Cement 

Cement based products, like concrete or mortar, can cause serious skin problems such as dermatitis and burns. Workers handling / mixing cement powder or using wet mortar and cement are particularly at risk. Check for any existing skin or allergy problems as this work could make these conditions worse. The dust produced while cutting, drilling etc dried concrete and mortar can cause more serious lung disease. Wet cement is highly alkaline in nature. It is caustic, abrasive, and absorbs moisture. A serious burn or ulcer can rapidly develop if it is trapped against the skin. In extreme cases, these burns may need a skin graft. Cement can also cause chemical burns to the eyes. 

Workers cannot rely on pain or discomfort to alert them to cement burns because cement burns may not cause immediate pain or discomfort. By the time one becomes aware of a cement burn, much damage has already been done.

Cement powder is also a respiratory irritant. This includes premixed cement powder and dust caused by breaking up cement that has already hardened. 

Recognizing the Hazards: 

Cement can be found in concrete, mortar, plaster, grout, stucco, and terrazzo

Any work that involves wet cement, mixing cement, cutting, or breaking up cement involves a certain level of hazard that needs to be accounted for.

Training requirements:

Workers need to know how to use the controls properly. They also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dermatitis.  Finding skin problems early can stop them from getting too bad. 

Appropriate PPE & processes:

• Respiratory Protection – N95 rated dust masks or better should be used whenever cement dust is likely to be in the air. This involves activities such as mixing cement or handling and moving cement bags.

• Gloves – gloves should be waterproof and suitable for use with high pH (alkaline) substances; eg marked with EN374:2003 and tested for use with “alkalis and bases” (class K) – some nitrile or PVC gloves may be suitable.  Breakthrough time and permeation rate should also be suitable for the type and duration of the work. Gloves should be long and /or tight fitting at the end to prevent cement being trapped between the glove and the skin.

• Boots – suitable footwear should be used where large concrete pours are taking place. If standing in cement, these should be high enough to prevent cement entering the top of the boot.

• Long Sleeves – Long sleeves should be worn when working with concrete, particularly with wet concrete, to prevent skin irritation. Care should be taken to wash your skin carefully after working with concrete, as it could have become caught under clothing (see washing section below).

• Waterproof trousers – when kneeling on wet products containing cement, appropriate waterproof trousers should be worn or, if screeding, use appropriate waterproof knee pads or knee boards. Minimize any time spent kneeling. Wear trousers over the top of boots. This stops cement getting into them.

• Washing – wash off any cement on the skin as soon as possible. Workers should be encouraged to wash exposed skin at breaks and after work. Good washing facilities are essential. Basins should be large enough to wash forearms. Along with flushing the skin with lots of clean water, a mixture of vinegar and water can help neutralize the caustic effect of cement burns. Showers may be needed in some situations where workers could get heavily covered in cement. Use emergency eyewash to remove any cement that gets into eyes.

• Skin care products – these can help to protect the skin. They replace the natural oils that help keep the skin’s protective barrier working properly.

• Using work methods that increases the distance between the worker and the substance such as longer handled tools

• Rotating cement bags to ensure they are used before the shelf date. The ingredient added to reduce the risk of allergic contact dermatitis is only effective for a limited period.  

Cement can cause dermatitis. It can abrade the skin and cause irritant contact dermatitis. Cement also contains hexavalent chromium (chromate). This can cause allergic contact dermatitis due to sensitization. Manufacturers add an ingredient to lower the hexavalent chromium content and reduce this risk. This ingredient is only effective for a limited period as indicated by the shelf date. After this period, the level of hexavalent chromium may increase again. Once a person has become sensitized to this substance, any future exposure may trigger dermatitis. 

More information can be found at

http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/cement.htm

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/cement-guidance.html