Is It Dangerous To Cut Concrete Walls?
Cutting concrete walls can be dangerous, but it’s also a necessary part of the construction process. If you are not an experienced professional, there is a high risk of injury or even death if you try to cut the wall yourself.
Concrete is actually much harder than you might think, so it’s not that easy to cut through even if you have the right equipment and know what you’re doing.
That is why in this article, we will explore the following topics:
- Why cutting concrete a wall can be dangerous
- Why concrete dust is dangerous to inhale
- How to cut a concrete wall safely
- What tools do you need to cut a concrete wall
- Why you need to wear PPE while cutting a concrete wall
- Why you should use professional services for the job
Why Cutting A Concrete Wall Can Be Dangerous
When a person cuts through a concrete wall, they are also cutting into the rebar and steel reinforcements. This can eventually cause structural damage to the wall or even cause structural damage to the whole building.
Furthermore, there are usually electrical cables and plumbing pipes inside the walls so cutting or damaging these can cause serious damage and even lead to serious, even fatal, injuries.
Concrete Dust Is Dangerous To Inhale
Concrete is made of various materials like cement, sand and gravel which may contain dangerous substances which can be very dangerous if inhaled.
When cutting concrete, especially when it is dry, it can create enormous amounts of dust. These dry, dusty particles contain crystalline silica which can irritate the respiratory system and can even lead to cancer if left untreated.
If you’re working with concrete, it is important to wear a mask or respirator to protect yourself from these harmful dust particles so you don’t end up with respiratory problems down the track.
How To Cut A Concrete Wall Safely?
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that you understand what the wall is composed of, what hazards or obstructions lie within the wall, and the structural integrity of the wall.
Before you even think about cutting a hole in your concrete wall, or what tools are best for the job, you need to seek professional advice from an experienced structural engineer beforehand to make sure there are no potential problems before commencing the project.
This is the most important step when it comes to cutting a concrete wall safely.
What Tools Do You Need To Cut A Concrete Wall?
Once you have the all clear from a structural engineer, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Most importantly, this includes the right concrete cutting blades that are sharp enough for cutting through concrete. A dull blade will not only take much more effort than necessary while doing this tough job, but can also lead to safety hazards or mistakes.
When it comes to blades, you cannot go past the latest diamond tipped saw blades. A diamond-tipped blade will make the job a lot smoother and quicker and also provide a much cleaner and neater cut.
It is also recommended to use an electric saw for cutting instead of a gas-powered saw. This is because electric saws are cleaner and safer as they don’t emit any smoke or fumes like gas powered saws do. This is especially important if you are cutting the concrete wall inside an enclosed area as opposed to outside.
Make Sure You Wear PPE While Cutting Concrete
Further to using the right tools, and cutting the hole in a concrete wall safely, it is essential you wear PPE. As mentioned earlier, concrete dust contains crystalline silica which can irritate the respiratory system and can lead to silicosis, a potentially fatal condition.
In order to protect yourself from cement dust and particles of sand, it’s imperative to wear a face mask, preferably a respirator, as a bare minimum.
Further to this, it is important to take all the necessary safety precautions. This includes wearing protective gear such as gloves, goggles/safety glasses, ear protection like earplugs or earmuffs, steel-capped boots in case you drop the saw or a piece of concrete on your foot, and a hard hat to protect your head.
Use Professional Services For The Job
Cutting concrete is not as simple of a task as you might think. Professional Services are necessary if you want the job done properly and to save any problems from arising down the track.
There are numerous benefits when it comes to hiring an experienced company to handle the job for you. These benefits include:
- Superior results
- Efficient service delivery timeframes
- Reduced liability risks from incorrect handling encountered during DIY projects
- The right tools for the job
- The use of PPE which minimises injuries and accidents
- Disposal of wastage
- Adherence to local laws and permits
Final Thoughts
Cutting concrete is only dangerous if you do it incorrectly. If the job isn’t done properly, there will be a much greater risk of injury to not just yourself but also those around you. It’s important to seek out professional advice and guidance from someone who knows what they’re doing before going into this project alone.
The best way to avoid any kind of mishap with cutting concrete walls is by contacting a company that has experience in both general concrete construction and demolition work. They’ll have everything set up to carry out the job properly and efficiently.
If you are looking for a concrete cutting company 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.
