Precast Inc. - November/December 2008 - (Page 45) Skin hazards of portland cement According to the U.S. Department of Labor, wet portland cement can cause caustic burns when it comes in contact with skin. The result can be blisters, dead or hardened skin, or even skin that changes color. The most severe cases lead to disfiguring scars and can create a disability. Most skin problems related to portland cement contact are treatable with topical medicines and are classified as first aid. But occasionally, the continuous contact can lead to an allergic form of dermatitis called allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Several components in wet concrete and mortar can cause ill effects to the skin. Among these are compounds such as calcium oxide (lime), which is corrosive when in contact with human skin. Another component present in wet portland cement is hexavalent chromium. Only trace amounts of hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI), a harmful toxin to skin, are present in portland cement. Contact with Cr(VI) in sensitized employees can cause the immune system to overreact. This can result in severe inflammatory reactions with repeated exposure. And, according to OSHA, victims of ACD can remain sensitized for years after the exposure to portland cement has ended. Employees who work with fresh concrete are more likely to experience dermatitis related to the wet portland cement. But it is also possible to have a similar reaction with cement dust that is on the skin where body moisture causes the cement dust to react with the skin. Wet cement-soaked clothing is another situation that can lead to a rash or chemical burn where the clothing is against bare skin. Employees with allergic dermatitis should consult a physician to confirm if the skin condition is related to ACD. The physician can advise the person as to the proper treatment for the dermatitis. Getting treatment early may prevent the condition from escalating into a more severe problem in the future. nitrile glove that is resistant to the caustic materials in the cement. The gloves should fit properly. Loose-fitting gloves allow the wet cement to enter. This can exacerbate the problem by trapping the chemicals against the skin. Hands should be clean before putting on your gloves. Long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants help to keep the wet cement from making contact with the skin on your arms and legs. Also, if the sleeves are long enough, they can prevent the wet cement from entering the tops of the gloves. If your shirt becomes soaked from wet cement, remove the shirt prior to removing your gloves. This will protect your hands from coming in contact with the cement on the shirt. Before going home, always remove any clothing that has become soaked with wet cement, or that has dry cement dust on it. Be sure to wash reusable gloves after each use. Do not allow the cement to accumulate on them. Rinse off the outside of the gloves prior to removal. Then wash the gloves as directed by the manufacturer. Allow the gloves to dry and keep them stored in a clean and dry area. Throw out any contaminated or damaged gloves. Barrier creams or products referred to as “invisible gloves” are not considered an effective method of protecting the skin, according to OSHA. Avoid using these products as primary protection for your hands. An ounce of prevention The only way to completely eliminate this hazard is to keep your skin away from fresh concrete. Since it is unlikely that you can accomplish this and still get the job done, then administrative controls and personal protective equipment need to be employed. The best method to reduce the adverse affects of skin contact with wet portland cement is to follow proper procedures while using the product. These steps include using the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), wearing appropriate clothing, and practicing good hygiene by washing your skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wear the appropriate type of gloves to protect the skin on your hands from coming into contact with wet portland cement. Cotton or other types of fabric gloves are not recommended for this application. It is better to use a butyl or Another precaution is to avoid wearing a ring or wristwatch that would allow cement to collect under the item. The cement can become trapped underneath and increase the potential for irritating the skin. Cleaning up Wash your hands and exposed skin in clean, cool water. A pH-neutral or slightly acidic soap can aid in cleanup. The soap’s NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 | WWW.PRECAST.ORG 45 Dreamstime photo http://www.precast.org
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