Concrete Safety

Concrete construction is hard work that involves heavy equipment, power tools, dust, fumes, and sometimes chemicals that can be harmful to skin.

It is imperative that you take all necessary concrete safety precautions when you do any kind of concrete work.

To begin with, make sure you have the proper safety equipment.

The foundation of proper project safety is dressing properly and making sure you have the necessary safety accessories, particularly if you're going to be using power tools.

Choose clothing that is not loose. Loose clothing can get caught in the machinery you use.

If you have long hair, pull it back for the same reason.

You should remove any jewelry that dangles or could interfere with the operation of machinery. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with protective sides, and keep them clean so your vision isn't blocked.

In dusty applications like resurfacing or grinding, use a face mask.

Wear ear plugs when power equipment is in operation.

Wear heavy work gloves that fit to protect against the heat and vibration generated in using power tools.

You should wear non steel-toed boots. Concrete is heavy, and so is a lot of the equipment you'll be using.

While a steel toe is good for many laboring tasks, when doing concrete work, a steel toe could very well get bent if something were to fall on it and shear off your toes! There are concrete project tasks that require specific kinds of concrete safety equipment. People who do work while on their knees, such as troweling or smoothing concrete should wear sturdy knee pads.

Workers who go without knee pads often find themselves in need of knee surgery later on in life.

Moreover, various concrete jobs require the use of a respirator.

When choosing a respirator, make certain that it is approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Next, make sure the respirator is the proper type for the job you are doing.

Demolition work which will involve airborne dust particles will require a different respirator than working with stains and dyes.

The respirator cartridge will say what its proper uses are. Be sure to match the respirator with the job. Tool safety is critical when working with concrete.

The tools involved are by necessity powerful, and they require safety precautions.

Tool accessories used in concrete work heat up significantly during use.

Wear gloves to remove hot accessories and avoid touching hot tools with your skin.

Power tools are loud: use hearing protection with them.

Never use power tools without eye protection. If you're using a concrete floor grinder, wear a dust mask or a respirator.

When using powerful vibrating tools like hammer drills, wear cushioned gloves to protect your hands from excessive vibration.

Take frequent breaks when using these tools.

Never let power tools get wet, or you'll risk electric shock.

Never use powerful tools like hammer drills or grinders one-handed. Hold both handles to maintain control of the equipment.

Before starting up a grinder, inspect the grinding wheel. Replace grinding wheels that show cracks, chips, or other damage, and always make sure the guard is in place before operating the grinder.

Do not operate a concrete floor grinder without ear protection, gloves, and safety goggles or glasses.

Pneumatic power tools use air hoses which can be cut, punctured, or otherwise damaged by chemicals and/or heat.

The main hazard of the hoses is uncontrolled whipping about.

When using a hammer drill, be sure the bit is secured properly in the tool and do not squeeze the trigger until the tool is placed in the work.

All electrical tools must be double-insulated or properly grounded.

Do not use an electric tool if the cord is fraying, cracked, or otherwise damaged, and avoid using electric tools while you're standing on a surface that is wet.

With gasoline powered tools, the explosive properties of gasoline are one of the most important hazards.

Always refuel gas-powered equipment away from flames, sparks, and heat sources, and where ventilation is adequate. Do not spill gasoline on hot engine surfaces. Awareness of hazards is a mainstay of proper concrete safety.

All personnel working with concrete must be fully aware of possible hazards.

Daily pre-job safety meetings with all who are working with you, reminding everyone of the basics of safety and the use of common sense are advisable.

Daily pre-job concrete safety activities should include inspection and needed maintenance of all tools and equipment.

Bottom line, it's best to think safety first and practice safety always.

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