Are you planning on pouring a new concrete driveway, patio or walkway outside your home or business? Concrete is an excellent option for all these applications and more. But before you start a DIY paving project, it’s important to take the proper safety precautions. Here are a few general guidelines that you should follow at all times.
Wear personal protective equipment.
When you work with wet concrete, you can sustain skin irritation and even burns if you aren’t careful. To reduce the risk of these issues, you should always wear personal protective equipment such as waterproof gloves, a dust mask, goggles and tall boots that cover your ankles.
Lift concrete carefully.
Whether you are removing slabs of old concrete or transporting wet concrete to your work site, be careful to lift properly so that you don’t injure yourself in the process. This means doing the bulk of the lifting with your knees, rather than your back. Our all-wheel-drive buggy can help you transport concrete safely as well.
Avoid exposure to concrete dust.
These paving projects can generate a lot of airborne concrete dust. When tearing up old concrete, you can keep dust to a minimum by wetting the surface before you start sawing or grinding. Be sure to wear your goggles and a dust mask or respirator as well to prevent dust from getting in your eyes, nose and mouth. Once you’re done working, take a shower to remove any residual dust left on your body. Launder your work clothes separately from other items to prevent cross contamination.
Need a hand with your next home improvement project? At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call today at (201) 797-7550 to get started!