The demand for concrete cutting services has been on the rise as concrete keeps evolving to meet or even exceed the expectations of users in the construction industry. Whether for cutting expansion joints, installing plumbing and electrical systems, removing footpaths, or creating drainage, concrete cutting has so many applications in construction, making it a requirement on construction projects.
With that said, cutting through concrete is an inherently dangerous job due to the various safety hazards involved. If you'd like to learn about some common safety hazards associated with concrete cutting, continue reading below.
Machine-Related Hazards
One of the biggest safety concerns attributed to concrete cutting is the equipment that is used for the job. Concrete cutting requires using exceptionally powerful cutting saws that have the potential to inflict grave injuries if they come into contact with any part of the human body.
To minimize the risk of equipment-related hazards, only people that are fully trained in the proper use of concrete cutting machines must be allowed to handle them. This helps reduce accidents and injuries that may result from improper use of the equipment.
Noise Hazards
Cutting through concrete can generate a lot of noise in the workplace and surrounding areas. Excessive noise levels can be harmful to workers as well as other people that live or work near the job site.
Concrete cutting specialists can employ a variety of strategies to help cut the noise. These include but are not limited to:
- Using damped saw blades
- Soundproofing the job site
- Using new blades equipped with noise-reducing technology
In addition to taking steps to keep noise levels as low as possible, concrete cutting professionals must also provide their workers with the appropriate hearing protection.
Dust Hazards
Concrete cutting machines don't just make a lot of noise: they can produce a lot of dust too. Concrete dust not only irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory duct but can also cause serious illnesses, such as silicosis and lung cancer.
Whenever possible, steps must be taken to suppress the dust. On projects where water is used as the dust-suppressing agent, the concrete cutting method used is referred to as "wet cutting" concrete.
Workers must also be provided with the appropriate PPE to protect themselves from exposure to the potentially harmful dust levels.
Although concrete cutting is inherently dangerous, concrete cutting professionals are well-aware of the associated hazards and can take the appropriate steps necessary to keep everyone safe while reducing your business liability during concrete cutting operations. To get a quote for your job, contact a concrete cutting company near you today.
