If you work with concrete on a daily basis, chances are that you will have to cut it at some point. Concrete cutting can be a dangerous business so safety must be your top concern at all times. As summer draws closer and temperatures begin to rise, concrete work will begin to pick up at many construction sites in the area. Although safety should be at the front of your mind during all parts of the job, you must be extra vigilant while you are cutting concrete. Keep reading to discover some ways to protect yourself, your coworkers, and the public from the dangers of cutting concrete.
Preventing Injuries
Following some basic safety tips will keep you protected most of the time when you are cutting concrete. Be careful not to saw too deep; it is only necessary to saw as deeply as your current job requires you to. To this same notion, only cut half as deep as the current depth of the slab of concrete before it was cut. Always saw in a straight line and also make certain that the pointer is constantly aligned with the saw blade.
Starting Up the Concrete Saw
Starting up the concrete saw can be one of the most dangerous bits of concrete cutting. Be sure that you have a steady water supply connected to the saw; a simple water hose will do. Make sure that the lever on the water safety valve is set to the ON position and be careful to make sure that the blade is raised up away from the ground. Allow the blade engine to reach half-throttle before setting it to full-throttle. Reopen the water valve and before you begin to make your first cut, double check to make absolutely sure that water is running through the saw.
Cutting and Sawing
Once you begin to cut the concrete, you also need to be careful. Slowly bring the blade down; the blade will mostly cut on its own on its way down toward the slad. Once you have reached the desired depth of cut, cut as quickly as you can without letting the blade slip out of the cut. If the blade happens to stall, just pull it out and lower it back. Make sure you are super careful when you are doing this! Next, realign the blade with the cut before inserting it again.
Questions? Concrete Visions is Here to Help!
If you still have questions about how to maximize safety while cutting concrete, Concrete Visions is here to help. We have over 12 years of experience in concrete scanning and we are able to detect any problems that may lurk beneath the surface. If you have questions, call our trained professionals at 410-766-2210 or visit us online. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been working on, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.