Precast Inc. - November/December 2008 - (Page 46) pH for cleaning wet cement from your skin should be about 7 or slightly lower. Do not use gasoline or other hazardous products, as they may cause other severe reactions to your skin. A solution of diluted vinegar can help buffer the caustic residue. Throw out any clothing or PPE that cannot be cleaned. Have all clothing cleaned before wearing it again. Change into clean clothes prior to going home to keep contaminants from getting into the upholstery of your vehicle or into your home. The regulations OSHA limits the amount of airborne cement that employees can be exposed to in the work environment. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 15 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). Employees must receive training on the hazards of cement before working with it. This training must include the identification of recognized hazards, the use of personal protective equipment, and the access to information such as MSDSs and other product labels. If an employee has a skin disorder that involves care beyond first aid, then it must be recorded on the OSHA 300 log. The incident will need to be identified as a skin disorder in section (m)(2) of the log. Your hands are an important tool to be used carefully. Some damage can be reversed with skin care products, hand lotions or antibiotic creams. In some instances, the damage is irreversible and your skin is beyond repair. Taking the necessary precautions early can prevent this. Don’t take your hands for granted; protect them now, as they will need to serve you for years to come. Sam Lines is a technical sales representative and safety director for Concrete Sealants Inc., New Carlisle, Ohio, and a member of the NPCA Safety, Health & Environmental Committee. He has more than 15 years of experience in the precast concrete industry. Dreamstime photo BOOTH 933 THE PRECAST SHOW 46 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 | PRECAST INC. http://www.daytonsuperior.com http://www.daytonsuperior.com
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