Safety Precautions When Working with Wet Concrete
WARNING: Do not expose your skin to wet concrete for prolonged periods. Wet concrete is a strong alkaline chemical solution which is very hazardous to skin tissue. Victims are often unaware even after several hours that they are being burnt. This is because alkaline chemicals damage nerve endings first. Concrete burn injuries are extremely painful & can require surgical treatment.
A common cause is wearing clothing that becomes wet with concrete and stays in contact with the skin for a prolonged period.
Burn Symptoms
The symptoms of concrete burns do not show immediately & can take hours to show through. Symptoms include:
- A burning sensation
- Skin discolouration
- Blisters
- Itching or stinging
- Skin cracking
Recommended Precautions
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin
- Keep children away
Treatment
- In case of contact with skin or eyes, flush thoroughly with water.
- For severe cases, seek instant medical attention.
To download a PDF our Material Safety Data Sheet for Ready Mixed Concrete.