To keep yourself safe during concrete cutting, here are three habits you should develop.
Concrete cutting is a wonderful process. Contrary to wrecking balls or explosives, this method is much safer, although it still comes with its fair share of safety hazards. Improper concrete cutting can get people injured, which is why only licensed professionals should handle the procedure. To keep yourself safe during concrete cutting, here are three habits you should develop.
Equip Yourself With the Right Safety Gear During Concrete Cutting
Safety procedures for concrete cutting begin before you even get out your saws. First, you have to wear the necessary protective gear. Shards and chunks of concrete can go flying during the process, so goggles and helmets are a necessity to protect yourself from them. Since workers have to be really close to the saws with their hands, heavy-duty gloves go a long way towards promoting worker safety. Lastly, you’ll want to have workers wear respirators because it keeps them from inhaling silica particles that could cause respiratory problems when inhaled.
Staying Safe Against Dust
As we just finished mentioning, a respirator mask should be worn by anyone doing concrete cutting. If workers inhale dust, respiratory problems could happen, especially if you’re working in a closed space.
One method you can use to combat the risks of dust inhalation is wet cutting. This is a type of concrete cutting that minimizes the silica dust that gets sent into the air by using water to capture the dust particles.
On top of promoting worker safety, wet concrete cutting also makes the air cleaner and helps your saw blades last longer due to the blades experiencing less friction during cutting.
It isn’t always a practical option, however. Whenever wet cutting isn’t a viable choice, you could instead choose to install exhaust systems, which are built to suck up dust particles before they can get completely airborne.
Concrete Cutting Requires Smart Sawing
Professional concrete cutters will typically have saws with diamond blades, which make them more durable and powerful. Dull blades are a greater danger to workers than sharp ones. Because saws with diamond blades don’t wear down as quickly, workers are able to cut through concrete much more effortlessly.
But diamond blades aren’t indestructible, and they have limitations. To keep them working efficiently, make sure that they are being used within their acceptable speed limits. More specifically, try to keep your speed underneath the maximum limit.
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.