Safety Measures You Need During Concrete Cutting
Concrete cutting is a dangerous job, but it can be done safely if you are aware of the risks. There are certain safety measures that must be followed to avoid serious accidents and injuries during concrete cutting.
We’ve put together this guide to help you stay safe while working on your next project. If you’d like to learn more about what safety measures you need to take during concrete cutting, feel free to continue reading below!
The Importance Of Safety In Concrete Cutting
The importance of safety in concrete cutting cannot be overstated. We all know that accidents can happen, but the best way to avoid them is by being proactive about your own protection and taking extra precautions against potential hazards like flying debris or dust inhalation. Some important safety measures to take include the following:
1). Wear A Dust Mask
Cutting concrete releases large amounts of silica dust. Silica dust is very harmful to human health, especially if you inhale it. This is because it can cause long-term lung damage and/or diseases. In the worst cases, it can lead to lung cancer if you do not take the proper measures beforehand. Therefore, when cutting concrete make sure to wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling this harmful substance and protect your lungs for years down the line.
2). Wear Protective Goggles
Goggles are an essential item to have when cutting concrete. When the dust created from cutting concrete makes contact with your eyes, you can be left with some permanent eye problems that can lead to sight impairment. Always make sure that you and your workmates around you wear goggles to protect your eyes from harmful substances or flying debris.
3). Use Ear Plugs
Concrete cutting can get very loud, which can be harmful to your eardrums especially if you are exposed without protection for prolonged periods of time. Your hearing could be permanently damaged if you don’t properly equip yourself with the right safety gear. One way you can avoid this is by wearing earplugs or earmuffs to block out any loud noises that can damage your hearing in the long run.
4). Be Aware Of Electrical Wires Or Other Electrical Hazards
Safety is not just restricted to wearing the right safety gear – you’ll also need to be aware of your surroundings! One way to do this is to take note or be aware of electrical wires or other electrical hazards. Accidentally cutting these power cables can lead to extreme damage not only for the infrastructure and project but for those working on site. Make sure you know where these lines are to prevent serious damages from happening!
If you are using a concrete saw, you also need to make sure to ground it with an appropriate earth-grounding device so that the blade will not become electrified and injure your hands if they are near the spinning edge.
5). Wear Appropriate Footwear
Wearing the right footgear when cutting concrete is a must. It protects your feet from falling objects, but also cuts and scrapes that are often inevitable while working with dangerous tools such as concrete saws. Safety shoes such as steel-toe boots will keep you protected.
6). Make Sure The Area Is Well-Ventilated
Concrete cutting can produce loads of dust. Working in a poorly ventilated environment can increase the risks of these particles irritating your lungs. The best way to avoid this is by making sure your workspace has plenty of fresh air coming in so contaminants don’t linger around for long periods of time and cause harm on skin, eyes or lungs due to prolonged exposure.
7). Monitor Saw Rotation
When cutting concrete, relying on the rotation of a saw’s blade is a common indicator of how well that material is being cut. The best way to monitor the saw rotation when cutting concrete is by looking for chipping or cracking on the surface. If there are cracks or chips, then you will need a fresh blade because your current one may need replacing. Using dulled blades can be dangerous because it can lead to unpredictable and hazardous malfunctions.
Final Thoughts
Concrete cutting is a dangerous process, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few safety measures you should take such as wearing eye protection or being aware of your surroundings that can make the whole experience much less risky for everyone involved. Make sure to keep all of these precautions in mind before starting your next concrete cutting project!
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.
