Picture a massive, multi-ton vault door and fortified walls intricately designed to guard valuable items and documents. Now, imagine the challenge of removing this structure from the building. This complex task requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and expert techniques. Read our guide to how bank vault removal is carried out to learn how professionals ensure a safe and efficient move.
Considering the Vault’s Design
Knowing the vault’s design and materials and how the vault fits into the surrounding structure is key for planning an effective removal. Bank vault movers will also consider the building’s layout and accessibility to minimize disruptions.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) provides a classification system for modular vaults based on how long the vault can resist a burglary attempt. Considering the vault’s classification helps professionals assess the equipment required for successful removal. The more difficult the vault is to break into, the longer it will take to dismantle.
Below are the UL classifications for vaults and what they signify:
- Class M: Can withstand an attack for 15 minutes
- Class 1: Can withstand an attack for 30 minutes
- Class 2: Can withstand an attack for 60 minutes
- Class 3: Can withstand an attack for 120 minutes
The vault’s classification is determined by its materials, which influence its resistance to physical attacks. Design features, such as the complexity of locks and reinforcements, also affect the vault’s security rating. Additionally, advanced technology, like surveillance systems and alarms, can enhance the vault’s classification by providing added protection against burglary attempts.
Important Details About Modular Vaults
Many buildings today have modular bank vaults due to their customizable configurations and ease of installation. Modular vaults are prefabricated structures composed of interconnected panels. These panels are typically made from high-strength materials like reinforced concrete or steel to provide robust security against unauthorized access.
The design of modular vaults allows for easy customization in size and configuration, which makes the vaults easy to tailor for specific security needs and spatial constraints. Their modular nature also makes removal more straightforward compared to poured-in vaults.
Preparing the Site
Preparing the site for bank vault removal begins with a thorough assessment of the surrounding environment. The removal technicians survey the area for structural limitations or obstacles that may affect the process. This can include issues with building integrity, such as weak floors or walls that may not support heavy lifting equipment. Additionally, access restrictions like narrow hallways, tight corners, and environmental factors such as nearby construction or adverse weather conditions can add challenges.
Once the initial assessment is complete, the specialists develop a moving plan that accounts for the building’s layout and the vault’s current location. Then, they focus on securing the area to ensure safety during the removal. This involves coordinating with bank personnel to establish access protocols and potentially close off affected areas. Protective measures, such as installing temporary barriers or safety nets, are put into place to prevent damage to the building or harm to employees and visitors.
Dismantling the Vault
The dismantling phase begins with the use of specialized tools and equipment. Performing a bank vault removal involves dismantling the fortified door. Vault doors typically weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, but they can be even heavier in some cases. Bank vault door removal requires precise coordination to avoid damaging surrounding structures or infrastructure.
Boswell Safe and Vault’s technicians remove whole bank vault panels rather than breaking them apart. Extracting entire panels allows us to significantly reduce noise and dust. We have mastered our techniques and have never had an injury on the job site nor caused any property damage during a bank vault removal. Our team members can use diamond-cutting saws, hydraulic cutters, drill presses, and more to cut through concrete or steel.
The following aspects play a pivotal role in successful vault removals:
- Team coordination involves assembling a team of skilled professionals, each with a specific role in the removal process.
- Safety protocols, up-to-date training, and safety measures protect movers and property.
- Specialized tools are designed for handling and transporting large, heavy structures safely and efficiently.
- Communication is crucial between team members, each of whom must be aware of their responsibilities and any changes in the plan during the process.
- Contingency planning should account for potential challenges or obstacles that may arise.
Transportation and Inspection
Dismantling the vault into individual panels also streamlines the cleaning process. Because the panels are intact, we can remove them from the premises faster. We carefully load the panels onto specialized transport vehicles designed to accommodate heavy and large loads.
Finally, the removal team will conduct a post-removal inspection to make sure the site is safe and stable. They examine the area for residual hazards, such as structural damage or debris. After confirming the site is safe, the job is done.
Dangers of Incorrect Removal
Improper bank vault removal can lead to significant structural damage, compromising the integrity of the building where the vault is housed. This damage may result in costly repairs and potential hazards such as collapsing ceilings or walls. Additionally, unexpected damage to the building’s infrastructure can disrupt daily operations and inconvenience bank employees and customers.
Incorrect removal techniques can pose serious safety risks to the people involved in the process. Without proper training and equipment, there is a heightened chance of accidents, including injuries from falling debris or mishandled machinery. Inadequate safety measures not only endanger the workers but also jeopardize the well-being of anyone nearby.
For all these reasons, it’s essential to hire a reputable bank vault removal contractor. A good bank vault removal contractor has the experience and specialized knowledge to manage complex vault structures. They employ a team of highly trained professionals who follow stringent safety protocols to ensure a smooth and incident-free removal process.
Successful bank vault removal hinges on thorough preparation, the use of specialized tools, and a coordinated team effort. The removal team will inspect the bank vault and surrounding structure, then create an action plan and put safety measures in place before starting the removal. Boswell Safe and Vault carefully removes the bank vault door and then the complete panels for quick, safe, and clean service. Give us a call to discuss complete bank vault removal or bank vault door removal.
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