FEATURE
CEMENT AND CONCRETE
irritation of the eyes. This will occur skin is treated soon enough (before
as a result of the chemical reaction of ulceration), vinegar can be added
the suspended dust with the moist to the rinse water to neutralise the
mucous membranes. Every attempt alkalis (half a bottle of vinegar to
should be made to keep airborne a bucket of water). Milk (which is a
cement dust to a minimum to avoid good natural buffer) can thereafter
th ese problems. Should this be be applied to the skin with a pad to
impractical, then the use of goggles and neutralise any further traces of
dust masks is strongly recommended. alkalis without risk of acid burning
the skin. The skin should then be
Silica dust dried by gently dabbing with a
Many of the aggregates used in towel, and lanolin may be applied
concrete have high silica contents. to replace lost fats and oils and to
The fine silica dusts created when
crushing or handling these aggregates
RECOMMENDED unaccustomed physical effort or
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES working in awkward or uncomfortable
Physical hazards positions for long periods.
restore suppleness.
• If ulceration has already set in, do
can cause lung problems, and not attempt to treat the wound
precautions should be observed to with anything other than clean
avoid breathing in such dusts. water without first seeking expert
medical advice. The risk of spreading
First aid and remedial treatment
• Carefully remove wet concrete-
Bagged cement is usually packaged
infection to the wound at this stage
is severe.
in 50kg units. Handling and moving Exposure to cement and other dust soiled clothing. Although some first • A sterile burn dressing can be
cement bags should be undertaken Cement: This is an abrasive fine aid books state that clothing should applied over the wound and
with due regard for the possibility powder and, when handled, some not be removed from a burn wound, bandaged. An ice pack can be
of back and other physical strains. dust may become suspended in the concrete burns are chemical burns – applied afterwards above the
Similar caution should be exercised air in the working area. Users should not heat burns – and clothing will not when mixing, transporting, placing avoid inhaling cement dust as this normally adhere to the wound. and finishing concrete, as many of may cause irritation of the nose and these operations may involve throat. Cement dust may also cause
SUPER
ALKALINE
• Rinse the affected skin as soon as
possible with cool, clean water. If the
dressing but not directly to the skin.
• Do not delay getting medical
treatment as the alkalis will continue
to destroy tissue.
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APRIL 2017 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
74
IMPORTANT!
It is advisable to notify any
medical authorities that the victim
should be treated for ‘alkali burns’
as many medical practitioners
may be unaware that concrete is
a highly alkaline material that can
cause third degree burns.