Concrete Placement

Prevent concrete related injuries and illnesses by zeroing in on its chemical makeup, its extreme weight, and placement hazards.

Concrete is a mixture of small and large aggregate (usually sand and grave I) bonded together with cement and made flow able with water. In addition, there are a wide variety of chemical additives used to improve or alter the mix for special applications. When water is combined with cement an alkaline chemical called calcium hydroxide is released, which upon contact with your skin, will absorb moisture as it burns and destroys the skin tissue. In addition to this chemical hazard, you should be aware of any other chemicals in the mix, Understand their dangers, and know what personal protection requirements are needed.

When working with a standard concrete mix, wear a hard hat, safety glasses or goggles, clean lonq pants and a shirt with long sleeves and a tight neck, high boots and chemical resistant cloves. Remember, concrete burns can vary depending on your skin sensitivity, but they are always dangerous and require the same immediate treatment as do other burns.

At approximately two tons per cubic yard, concrete weight alone can be dangerous -- when positioning loaded concrete trucks, be alert for underground structures, loosely backfilled areas and excavation banks -- when using a crane and bucket, always make a test lift to ensure that the crane can handle the load at the maximum reach -- when placing concrete on suspended form work, avoid off balance and impact loading -- good posture and balance are important when wheeling, dumping and shoveling concrete to avoid hernias, back injuries, etc.

Placement hazards -- never get underneath or ride on a concrete bucket and stay clear of tight locations where a swinging bucket could cause a crushing injury. Make sure that all tools and cords are electrically safe when working around wet concrete and when using a crane and bucket or pump truck, be alert for overhead wires.

WHEN UNFOLDING OR ADDING TRUCK CHUTES KEEP YOUR FINGERS FROM BETWEEN THE HINGED SECTIONS TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING SMASHED OR SEVERED.

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