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Cement has been used for so many years around the world as a staple of engineering,construction and all-around building projects, but so little has been taught about the potential hazards that are hidden within this seemingly simple and innocent compound. Cement rash and cement burns are among the most common causes of accidents or injuries having to do with cement. This quick study on those dangers can help you more quickly detect, recognize and avoid them fairly easily with just a small bit of knowledge on how cement works and what the underlying reason for the injuries is. Creative Safety Supply offers many of the PPE elements required to to work safely with cement and we encourage you to visit our website to see for yourself that quality, price and, most importantly, your safety, are top priority for us: http://www.creativesafetysupply.com
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10TIPS for
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Cement is a common element at many worksites across the country. As an ingredient in materials like concrete, plaster, mortar, stucco, terrazzo and tile grout, workers throughout the construction industry deal with cement on a regular and ongoing basis.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
While concrete and many other cement-containing materials may look benign, they actually create a number of hazards for workers.
So what makescement dangerous?
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
On the pH scale, cement is very alkaline (the opposite of acidic) with a pH of 12 to 13. Because human skin has a very different/low pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic), this creates a problem. The pH of wet cement is one billion times higher than skin, which means the skin is easily irritated by exposure to cement.
Graph provided by National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association, USA
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Exposures can cause:• Dry Skin• Irritant Contact Dermatitis (pain, itching, blisters, scabs,
swelling, etc.)• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (an immune response)• Cement Burns (These have symptoms like regular burns,
but employees may not realize they are in danger until significant damage has occurred.)
These conditions can be serious and difficult to treat.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
To prevent these often chronic conditions, employers and workers need to take steps to prevent cement exposure.
At worksites that use cement, employers should provide:• 5 to 7 gallons of running water per person for
• pH neutral or slightly acidic soap
• PPE like gloves and rubber boots
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
hand washing
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Additionally, those working with cement should follow basic guidelines for protecting the skin.
Keep reading to learn the 10 tips…10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Wear Your PPE
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
First and foremost, protect the skin from cement. Gloves – Wash hands before donning gloves. If your hands have cement on them, the gloves will hold it against your skin. Dirty hands with gloves are no safer than hands without gloves.Rubber Boots – Tuck pants into boots and tape around the edges.Long Sleeves – Tuck into gloves and tape around the edges.
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Wash hands after workand always before eating.Use a pH neutral or slightly acidic soap. Most soaps are actually slightly alkaline, which can exacerbate skin irritation in cement workers.
Wash SkinAppropriately
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
If cement gets on clothing, change.Cement can quickly soak through clothing and reach the skin.If cement is left on the skin too long, it can cause cement burns. These burns can be severe and require hospitalization. They can cause blisters, hardening of the skin and discoloration.
Example ofCement Rash
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Remove Gloves CarefullyWhen taking off gloves, make sure not to touch the outside of the gloves with your fingers.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Clean PPE
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
Clean gloves and otherPPE daily.Old PPE that can no longer be cleaned adequately should be thrown away.
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Don’t Wear JewelryCement can easily get caught in rings, watches and other jewelry, and once it’s caught, it will be held against the skin.Remove all jewelry before beginning work.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Don’t Use Barrier Creams at WorkBecause cement causes dry skin, workers may be tempted to use hand lotion. These creams can actually trap cement particles and seal them against the skin, though, which creates a real hazard.If you do use lotions, only do so at home after showering.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Change Clothes at WorkMany cement workers inadvertently expose family members and roommates to cement by carrying residue home on their clothes. It’s best to change out of dirty work clothes before heading home. Carry these clothes home in a plastic bag.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Wash Work Clothes SeparatelyAs an added precaution, it’s a good idea to launder work clothing separately. The washing machine can also be run without clothes in it afterward to remove any remaining cement from the machine.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360
Have symptoms? See a DoctorSkin problems associated with cement are quite common, but the majority of workers don’t seek medical attention.This can lead to chronic, often incurable skin disorders that can result in timeaway from work or even the need to change professions.
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PLAY IT SAFE!
10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
If you experience ANY symptoms of cement-related skin disorders, consult a medical professional and be sure to inform them about the cement hazards at your workplace.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360