Concrete cutting produces silica dust, which is a serious health hazard.
There are many reasons that your current project, either personal passion or professional industry, could use or benefit from concrete cutting. Concrete is one of the fundamental building blocks (both figuratively and literally) of every construction project. Once it sets, cures, and hardens, concrete is stable and incredibly strong. This makes it a valuable tool for building but it also makes it hard to undo or change things. If you’re staring at a concrete slab, wall, or pillar and wondering how to cut it, read on to learn why you need to have a professional come out and leave the concrete cutting to them.
The Tools Are Complicated
The first thing to consider when you think about concrete cutting is that it requires specialized tools that you probably do not own. While the physical saw is not all that different than other saws, it uses a very special blade. That blade is unique to not only the act of sawing concrete, but also the type of concrete. Different types of concrete have different material makeup, so even if you do have a concrete saw and saw blade on hand, you don’t know for sure that it is the best one for the job – a professional certainly would.
The Process Can Be Dangerous
Once you have the right tools, the process of actually sawing the concrete is also dangerous. Concrete saws are deadly if they are used incorrectly. They can kickback during sawing, meaning that the upper portion gets stuck and the whole saw pushes back into a user. A trained professional knows that the likelihood of kickback is due to the rotation of the saw blade and how to safely prevent it. Concrete saw blades can also lock-in when the slab or wall shifts and the blade gets pinched. It take a professional to safely remove a locked-in saw blade without damage or injury.
The Clean Up Is Hazardous
Finally, after all of that, there is an additional danger. Concrete cutting produces silica dust, which is a serious health hazard. Even after the cutting is done, there is still risk associated with the clean up. Professional concrete cutting companies have additional tools, like respirators, vacuums, and others, to limit exposure to silica dust, and clean up the debris during and after the job.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.