Health & Safety Data
Regardless of the type of end user whether a professional from within the industrial civil sector or whether simply a DIY user the same levels of care must be taken when using and laying readymix concrete. Adequate safety precaution and protective clothing must be used prior to engaging with concrete. Concrete, mortar and screed are all synonymous with skin irritations; this is due to the alkaline nature of cement.
Suitable protective clothing in addition to normal site gear (i.e. hard hat and high visibility vests) should be worn when using concrete; these include:
- Protective safety glasses
- Waterproof Protective gloves
- Long trousers
- If you can’t avoid kneeling in concrete / screed use waterproof trousers and knee pads or an impervious mat
- Wellington Boots
Skin contact with wet fresh concrete, mortar or screed causes:
- Skin irritation / dermatitis
- Cement burns – often severe
If concrete, mortar or screed come into contact with eyes or skin it is essential that the affected area is washed immediately. In the case of the eyes a medical consultation should be sought once the eye is washed clean.
Health & Safety Data Sheets
Note:
- Cement / Chemical burns can develop over a period of time without the pain effects felt until sometime later.
- The abrasive nature of the aggregates in concrete aggravates the condition.
- Fresh wet concrete, mortar and screed are heavy typically 2.5tons per m3, therefore care must be taken not to overload wheel barrows and shovels.
For further information, refer to:
- BRMCA - British Readymix Concrete Association - www.brmca.org.uk
- BSI, BS 8500:2006. Concrete - Complimentary British Standard to BS EN 206-1, Part 1 and Part 2.