Keeping Scrap Metal Safe While Razing An Old Building
If you work demolishing old buildings, you most likely come across materials that can be recycled in exchange for money. Scrap metal in large quantities can bring in a nice payload, making it important to try salvaging any pieces you find when razing structures no longer being used. Unfortunately, people in the vicinity of the demolition may think the same thing, making scrap metal on the property at risk for theft if left out in the open. Here are a few steps to take in keeping scrap metal on the demolition site safe from robbery while you are collecting it for a recycling service like Scrap Metal Processors Inc to pick up.
Take Precaution Before The Demolition
Before you start knocking down the building, do a walk-through of the site to see which portions have available scrap metal that will need to be collected. Assign a few workers to be in charge of searching for these materials from the rubble after you have knocked down the portions of the building where they are located. Set up temporary fencing around the construction site to keep people passing by from walking on the property. This will help keep them safe from injury and from possibly trying to steal metal from the site. Consider hiring an overnight guard or surveillance cameras to help safeguard metal pieces.
Keep Scrap Metal Marked
To help keep your scrap metal from being traded for cash by a thief, make some inconspicuous markings on the corner of each piece with paint. Pick one color and mark the pieces with a small letter or symbol with the paint. If you notice pieces of metal have disappeared from the job site, notify the area police department immediately and let them know about this marking. Call local recycling centers and let them know about the marking as well, so they can alert the police if someone comes in trying to cash in a piece from the job site.
Place Scrap Metal In A Hidden Area
Place a large cage on the job site property to house the pieces of scrap metal found after the demolition. Keep this cage locked when not in use and make sure only a few people have access to the keys to put new pieces inside. Keep this metal cage in an area surrounded by distractions, such as behind a construction trailer or portable toilet, so it is not easily seen from the street. After a few pieces of metal are stacked inside, use heavy chains to wrap around the pieces. This will make it more difficult for the pieces to be removed.