Cement is one of the most widely used materials in the construction industry. It is almost used in every application of this industry. Therefore, being a vital element in construction, cement has its own effects, depending on weather conditions.
Cement is used in applications such as concrete floors, walls, and pavement. Also, it is used in concrete blocks, which consists of different mortar and grout. Moreover, cement is widely used in making concrete. Therefore, its importance prevails in construction.
However, an utmost care should be taken while using this inevitable element in various applications. Let us take a look at some of the significant precautions you need to consider while using cement in cold weathers.
Potential dangerous risks to workers in concrete manufacturing
Ø Eyes, skin, and respiratory tract irritation caused by exposure to cement dust.
Ø Insufficient safety guards on equipment.
Ø Inadequacy of lockout/tagout systems on machinery.
Ø Awkward postures of workers and over-exertion.
Ø Most common possibilities like slips, trips, and falls.
Ø Chemical burns caused by wet concrete.
Effects on overall health
Cement has adverse effects on health if your skin, eye, or respiratory system comes in contact with it. Also, it has a potential risk of injury, which depends on duration and level of exposure and individual sensitivity.
Moreover, wet concrete and mortar contain hazardous materials. These materials include alkaline compounds such as lime, amounts of crystalline and chromium. They cause corrosion to human tissue, are abrasive to the skin, can damage lungs, and also cause allergic reactions.
Effects on skin
Wet concrete, when comes in contact with the skin for a short period, can cause a little irritation though washed off thoroughly. However, if the skin contact is continuous with the wet concrete for a longer time, then the alkaline compounds can penetrate and burn the skin.
Even when wet concrete or mortar is trapped against the skin due to falling inside a worker's boots through protective clothing, it may cause first, second, or third-degree burns or skin ulcers. These injuries can take several months to heal, and in more serious cases, it is likely to get a hospitalization and skin grafts.
Effect on eyes
Concrete creates an airborne dust, which can cause irritation to the eyes if exposed to the same. Depending on the level of exposure, the effects can vary from redness to chemical burns and blindness.
Effect on respiratory system
Inhaling high levels of dust while carrying the empty cement bags, may adversely affect the respiratory system. It further irritates the nose and throat and may also cause choking, making breathing difficult.
Precautions
Ø Prior to pouring, it is advisable to define strategies that will be used including materials, forms, testing other requirements.
Ø Always schedule and determine the cold weather protection measurement of the concrete mix.
Ø It is better to keep a well-defined temperature record chart that should include concrete temperature and external temperature as well.
Ø Never pour concrete on a frozen ground, ice, or snow.
Ø Make sure to protect the concrete from certain temperatures and consider the precautions required.
Ø If you use combustion heaters, make sure to vent outside to prevent carbonation.
Ø Concrete in cold weather is expected to have the right amount of air entrained that will resist freezing and thawing effects.
Ø Make use of concrete curing blankets or heated enclosures to maintain the ideal concrete temperatures.
Ø Do not seal freshly placed concrete.
Thus, it is always advisable to take the required precautions before using cement or making concrete. Consider the points discussed above.
