Portwest Construction Magazine

Personal Protective Equipment for Cement Splash

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Encountering cement splash brings a set of hurdles for workers, starting with the potential for skin irritation and burns upon contact with wet cement. The risk escalates to severe conditions, like chemical burns or dermatitis, if exposure is prolonged or protection is inadequate. Additionally, the airborne nature of cement dust during mixing raises concerns for respiratory issues, from asthma to irritation of the nose and throat, emphasising the need for proper respiratory protection. Eye irritation and injury pose another substantial challenge tied to cement splash, with the potential for serious harm. The alkaline nature of wet cement underscores the necessity for robust eye protection to avert chemical burns and safeguard vision. Beyond this, the less glamorous side of dealing with cement splash involves the discomfort and skin irritation caused by cement splatter on workwear. The scenario worsens when dried cement on clothing leads to not just discomfort but also abrasions, presenting a cleaning challenge for workers on the construction frontlines.

Protective Workwear: When choosing clothing garments for working with cement, waterproof or water-resistant garments are highly recommended. Workers should wear long-sleeves and full-length trousers which should be tucked into their boots and gloves. This will provide full coverage to prevent cement from touching the body. Respiratory Protection: Workers should use respiratory protection to guard against inhaling cement dust. This is particularly crucial during activities like mixing and when working in confined spaces. Workers exposed to cement or other silica dusts must wear a respirator with an APF (assigned protection factor) of 20, such as an FFP3 disposable mask or half mask with P3 filters. Eye Protection: Eye protection is vital to prevent any liquid or solid particles from coming into contact with the eyes. Safety goggles or face shields marked on the products’ frame with “3” protect the eyes from droplets or splashes. Hand Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves made of materials like nitrile or rubber offer protection against skin contact with cement. Regular inspection and replacement of gloves are necessary to ensure their effectiveness. Foot Protection: Waterproof boots or shoes with protective toe caps safeguard the feet from cement splash. Additionally, ensuring that footwear is properly cleaned and maintained is crucial for ongoing protection. When choosing foot protection, select an S3 or S7 style with a robust outsole and tread, one that offers whole-foot protection, including a bellows tongue to prevent cement ingress, and a durable scuff cap. Head Protection: Hard hats or helmets are essential to protect against falling cement or debris. Additionally, they provide coverage during overhead activities where the risk of cement splash is heightened. Consider unvented helmets to avoid liquid concrete ingress via the ventilation holes.

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