CONCRETE SAFETY: SOLUTIONS FOR SAFETY HAZARDS
When it comes to concrete cutting jobs, worker safety is paramount.
Awareness of the work environment and knowledge of the tools being used make a positive difference.
Proper Work Attire and Safety Gear
Proper work attire is essential when tackling a project using cement. Even the weather can affect safety. Working outdoor concrete projects in the cool winter months means layering on clothing to keep warm. All the layers can limit movement, slowing response times which isn’t optimum when working at elevation. Methods of fall protection function like what they sound—fall arrest system, safety net, work belt—are constraining, not freeing.
Summer heat brings a whole new level of safety concern for the concrete worker. Concrete workers have more on their minds than keeping cool and hydrated. When concrete sets, it hydrates, called an exothermic reaction. The higher the temperatures, the more water that’s used to lay the concrete, the faster crystals multiply around aggregate particles affecting the long-term strength (called the 28-day strength) by as much as 10%. Shirts come off, shorts leave legs and knees exposed. The ratio of concrete burns and abrasions increases in summer.
Knee pads protect against chemical burns as do alkali-resistant gloves, coveralls, long sleeve shirts, and waterproof boots. Respirators protect against breathing in dust. Protective eyewear prevents dust particles from scratching your cornea. A hard hat protects against head injuries when concrete hails down on the job site.
Regular Equipment Maintenance and Inspection
Proper equipment maintenance reduces the risk of accidents. Equipment wear and tear increases vulnerability. Check your equipment regularly. Always return cutting equipment to its protective guards after using to reduce accidental cuts. Reduce vulnerability with routine equipment checks. Don’t just look at a piece of equipment to assess if it’s in good condition. Make a practice of turning it on for compete testing.
Work Environment Awareness and Necessary Precautions
Confined spaces are the site of a majority of jobsites. Avoid trip hazards by covering electrical cords with tape lengthwise and attaching them to the floor. If your project is at all elevated off the ground, install guard rails to prevent falls. Start each project in a confined space by establishing protocol for crew members when moving equipment and materials. When things get too close, someone’s got to have the right-of-way.
Solutions for Safety Hazards Conclusion <h2>
Ace Cutting Equipment and Supply is your go-to resource for instruction and equipment. Our local Denver team is awaiting your call for more information on solutions for safety hazards.