6 Ways to Make Concrete Cutting Safer and Easier
Concrete cutting is never as simple as it sounds, after all.
Working with concrete is rarely an easy task. Whether you have been hired to cut through it, saw through it, grind it down, or oversee demolition, you can do everything right and still run into trouble while on the job site. Luckily, there are certain ways to speed up the process and ensure the safety of your workers. Here is a quick look at what to do next.
Decide Where to Deploy the Saws
The first and most important step in the process is deciding where the saws should go. Concrete cutting is never as simple as it sounds, after all. Besides, you will also have to confirm the disposition of the concrete you are assigned to cut through – there could be rebar hidden underneath the surface; alternatively, you will need to determine the size of concrete blocks and slabs. Then you need to verify where the concrete is located and how the reinforcements support its weight in terms of structural integrity.
Discover Locations of Utility Lines
The second factor in making sure that concrete cutting gets safer is to figure out where the utility lines around the site are buried. Gas, water, and power lines are often placed beneath solid concrete surfaces to keep them out of the way. Plumbing and internet cable hookups should also be disconnected to avoid damage during the concrete cutting process.
Keep Spare Concrete Saws On Hand
Concrete cutting and sawing may be slightly different techniques, but they share a common denominator: the saw blade itself. Extra saws and concrete blades are essential unless the project is relatively small and quick to complete.
Continue to Train All Operators
All concrete workers deserve to have comprehensive training. No matter how experienced they have, that expertise can always be sharpened. Safety should be the utmost priority – however, breaking or damaging the saws can slow down the project and cost vital resources.
Maintain a Selection of Blades and Chains
Different blades and chains can help you get the job done. Relying on one blade is a risky proposition. It all comes down to the type of concrete cutting you need to perform. Also, be sure to use wet blades to their full potential.
Use Wet Blades to Minimize Dust Eruption
You may be wondering why wet blades matter so much. Unfortunately, cutting or sawing through concrete can release large clouds of silica dust. This dust eruption is harmful to anyone and everyone who could inhale it. This method reduces the amount of dust that is ejected during the actual act of cutting open the slab you are working on at the moment.
Get Everything You Need For Your Construction Site with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.
G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
