Are you practising the correct safety measures when cutting concrete? Concrete cutting can be dangerous so please read below for some safety tips when you’re cutting concrete.
With over $20-billion worth of construction work performed in Australia every month, the demand for concrete cutting has never been stronger than it is today.
Concrete cutting can be harmful to your health when the proper safety measures are not followed. There are many safety measures that you need to take when cutting concrete blocks.
Here are some of the most essential safety measures you should take during concrete cutting.
- Update to local standards
- Communicate with your team
- Personal protection equipment
- Keep the air clean
- Check the concrete saw and blade
Update To Local Standards
Local safety standards in Australia are constantly being updated.
You should be aware of the latest safety standards in your locality to provide a safe environment for the concrete workers on your team.
You can’t expect the workers to follow the safety standards in your locality when you are not up to date with the latest regulations yourself.
Check with the local authorities about the latest rules and regulations you need to follow when operating a concrete cutting facility in the area.
If you don’t do this, you may unwittingly get fined for not following the proper safety regulations.
Communicate With Your Team
Communication is crucial to the success of your concrete cutting operation.
You and your team of concrete cutters should be up to date with the latest regulations in the area when performing such an operation.
It doesn’t matter what the size of the job is or whether you’re using a ring saw or other types of saws for the job, you should sit together with your team and explain all the risks of concrete cutting and how these risks can be minimised.
When your team knows how to operate safely, they will follow the proper rules and regulations and be safe at all times.
Proper training is important when it comes to safety issues. You should make sure all the workers in your team are properly trained on the safety measures when cutting concrete.
Personal Protection Equipment
All workers of your concrete cutting project should wear the right personal protection equipment. They should be well protected as part of their job.
You should be protected from head to toe when engaged in a risky vocation like concrete cutting. Sturdy boots and garments are important to protect your body, feet, and arms.
Even if concrete cutting saws have water flowing from the blade to keep the dust away, gloves and goggles will protect your hands and eyes during the cutting process,
You should also avoid using boots with worn-out treads because they can result in slips and falls.
Anyone in the vicinity should also be protected with face shields because chips and shards can be thrown out from the concrete cutting site.
Concrete cutting involves a lot of noise so ear protection equipment is also important to prevent noise pollution.
Keep The Air Clean
Water will be flowing over the blade of the concrete saw to reduce concrete dust. However, some concrete dust and smoke are inevitable when cutting concrete blocks.
Make sure everyone has respiratory equipment to protect themselves from the concrete dust. You need to manage dust to promote lung health and safety.
A wet cut can reduce the amount of dust from the cutting process but if you are using the dry cut method, you should ensure anyone in the vicinity wears masks and respiratory devices to protect themselves from the concrete dust.
Check The Concrete Saw And Blade
Check the concrete saw and blade for safety any time you are working with such tools, especially hand saws. A dull or damaged saw shouldn’t be used for cutting concrete.
Check the power cord and water pump before starting the work.
Use a sharp diamond blade that is the appropriate size for the job to also minimise any further accidents or unnecessary waste of power or equipment.
If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.