Wet concrete hazards include chemical burns and slow-forming injuries. If you come into contact with wet concrete, you can experience these burns over time and suffer from misdiagnosis and mistreatment. It is important to wear protective clothing, as wet concrete can get trapped in clothing and sit next to your skin for hours. Hence, proper treatment is crucial for you to avoid this hazard. The following are some of the common wet concrete dangers and their treatment.
Chemical burns caused by wet cement
In a recent case, a 7-year-old boy was hospitalized after accidentally walking under a dispenser of wet cement. He was exposed to the chemical when a family member was mixing it. When he walked under the cement dispenser, the boy’s skin got irritated and his head began to swell. He was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent partial decontamination with polyethylene glycol.
Exposure to wet cement is a common source of chemical burns. The effects of such burns vary, but in general, they are painful and can lead to blisters, dead skin, and even scarring. They may also damage bone or produce disfiguring scars. Ultimately, wet cement burns can be disabling and even lead to amputation. This is why individuals exposed to wet cement should wear protective clothing and equipment whenever possible.
The treatment for chemical burns caused by wet cement varies, but generally involves washing the affected area with water. Although polyethylene glycol is sometimes used instead of water, research has not shown its effectiveness. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. In this case, the boy’s burns did not require any further treatment. But his family is worried he has no scarring. They are seeking medical attention to make sure he does not develop further complications.
Prevention
Wet concrete is very dangerous, causing skin irritation, slipping hazards, and chemical burns. While exposure to dry concrete poses less of a danger, it can be dangerous in some cases. Protective gear should be worn by workers during concrete projects, including a pair of long-sleeved workshirts, alkali-resistant gloves, and waterproof boots. Workers should also keep extra pairs of safety glasses on hand.
Concrete is extremely corrosive, and any contact will result in chemical burns and skin problems. Concrete contains hexavalent chromium, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis. These skin conditions can be made worse by admixtures in concrete mixes. Wear protective clothing and protective goggles to prevent skin damage from wet concrete. Wearing gloves and heavy-duty boots is highly recommended.
Aside from being unpleasant, wet concrete burns can also be distressing to workers. Concrete burns cause four times more lost workdays than other construction workers. After exposure to wet concrete, workers should wash their hands and face and immediately change protective gear. Concrete burns may develop hours after contact with it. For reducing the risk of skin damage, workers can use vinegar to balance the pH level of the concrete.
Treatment
Wet concrete hazards can cause many different types of skin damage and injury. Workers need to wear the proper personal protective equipment, such as long-sleeved work clothing, goggles, and gloves when dealing with the substance. It is also important to wash work clothing separately from other laundry, as wet concrete can seep through fabrics and cause skin irritation. The most common symptoms of wet concrete burns are itchiness, redness, blisters, and pain.
When skin is exposed to wet cement, it can cause severe damage, including chemical burns. The alkaline content in concrete causes damage to the nerve endings first, so it can take a few hours before an individual feels any pain. In severe cases, concrete burns can require surgical treatment. Fortunately, treatment is fairly simple. The first step is to wash thoroughly with water. In severe cases, medical attention is recommended immediately.
Using protective clothing is critical to preventing wet cement-related injuries. Even if workers wear gloves and protective clothing, wet concrete can penetrate them and leave you vulnerable to chemical burns. These types of burns may require hospitalization and skin grafts. You can also limit the risk of wet concrete burns by wearing appropriate clothing. In addition, you can prevent skin damage from wet concrete by ensuring that your clothes are clean and dry afterward.
