prioritizing control measures. Its implementation can contribute to safer working conditions, improved environmental protection and more systematic construction-site waste management.
1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Demolition – Overview. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Silica, Crystalline – Construction. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Silica, Crystalline – Overview. U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA 4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Respirable Crystalline Silica, 29 CFR 1926.1153. OSHA 5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Lead, 29 CFR 1926.62. OSHA 6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Control of Silica Dust in Construction: Heavy Equipment and Utility Vehicles Used During Demolition Activities. OSHA 7. World Health Organization. Throwing away our health: the impact of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps, and health sector responses. 2025. World Health Organization
Publication Date
9/21/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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No funding information available for this research.
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