6 Safety Measures To Take When Performing Concrete Cutting In Sydney

Concrete sawing in Sydney can be dangerous and risky, particularly if you don’t have any experience in this field.

There are many safety measures that you need to take into consideration when performing concrete sawing. This is a job that requires the right tools and equipment, as well as the skills of an experienced professional who knows how to use them properly.

You should only hire professionals for this job because they have been trained on how to do it safely and correctly, unlike DIYers who may not know what they’re doing or could cause more harm than good. 

If you want your project done quickly with minimal hassle, then hiring a professional with experience is the way to go.

Based on this, let’s take a look below at the safety measures you need to take into consideration when performing a concrete cutting project in Sydney.

1). Ensure The Area Is Free From Debris

When you’re cutting concrete, it’s important to make sure the area is clear of any debris. If there is loose debris or other items in your way, then they could get caught up on and damage your blade. 

Furthermore, this could injure the operator or other people in the vicinity and can also damage your equipment. Make sure that you follow all the relevant safety precautions and make sure things like power cables and even pipes are not in your cutting zone.

2). Make Sure You Wear The Necessary PPE

While cutting concrete, you should always wear the necessary PPE at all times. Dust masks, earplugs, safety goggles, gloves and other forms of protective clothing are essential items when it comes to the protection of your health while cutting concrete. 

The dust created when you cut through cement is very harmful if it gets into a person’s lungs. As a matter of fact, silicosis is a lung disease that is caused when you inhale crystalline silica dust created when sawing concrete. This has actually been known to cause cancer so wearing a dust mask, or Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), is imperative.

Furthermore, the sound waves from concrete cutting machines can also cause permanent hearing loss over time if you don’t wear the appropriate PPE such as earplugs or ear muffs.

Goggles and gloves will protect your eyes and hands from any debris that might fly up when the saw is running, so wearing these items is critical.

So we can see from the above that the importance of wearing safety gear when working with hazardous materials and heavy machinery cannot be underestimated!

3). Be Aware Of What’s Happening Around You 

You may be surprised how many people don’t know what to do when a concrete saw is operating, but it’s important that they stay safe. Saw blades are exceptionally sharp and can lead to serious injury if not used properly. 

No matter the size of your project or skill level, you need to take precautions during every single step of the process in order not only to protect yourself, but everyone else around you too! Being aware of what’s happening around you is crucial in being able to complete the job safely and efficiently.

It would also help tremendously if anyone else who is near this type of work is briefed on how dangerous it can be, and to take the necessary precautions. When working in a public place, there can be a lot of bystanders who unwittingly could be exposed to some serious safety hazards if not aware.

4). Use The Right Tools For The Job

Cutting concrete is tricky, and if you don’t use the right tools it can make things even more difficult. A diamond blade will not only help you cut through tough surfaces with ease, but will also do it safely.

A diamond blade will make the concrete sawing process easier because they are designed specifically for cutting through hard materials like concrete, stone and steel. 

Diamond blades are made of carbide which allows the blade to cut through tough substances with ease and will also create a smoother finish. Diamond blades are also more likely to last over time compared to using other types of blades, which can dull or chip easily.

Using the right tools such as diamond blades, is another important safety measure you need to undertake when sawing concrete.

5). Keep Your Work Area Clean And Safe 

You may not think about it, but a clean work area is essential to any concrete sawing process. Without the proper safety measures in place and/or an organised space before you start cutting or drilling into concrete, there’s no telling what can happen. 

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Take some time to gather all of your tools and supplies and place them in one area, and also make sure to clean up after yourself while working. This will help to make for a safe zone when you’re performing your tasks.

There are also other ways you can create a safe zone such as using barriers or tapes and ropes to cordon off your workspace. This can help to further prevent any unnecessary accidents from happening. 

For example, the sawdust from cutting concrete can really be a problem. It’s not only dusty, but also very slippery. Then of course if you are wet sawing, the concrete will also be slippery due to the supply of water. Slipping hazards are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Furthermore, there may be tripping hazards such as electrical cables and other pieces of equipment, which could be harmful to others if they were to come into contact with these items.

These are just some of the reasons why you should use barriers or tapes and ropes while sawing concrete. This is not only to protect yourself, but also others in the area.

6). Make Sure You Have A First Aid Kit On Hand 

A first aid kit is important to have on site in case of any accidents when sawing concrete. At the very least, your first aid kit should include medical supplies such as bandages, gauze pads and antiseptic creams for minor cuts and scratches that can occur. It also doesn’t hurt to have some water handy.

Potential hazards such flying debris are a regular occurance and the dust generated when sawing concrete can be very irritating and cause congestion or even an asthma attack for those with sensitivities. 

A first-aid kit is crucial to keep on hand whenever using power tools like a concrete saw because they can be really dangerous pieces of equipment. It is crucial you are prepared in case the worst does happen on site.

Final Thoughts

In summary:

• Concrete cutting is a very dangerous job, and the right safety measures need to be taken at all times
• Armed with the right safety equipment, concrete cutting can be accomplished as a safe and reliable process
• By following well-known safety measures before beginning to cut, there will be less risk of injury or even death
• Attention to detail during all phases of cutting through concrete will ensure that you are able to perform this task safely
• The necessary safety equipment for cutting concrete includes a blade guard on the saw, goggles for protection from dust and debris, hearing protectors, gloves and most important, dust masks or respirators.
• Make sure you create a safety zone with tapes and barriers and have a first aid kit available on site.

If you are looking for a concrete cutting company in Sydney that is trustworthy and reliable, then don’t go past Sydney Sawing & Drilling. Please call us today on (02) 9158 6101 or leave an enquiry.