Hazard Alert: Concrete

Concrete is a construction material composed of cement as well as other materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate (generally a coarse aggregate such as gravel limestone or granite, plus a fine aggregate such as sand), water, and chemical admixtures. Concrete solidifies and hardens after mixing with water and placement due to a chemical process known as hydration. Concrete is used to make pavements, architectural structures, foundations, motorways/roads, bridges/overpasses, parking structures, brick/block walls and footings for gates, fences and poles.

Health Effects

Hazards from contact with wet (unhardened) concrete, mortar, cement, or cement mixtures can cause skin irritation, severe chemical burns (third degree) or serious eye damage. Frequent exposure may be associated with irritant and/or allergic contact dermatitis.

Effects Of Acute Exposure

Wet concrete mixtures can dry the skin, cause alkali burns, and irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Ingestion can cause irritation of the throat.

Effects Resulting from Eye Contact

Eye contact by splashes of concrete may cause effects ranging from moderate eye irritation to chemical burns or blindness. Such exposures require immediate first aid and medical attention to prevent significant damage to the eye.

Effects Resulting from Skin Contact

Discomfort or pain cannot be relied upon to alert a person to hazardous skin exposure. Consequently, the only effective means of avoiding skin injury or illness involves minimizing skin contact, with concrete. Exposed persons may not feel discomfort until hours after the exposure has ended and significant injury has occurred. Exposure to concrete may cause more severe skin effects including thickening, cracking or fissuring of the skin. Prolonged exposure can cause severe skin damage in the form of (alkali) chemical burns. Some individuals may exhibit an allergic response upon exposure to concrete, possibly due to trace elements of chromium. The response may appear in a variety of forms ranging from a mild rash to severe skin ulcers. Persons already sensitized may react to their first contact with the product. Other persons may first experience this effect after years of contact with concrete products.

Effects Resulting from Ingestion

Although small quantities of concrete are not known to be harmful, ill effects are possible if larger quantities are consumed. Concrete should not be eaten.

Effects Of Chronic Exposure:

Dust from concrete can cause inflammation/irritation of the tissue lining the interior of the nose and the cornea (white) of the eye.

Personal Protection

Eye Protection

Proper eye protection is essential when working with cement or concrete. Eyes are particularly vulnerable to blowing dust, splattering concrete, and other foreign objects. On some jobs it may be advisable to wear full-cover goggles or safety glasses with side shields.

Respiratory Protection

Avoid actions that cause dust to become airborne. Local or general ventilation can control exposures below applicable exposure limits; respirators may be used in poorly ventilated areas, where exposure limits are exceeded, or when dust causes discomfort or irritation. Avoid prolonged exposure to dust.

Skin Protection

Prolonged contact between fresh concrete and skin surfaces, eyes, and clothing may result in burns that are quite severe, including third-degree burns. If irritation persists consult a physician. For deep burns or large affected skin areas, seek medical attention immediately.

Clothing worn as protection from fresh concrete should not be allowed to become saturated with moisture from fresh concrete because saturated clothing can transmit alkaline or hygroscopic effects to the skin.

Waterproof gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants should be worn. If you must stand in fresh concrete while it is being placed, screeded, or floated, wear rubber boots high enough to prevent concrete from getting into them. The best way to avoid skin irritation is to wash frequently with pH neutral soap and clean water. [2]

References

1. Wikipedia (2008) Concrete retrieved on 9th September 2008 from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete

2. Portland Cement Association (2008) Working Safely with Concrete retrieved on 9th September 2008 from

http://www.cement.org/basics/concretebasics_working.asp

3. Delaware Valley Concrete (2006) Ready Mix Concrete retrieved on 9th 2008 from

http://www.dvc-concrete.com/msds.php

4. Cemex (2001) MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) FOR READY MIXED CONCRETE retrieved on 9th September 2008 from

http://www.rinkermaterials.com/Toolbox/MSDS/MSDS%20-%20Concrete.pdf

Advertisement