Concrete Repair on Bridges

• Use water suppression when breaking out concrete to control silica dust.
• Wear RPE with minimum APF of 20 during all concrete removal operations.
• Install debris netting below the work area to catch falling material.
• Ensure traffic management or possessions are in place before starting.
• Use approved access equipment — under-bridge units, scaffolds, or rope access.
• Read safety data sheets for all repair materials before use.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling epoxy and bonding agents.
• Check for cathodic protection systems before touching exposed reinforcement.
• Carry out a risk assessment specific to each bridge repair location.
• Monitor noise and vibration exposure for operatives using breakers overhead.

• DON'T break out concrete without water suppression and RPE in place.
• DON'T allow debris to fall onto traffic, waterways, or people below.
• DON'T apply repair materials without reading the safety data sheet first.
• DON'T touch exposed reinforcement without checking for stray currents.
• DON'T work on or under bridges without appropriate traffic management.
• DON'T use improvised access — only approved platforms and techniques.
• DON'T handle epoxy materials with bare hands — skin sensitisation is permanent.
• DON'T exceed vibration exposure limits when using overhead breakers.
• DON'T store repair chemicals near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
• DON'T continue repairs if the structural condition appears worse than assessed.

See also: Bridge Construction Safety Awareness | Cutting Concrete and Block