Demolition in New Jersey requires
considerable planning when it comes to utilities. Before R. Baker &
Son begins a project, multiple above-ground and below-ground
utilities must be considered and identified, and may need to be shut
off, disconnected, and/or relocated in order to perform demolition.
Prior to starting demolition, each
utility company must be contacted. Local representatives or field
engineers will be assigned to the project and may require submission
of drawings, applications, and/or permits pertaining to the
individual utilities. For example, electrical lines will need to be
shut down, relocated, tested, and reenergized under the supervision
of the electric company, who may also need to notify nearby customers
of power interruptions. Similarly, water lines may require that
valves be shut down and verified that they hold, and pressure taken
off the line and locked out for worker safety. Gas lines may need to
be shut down, pressure relieved and purged of all residual gas, and
verified before work can commence.
Fiber optic cables and cable TV also
require coordination with the utility companies. Fiber optic cables
carry significant amount of data, and a severed line can affect
service to thousands of commercial and residential customers. Damage
to TV cables can cause outages for numerous customers as well.
Utility representatives will mark where
underground utilities are located with paint and flags to prevent
accidents and unnecessary interruptions. The most common method for
locating utilities is using a tick tracer or sensitive metal
detectors to locate piping or electrical lines. Though drawings and
as-builts are valuable aids in locating utilities, it should be noted
that there may be inaccuracies, and sometimes these drawings have
been misplaced and can’t be located. Also, easements that give
utilities a right of way to exist are often unmarked, and as NJ is
the most densely populated state, there is an increased chance of
accidental damage to utilities.
Lastly, when removing utilities during
demolition, it is important to preserve all meters and return them to
the utility company. For more information on utilities during demolition, please contact R. Baker & Son at 732-222-3553.
R. Baker & Son - All Industrial Services
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com
1 Globe Court
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: 732-222-3553
Web: http://www.rbaker.com
