This was a complex project that you rarely see. All documentation was drawn up in three languages: an extensive description was provided for each individual task, including an extensive risk inventory.
The major challenge was safety: due to the damage to the structural stability, the stove units were not safe to enter. That is why the basic constructions were strengthened first. In some cases, oil products have remained in the systems and pipes. A special cleaning team was deployed to clean these parts.
Parts of the stoves up to 25 meters high have been dismantled and lifted off. Crawler cranes with long arms could be used from a height of 25 meters.
Within two months, DDM managed to completely remove the stoves and pipe bridges. In the four weeks that followed, the foundations were also removed. The contaminated soil has been excavated, after which the site has been made ready for construction again.
The removal of the four stoves and all additional work was completed a month earlier than planned. More than 8,000 man hours were spent during the three months of disassembly and demolition. And: in all that time, the first aid kit has not been left out of the cupboard.
The Quality and Health, Safety and the Environment policy is an ongoing process. That is why DDM is continuously working on improving all these areas to keep improving safety levels.
DDM was rewarded with a World Demolition Award in the Civils category.
Removing 5 arch bridges over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal was an intensive job. The schedule was tight and the expectations of all employees were high. But with a joint effort and incredible passion, DDM has successfully removed and recycled the 5 bridges within schedule.
Every year DDM holds a number of safety days to boost safety awareness.
Last year's objectives are evaluated and new objectives are determined. All managers and all operational employees discuss safety, policy and vision together. In addition to all regular training courses, DDM offers workshops and training to all employees during these days to take the qualities of the professionals to an even higher level. Together with all DDM employees, we are working on an increasingly higher safety ethic. Everyone at DDM carries out their work in a safe and healthy manner, with sufficient attention to the environment. And they're getting better at it. This applies to everyone; back to work healthy and safe and back home healthy.
Dow has awarded DDM a certificate for Outstanding Safety Performance.
Following various demolition and disassembly projects that DDM carries out worldwide for Dow Chemical Company, DDM has received recognition for its excellent safety performance during implementation. DDM always continues to strive for a higher level of safety. Safety First! Read below a quote from the letter that DDM received from Dow. “In summary, DDM continues to deliver excellent performance in safely planning and executing all work related to Dow demolition projects. We truly believe that your company's exceptional efforts continue to be a reflection of the leadership and support of you and the entire DDM Management team. "