Many homeowners may wish to undertake some concrete crack repairs on their properties in order to avoid having to pay a professional for that work. Such homeowners need to take steps to protect themselves from being exposed to silica dust, which can cause several hazards, such as the risk of developing silicosis. This article discusses some things you can do to stay safe from silica dust.
Keep Dust From Getting Airborne
You can reduce the risk of being exposed to silica dust by preventing any dust from becoming airborne at the job site. For example, make sure that you hose down any section of the concrete that you are breaking up so that you prevent dust from forming and contaminating the air that you breathe. You could also use equipment that has a dust-collection system so that all the dust formed is captured by that system.
Don't Consume Anything
You should also refrain from drinking or eating anything while you are in the environment where the silica dust is present. This is because your drink or food may be contaminated by the dust just before you consume those substances. The application of makeup should also be avoided at the jobsite. Take the precaution of washing your face and hands before you eat in case you have been conducting concrete repair work.
Wear Dust Masks
Some silica dust may still become airborne despite all the measures that you could have taken to prevent that from happening. Wear a dust mask/respirator that has a high-efficiency particulate filter so that you safeguard your respiratory system from the dust. Keep this mask on during all the time when you are at the concrete repair jobsite.
Watch Your Clothes
Silica dust can stick onto your clothes and later become airborne while you are away from the worksite. For example, you may inhale the dust when it becomes airborne as you undress in order to shower after completing the concrete repairs. You can avoid such a source of exposure by using disposable clothes while you work. Remove these clothes when you are still wearing the respirator. Only remove the dust mask once you are sure that you've neutralised all potential sources of airborne silica dust, such as by hosing down the contaminated clothes and jobsite.
It may be hard for you to implement sufficient preventive measures if the concrete repairs that you wish to perform are extensive. In such a case, hire concrete repair professionals to perform the work so that you can leave them to handle the containment of any silica dust risks that the job entails.
Share30 January 2018
Pouring concrete isn't necessarily as straightforward as it looks. Depending on the land, you have to make multiple adjustments ranging from laying a layer of gravel to putting in moisture barriers. Then, depending on the size of the concrete pad, you may need to add steel reinforcements. After the concrete has dried and cured, you may decide to add sealants, do an acid wash or play with other finishes. Then, of course, there are differences between pouring concrete inside or outside. In this blog, I hope to cover all those issues and more. If you're looking for tips and ideas, take a look at these posts. Whether you plan to hire a concrete contractor or do the work yourself, it can help to know this information.
