Types of PPE You Need When Working with Concrete

However, something you can’t overlook is just how important it is to use PPE when you or your crew are working on concrete-related projects.

Given everything going on in the world today, the use of personal protective equipment has never been more important. However, something you can’t overlook is just how important it is to use PPE when you or your crew are working on concrete-related projects. Concrete dust and wet concrete can be even more dangerous than you might expect, even though they are common elements of the work that you do. Let’s learn more about the PPE you can use to keep yourself safe!

Dust Protection Equipment 

First of all, we need to talk about dust protection. It doesn’t matter if it is ordinary dust or silica dust, both types can be a hazard. Since dust can harm the eyes, skin, and lungs, you need protective equipment for all of these body parts: 

• Eye protection such as goggles can help, even when indirectly working with concrete. All safety glasses should be kept clean and cleared of dust before they can be deployed. Avoid wearing contact lenses – and tell everyone on your team to do so – unless indirect ventless goggles are issued for everybody to use. 

• Skin Protection: Dry concrete dust isn’t much more than a nuisance. This is typically the case unless any open cuts, scrapes, or rashes are exposed to it. Although there is only a tiny amount of chromium in cement, some workers and visitors can develop an allergy to it. Symptoms include mild rashes and severe ulcers, both of which can get worse when left untreated. Common types of PPE used to guard the skin include long sleeves, full-length pants, and work gloves.  
• Lung Protection: As we mentioned earlier, silica is found in concrete. The nose, mouth, and throat can all be irritated by this contaminant and it can cause a lung condition called silicosis, which scars the lungs. Ensure precautions are taken to minimize the dust in the air, and also make ventilation a priority. Respiratory protection is essential, and be sure to direct all employees and guests to your concrete working site to eat in areas away from any potential dust exposure.   

Wet Concrete Protection Equipment 

Deploying PPE against wet concrete is equally important. The problem with wet concrete is that it goes from somewhat annoying to extremely alkalized, which can scorch skin and eat through flesh in only a few hours. 

• Skin Protection: Long sleeves and pants tucked into gloves and boots are a necessity. All boots should be waterproof, and gloves should be both waterproof and resistant to alkaloids. Every piece of PPE gear will need to be separated from street clothes and upholstery. Kneepads should be equipped when kneeling on or near wet concrete. 
• Eye Protection: Eye protection also matters. This type of PPE must always be used around wet cement. Eye flushing stations should be set up and placed near any zones where wet concrete can be found.   

Get Your Concrete 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.