Safety Precautions

DANGER!

FRESH WET CONCRETE / MORTAR / SCREED CAN CAUSE BURNS

Whether you are a domestic or commercial user, layman or professional, you must take adequate safety precautions when dealing with ready-mixed concrete as, indeed you should with all construction materials.

The plant and equipment, trucks and pumps etc, are large yet mobile. Concrete is heavy and is placed sometimes at height by skip, bucket or pump.

Concrete or rather the cement in concrete, can burn the skin and is very dangerous to the eye.

Whatever your experience with the product, take extreme care and make yourself aware of all safety instructions given by suppliers and contractors. The leaflet reprinted below gives guidance on the personal protective clothing and accessories if you are placing the concrete yourself.

Skin contact with fresh wet concrete, mortar or screed may cause:

• Cement burns
• Irritant or allergic dermatitis

Damage will increase with contact time. Chemical burns can develop without pain being felt.

The abrasive nature of the sand in the materials can aggravate the situation

Fresh wet concrete, mortar or screed is heavy (approx 2.5 tonnes per cubic metre). This may cause strains if you are not used to physical work. Have sufficient help so that you can place, compact and finish the concrete / mortar / screed, without straining yourself and before it sets.

LOOK If concrete / mortar / screed gets in your boots, STOP. Remove them, wash them and your skin thoroughly clean

LOOK If patches of skin, and especially your eyes, come into contact with fresh wet concrete / mortar / screed, wash immediately and thoroughly with clean water

LOOK Clothes impregnated with fresh wet concrete / mortar / screed should be taken off, washed, and the skin washed thoroughly to avoid any irritation.

Protect your skin at all times.

Wash thoroughly. If irritation persists after washing, seek medical attention immediately.

For more information contact your ready-mixed concrete supplier and/or the Health and Safety Executive.