Part of the Hagenwerder power plant at Görlitz in Germany had already been removed. Only the bunker building and the machine room were still standing. DDM was given the order for demolishing the buildings. After an extremely short preparation period of 8 weeks, everything was stripped and the explosive demolition was prepared.
The glass, sheeting and cladding material were removed first, along with the secondary structures. Holes were then drilled and 980 explosive charges applied. More than a kilometre of detonating cord was required for the bunker building, which was over 187 metres long and 55 metres high. At 211 metres, the turbine hall was even longer. As the final precaution, a large area was covered with sand and tarpaulins in order to dampen vibrations and prevent dust from forming. Continuously spraying the surroundings with a water mist ensured that the demolition produced as little dust as possible. Safety officers cordoned off a wide exclusion area.
Other than the DDM experts, nobody was allowed to access the work area. And then the moment of truth: after a rapid series of concussions, the extremely large building subsided gracefully and completely. Exactly as planned.
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. "