Question

Cement dust is one of the most common hazards encountered at the site. Identify the [2]

immediate control measure that you must do when it is on your skin. Other than using personal protective equipment (PPE), decide on a particular precaution that should be in place to avoid the identified hazard.

note please write your answer by computer

Answer 1

CEMENT DUST

Cement dust exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and upper respiratory system. Skin contact can result in mild irritation to thickening/cracking of the skin, resulting in severe damage to the skin due to chemical burns. Silica exposure can lead to lung injuries, including silicosis and lung cancer. Cement powder is a respiratory irritant, the dust created while cutting, drilling, etc., dried concrete and mortar can cause more serious lung disease. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations state that the worker must protect against risks from cement-based products. Cement also causes dermatitis. It can abrade the skin and cause irritation contact dermatitis. Cement also contains hexavalent chromium (chromate). This can cause allergic contact dermatitis due to sensitisation. Manufacturers add an ingredient to lower the hexavalent chromium content and reduce this risk. This ingredient is only effective for a limited period, as indicated by the shelf date. After this period, the level of hexavalent chromium may increase again. Once a person has become sensitised to this substance, any future exposure may trigger dermatitis. Some skilled tradesmen have been forced to change their trade because of this. The following mentioned solutions will benefit the worker against hazardous cement dust.

SOLUTIONS

· Rinse eyes with water if they come into contact with cement dust and consult a physician.

· Use soap and water to wash off the dust to avoid skin damage.

· Wear a P-, N- or R-95 respirator to minimize inhalation of cement dust.

· Eat and drink only in dust-free areas to avoid ingesting cement dust.

PRECAUTIONS

Identify the activities where cement-based goods will be used. Workers handling / mixing cement powder or using wet mortar and cement are at specific risk. Look for the skin allergy issues among the workers and those workers with the skin allergy must be completely restricted at the areas where cement dust is present. , because this can make the working conditions worse. The following control measures can be adopted.

· Suggest, where possible, removing or reducing the amount of cement used and making contact with it.

· Avoid exposure to cement powder by using pre-mixed concrete / mortar.

· Use working methods that raise the distance between the worker and the material, such as the longer-handled tool.

· Rotating cement bags to ensure that they are used before the shelf date. The ingredient added to reduce the risk of allergic contact dermatitis is only effective for a limited period of time.

CONTROL

Even if we avoid some of the risk this way, we may still do some other work that could require contact with cement. Hence, the risk should be controlled by the following ways.

Gloves

Gloves should be waterproof and suitable for use with high pH (alkaline) substances; eg marked with EN374:2003 and tested for use with “alkalis and bases” (class K) – some nitrile or PVC gloves may be suitable. Breakthrough time and permeation rate should also be suitable for the type and duration of the work. Gloves should be long and /or tight fitting at the end to prevent cement being trapped between the glove and the skin.

Footwear

suitable footwear, such as wellington boots, should be used where large concrete pours are taking place. If standing in cement, these should be high enough to prevent cement entering the top of the boot.

Waterproof trousers

when kneeling on wet products containing cement, appropriate waterproof trousers should be worn or, if screeding, use appropriate waterproof knee pads or knee boards. Minimise any time spent kneeling. Wear trousers over the top of boots. This stops cement getting into them.

Washing

Wash off any cement on the skin as soon as possible. Workers should be encouraged to wash exposed skin at breaks and after work. Good washing facilities are essential. There should be hot and cold or warm running water, soap and towels. Basins should be large enough to wash forearms. Showers may be needed in some situations where workers could get heavily covered in cement. Use emergency eyewash to remove any cement that gets into eyes.

Skin care products

These can help to protect the skin. They replace the natural oils that help keep the skin’s protective barrier working properly.

Training

Workers need to know how to use the controls properly. They also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dermatitis. Finding skin problems early can stop them from getting too bad.

Appropriate health surveillance is needed to check your controls are preventing dermatitis. This could be done by a ‘responsible person’who can be an employee provided with suitable training. They should assess the condition of a new worker’s skin before, or as soon as possible after, they start work and then periodically check for early signs of skin disease after this

· Keep secure health records of these checks

· Tell the employer the outcome of these checks and any action needed