Working Safely with Concrete

Chemical Hazards of Concrete

Skin Contact Hazards

• Wet concrete is highly alkaline (pH of 12-13)
• Causes chemical burns that may not be felt immediately
• Can penetrate clothing and continue burning
• More severe with prolonged contact
• Burns may appear hours after exposure
• Can cause permanent scarring and disability

Respiratory Hazards

• Cement dust contains crystalline silica
• Silica can cause silicosis (irreversible lung disease)
• Inhaling dust can irritate nose, throat, and lungs
• May trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals
• Long-term exposure linked to lung cancer
• Freshly mixed concrete releases small amounts of toxic gases

Eye Hazards

• Cement dust or splashes can cause severe eye irritation
• May cause chemical burns to eyes
• Can lead to permanent blindness in severe cases
• Particles may cause corneal abrasions

Physical Hazards of Concrete Work

Manual Handling

• Bags of cement typically weigh 94 pounds
• Wheelbarrows of concrete are heavy and unstable
• Awkward postures during finishing
• Repetitive motions during screeding and troweling
• Risk of back injuries, muscle strains, and sprains

Equipment Hazards

• Concrete mixers with moving parts
• Powered concrete buggies
• Vibrating equipment
• Concrete pumps under high pressure
• Power trowels and other finishing equipment

Environmental Hazards

• Heat stress during hot weather pours
• Cold stress during winter concrete work
• UV exposure from working outdoors
• Noise from equipment (mixers, vibrators, pumps)
• Wet and slippery working surfaces

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Skin Protection

• Waterproof gloves (PVC, nitrile, or neoprene)
• Long sleeves and full-length pants
• Waterproof boots (at least 6 inches high)
• Rubber boots with metatarsal guards for deep pours
• Concrete-specific knee pads for kneeling work
• Impervious apron for mixing or pressure washing

Eye and Face Protection

• Safety glasses with side shields
• Chemical splash goggles for mixing or pouring
• Face shield over goggles when splashing is likely
• Eyewash station or portable eyewash nearby

Respiratory Protection

• N95 respirator (minimum) for dust exposure
• Half-face respirator with P100 filters for silica dust
• Proper fit testing before use
• Clean, store, and maintain according to instructions
• Consider powered air-purifying respirators for extended work

Other PPE

• Hearing protection when using loud equipment
• Hard hat to protect from falling objects
• High-visibility clothing when working around vehicles
• Knee pads to prevent injury and reduce fatigue

Safe Concrete Mixing Practices

Manual Mixing

• Use proper lifting techniques for cement bags
• Cut bags close to ground level to reduce dust
• Add cement to water slowly to minimize splashing
• Mix in well-ventilated areas
• Use mechanical aids when possible
• Keep mixing area clean and organized

Machine Mixing

• Follow manufacturer's instructions
• Never reach into an operating mixer
• Secure mixer to prevent movement
• Lockout/tagout before cleaning or maintenance
• Ensure all guards are in place
• Use proper loading procedures

Ready-Mixed Delivery

• Establish clear communication with truck driver
• Designate a signaler for truck positioning
• Ensure firm ground that can support truck weight
• Use proper washout areas for cleanup
• Stay clear of chutes during positioning
• Never walk under raised chutes

Safe Concrete Pouring

Preparation

• Inspect formwork for stability
• Ensure adequate bracing for lateral pressure
• Clear area of trip hazards
• Plan pour sequence and schedule breaks
• Establish communication methods
• Identify emergency procedures

During the Pour

• Coordinate movement of delivery equipment
• Use designated walkways
• Avoid standing in freshly poured concrete
• Control concrete flow to prevent formwork overload
• Monitor formwork for signs of failure
• Wear appropriate PPE throughout

Concrete Pumping

• Inspect hoses and couplings before use
• Secure all connections
• Use hose whip restraints
• Never kink or bend hoses to stop flow
• Stay clear of pressurized hoses
• Never look into a hose or point it at anyone

Finishing Concrete Safely

Hand Finishing

• Use long-handled tools when possible
• Change positions frequently
• Take regular breaks
• Use knee pads when kneeling
• Wash skin immediately if contact occurs
• Work in teams for large pours

Power Trowel Safety

• Only trained operators should use power trowels
• Ensure kill switch is functioning
• Maintain proper balance and grip
• Be aware of carbon monoxide in enclosed spaces
• Clear area of other workers
• Shut off if control is lost

Cutting and Grinding

• Use wet methods to control dust
• Ensure proper guarding on saws
• Verify correct blade for material
• Use hearing and eye protection
• Follow manufacturer's RPM recommendations
• Be aware of embedded materials

Preventing Concrete Burns

Immediate Response to Exposure

• Rinse affected skin with clean, cool water for 20+ minutes
• Remove contaminated clothing carefully
• Do not apply creams, ointments, or household remedies
• Seek medical attention for significant exposure
• Report all exposures to supervisor

Good Hygiene Practices

• Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking
• Shower as soon as possible after work
• Change out of work clothes before leaving site
• Keep a separate set of clothes for travel home
• Launder work clothes separately
• Use pH-neutral or slightly acidic soaps

Worksite Facilities

• Clean water supply for washing
• Emergency eyewash stations
• Hand washing facilities with pH-neutral soap
• Clean area for breaks and meals
• First aid supplies for treating exposures
• Emergency contact information

Silica Dust Control

Engineering Controls

• Use wet methods for cutting, grinding, and drilling
• Use tools with integrated water delivery systems
• Employ tools with dust collection systems
• Ensure adequate ventilation
• Apply water to keep dust down

Work Practices

• Mix dry cement in well-ventilated areas
• Clean up spills of dry cement promptly
• Use vacuum with HEPA filter, not dry sweeping
• Work upwind of dust-generating activities
• Dispose of collected dust in sealed containers

Housekeeping

• Use wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleanup
• Never use compressed air to clean dust
• Wipe surfaces with wet rags
• Keep work areas clean to prevent dust accumulation
• Control dust at point of generation

Special Concrete Operations

Tilt-Up Construction

• Follow engineered lifting plans
• Use proper rigging techniques
• Keep unnecessary personnel clear during lifts
• Ensure adequate bracing before releasing rigging
• Use tag lines to control panel movement
• Never work under raised panels

Concrete Pumping

• Inspect all components before starting
• Ensure proper setup on stable ground
• Use outriggers where required
• Keep hands away from hopper grate and moving parts
• Clear line blockages according to safe procedures
• Maintain communication between pump operator and placement crew

Post-Tensioning

• Only qualified personnel should install or stress tendons
• Clear area behind jacking equipment
• Never stand in line with stressing equipment
• Secure ends of tendons during stressing
• Be aware of whipping hazards if tendons break
• Follow engineered procedures

Emergency Procedures

Chemical Burns

1. Flush affected area with cool, clean water for 20+ minutes
2. Remove contaminated clothing while flushing
3. Seek medical attention immediately
4. Do not apply neutralizing chemicals
5. Provide SDS to medical personnel

Eye Exposure

1. Flush eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes
2. Hold eyelids open during flushing
3. Remove contact lenses if present
4. Do not rub eyes
5. Seek medical attention immediately

Inhalation

1. Move to fresh air
2. Rest in position that allows easy breathing
3. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
4. Monitor for delayed symptoms
5. Report exposure to supervisor