Working with ready-mix concrete has become common in many construction sites. To ensure the safety of the operators and everyone working on the site, you must follow a set of best practices. These practices include:
Handle the ready-mix concrete with care.
Concrete is a relatively safe material to work with. Even this being the case, you must exercise caution when working with a concrete mix. This is because the composition contains certain substances and compounds you must avoid coming into contact with.
To ensure the safety of everyone assigned to handle the ready-mix concrete delivery, everyone should wear suitable safety gear. These are extremely effective at protecting the body’s vulnerable parts.
The equipment you need to work with include:
- Waterproof rubber gloves that make working with raw concrete safer and more efficient.
- Safety glasses which are vital for protecting you against concrete dust.
- Earplugs that avoid concrete dust from getting into the inner areas of your ear
- Hard construction hat to protect the head from any objects that might land on your head
- Long sleeves with full-length trousers. They help you avoid exposing the skin to chemicals.
- Heavy-duty boots eliminate the chances of burns on the feet.
Be cautious of any dangers that might come up
A work zone with heavy-duty equipment and ready-mixed concrete must be hazard-free at all times. Thankfully, any mishaps can be reduced by applying established safety practices and equipment to every construction job.
The entire staff on the field should be aware of the safety hazards and be prepared to mitigate them as much as possible.
These hazards include:
Respiratory irritation: Construction sites can be dusty. Long-term exposure to concrete dust increases the risk of respiratory tract inflammation. It might induce discomfort and severe swelling in the bronchial passages.
Using concrete pumps and ready-mixed concrete can greatly minimize dust emissions. To avoid this occupational hazard, do not mix concrete on-site.
Chemical burns: Direct contact with wet concrete can cause chemical burns and a variety of other skin conditions. You should avoid prolonged exposure to wet concrete at all times.
To be safe, advise your employees on how to handle the concrete delivery safely, while reducing the amount of time they are in contact with it. As mentioned above, your employees should wear heavy-duty boots and gloves at ass times to prevent severe chemical burns.
Physical injuries: Aside from concrete’s chemical and toxic hazards, there is always the potential for bodily injury on any building site.
These include accidents caused by falling objects, inappropriate use of the concrete pump, and falls from elevated platforms. To be on the safe side, ensure that you avoid all of these mishaps, and that the team you work with follows safe procedures.
Be prepared for concrete delivery.
Concrete mixing and delivery pose their own set of obstacles and hazards. The process necessitates meticulous planning and safety precautions, from the operation of concrete mixers to the transportation of massive concrete slabs.
Concrete trucks are commonly used to carry pre-mixed concrete to construction sites. If not handled properly, these trucks might endanger construction workers and other on-site staff.
Thankfully, proper training in concrete truck operation and vigilance can considerably reduce hazards. Once the concrete arrives at the construction site, it is time to focus on its placement.
This operation involves transferring concrete from the truck to the required area using concrete pumps and buckets. Proper techniques are needed at this stage to avoid accidents and ensure the quality of the concrete structures being constructed.
Concrete delivery safety standards extend beyond using personal protection equipment and machines. A safe concrete delivery requires worker communication, situational awareness, and proper delivery site preparation.
All the people working on the site must be thoroughly aware of the construction project, including the site layout, potential risks, and planned order of operations. This involves knowing where all equipment is, understanding the concrete delivery strategy, and knowing everyone’s duties and responsibilities.
Changes to these elements should be disclosed as soon as possible to minimize confusion and mishaps.
Concrete delivery requires diverse equipment, including concrete trucks, mixers, and pumps. These guarantee the safety of the workers operating the equipment. For peace of mind, ensure the machine workers have sufficient training and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keeping the construction site clean and well-maintained can significantly reduce safety risks. This involves swiftly cleaning up concrete spills, properly disposing of unwanted concrete, and providing clear paths for personnel and equipment to move about.
Be cautious, as the concrete is curing
The final stage of concrete operations is curing, which entails keeping the concrete in place moist so that it gradually gains strength. While this appears to be a safer way of going about it than mixing and placing, it still necessitates caution.
During concrete curing, there is a risk of skin irritation from wet concrete and slips and falls on wet surfaces. As a result, rubber boots and other protective apparel are necessary during this operation.
You should also keep the work environment clean and well-maintained. If any heavy objects are on the site that might hurt it, remove them and leave the surface safe for everyone.
Parting shot
Concrete operations, from mixing to pouring and curing, require a specific set of safety precautions. Properly applying safety procedures is critical to ensuring the well-being of construction workers and the smooth completion of building projects.
Maintaining safety in concrete operations requires careful planning, coordination, training, and the use of personal protection equipment. Equally vital is developing a safety culture on the building site, in which everyone knows their role in keeping the workplace safe.
You should stay safe and always remember to prioritize safety.
To ensure the safety of the site and your workers, ensure that the ready-mix concrete suppliers Silver Spring have high-quality and well-maintained vehicles and equipment. This way, you can be sure that no part will come from the vehicles and cause havoc on your site.