Cement Burns
LOCATION:
READYMIX OR MORTAR PLANT
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
Cement Burns
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
14.03.2008
UK Safety Alert
Cement burns
Details of the Incident
A truckmixer driver returned to his plant with 8 metres of concrete, which had to be discharged into the
concrete waste bay. After backing up to the bay, as he went to move his chute, he slipped and ended up
stepping backwards into slurry. The slurry was about 1 foot deep and, as a result, his trousers and boots
become soaked in concrete. As the driver had no clean trousers to change in to, he cleaned off his trousers
and boots as best he could before continuing to wash out the truck. On arriving home the driver’ legs
became sore and after seeking medical advice he was informed that he had sustained cement burns.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Learning Points
• Are employees and contractors made aware that contact with cement or freshly mixed concrete,
mortar or screed can result in chemical burns developing without pain being felt initially. Dermatitis
may also develop as a result of the alkalinity and abrasive nature of fresh wet concrete, mortar or
screed, where the affected skin will become itchy, cracked and sore.
• If your work involves exposure to cement powder or fresh wet concrete, mortar or screed, minimise
the risk of chemical burns or dermatitis by:
- Using the required eye protection.
- Wearing long sleeved tops, gloves and long trousers to protect the skin.
- Removing and thoroughly cleaning boots if concrete, mortar or screed gets inside them.
- Removing any clothing that becomes impregnated with fresh wet concrete, or mortar
- Washing the skin thoroughly to avoid any irritation.
• Have applicable risk assessments and SSOW been developed and communicated to site staff and
drivers. Are all areas of the site inspected on at least a daily basis? Where hazards are identified,
such as slip hazards are measures taken to address them?
• Ensure housekeeping regimes are in place, in particular following work activities.
• Raise any on-site safety issues by using the Near Miss / Hazard Alert card system.
• Has a survey of site lighting been undertaken? Are lights checked on a weekly basis to ensure that
they remain effective?
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
LOCATION:
READYMIX OR MORTAR PLANT
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
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