10 Tips for Working Safely Around Cement

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10 TIPS FOR WORKING SAFELY AROUND CEMENT
Cement is a common element at
many worksites across the country.
As an ingredient in materials like
concrete, plaster, mortar, stucco,
terrazzo and tile grout, workers
throughout the construction industry
deal with cement
on a regular and
ongoing basis.
10 Tips - Working Safely With Cement www.CreativeSafetySupply.com • 866-777-1360

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While concrete and many other cement-containing
materials may look benign, they actually create a
number of hazards for workers.
So what makes
cement dangerous?

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On the pH scale, cement is very
alkaline (the opposite of acidic)
with a pH of 12 to 13. Because
human skin has a very different/
low pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic), this
creates a problem.
The pH of wet cement is one
billion times higher than skin,
which means the skin is easily
irritated by exposure to cement.
Graph provided by National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association, USA

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Exposures can cause:
• Dry Skin
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis (pain, itching, blisters, scabs,
swelling, etc.)
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis (an immune response)
• Cement Burns (These have symptoms like regular burns,
but employees may not realize they are in danger until
significant damage has occurred.)
These conditions can be serious and difficult to treat.

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To prevent these often chronic conditions, employers and
workers need to take steps to prevent cement exposure.
At worksites that use cement,
employers should provide:
• 5 to 7 gallons of running water per person for
hand washing
• pH neutral or slightly acidic soap
• PPE like gloves and rubber boots

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Additionally,
those working
with cement
should follow
basic guidelines
for protecting
the skin.
Keep reading to learn the 10 tips…

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1
Wear Your PPE
First and foremost, protect the skin from cement.
Gloves – Wash hands before donning gloves. If your hands
have cement on them, the gloves will hold it
against your skin. Dirty hands with gloves are no safer than
hands without gloves.
Rubber Boots – Tuck pants into boots and tape
around the edges.
Long Sleeves – Tuck into gloves and tape around
the edges.

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2
Wash Skin
Appropriately
Wash hands after work
and always before eating.
Use a pH neutral or slightly
acidic soap. Most soaps are
actually slightly alkaline,
which can exacerbate skin
irritation in cement workers.

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3
If cement gets on clothing, change.
Cement can quickly soak through clothing
and reach the skin.
If cement is left on the skin too long, it can
cause cement burns. These burns can be
severe and require hospitalization. They
can cause blisters, hardening of the skin
and discoloration.
Example of
Cement Rash

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4
Remove Gloves Carefully
When taking off gloves, make sure
not to touch the outside of the
gloves with your fingers.

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5
Clean PPE
Clean gloves and other
PPE daily.
Old PPE that can no
longer be cleaned
adequately should
be thrown away.

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6
Don’t Wear Jewelry
Cement can easily get caught in rings,
watches and other jewelry, and once it’s
caught, it will be held against the skin.
Remove all jewelry before beginning work.

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7
Don’t Use Barrier Creams at Work
Because cement causes dry skin, workers
may be tempted to use hand lotion.
These creams can actually trap cement
particles and seal them against the skin,
though, which creates a real hazard.
If you do use lotions, only do so at home
after showering.

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8
Change Clothes at Work
Many cement workers inadvertently
expose family members and
roommates to cement by carrying
residue home on their clothes.
It’s best to change out of dirty work
clothes before heading home.
Carry these clothes home in
a plastic bag.

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9
Wash Work Clothes Separately
As an added precaution, it’s a good idea
to launder work clothing separately.
The washing machine can also be run
without clothes in it afterward to remove
any remaining cement from the machine.

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10
Have symptoms? See a Doctor
Skin problems associated with cement are
quite common, but the majority of workers
don’t seek medical attention.
This can lead to chronic, often incurable
skin disorders that can result in time
away from work or even the need to
change professions.

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PLAY IT SAFE!
If you experience ANY
symptoms of cement-related
skin disorders,
consult a medical
professional and be sure
to inform them about the
cement hazards at your
workplace.

10 Tips for Working Safely Around Cement

10 Tips for Working Safely Around Cement

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10 Tips for Working Safely Around Cement