Working with Cement

Cement is one of the most common causes of occupational skin disease in the UK construction industry.
Wet cement is highly alkaline with a pH of 12 to 13 — it causes chemical burns on prolonged skin contact.
Chromium VI (hexavalent chromium) in cement causes allergic contact dermatitis, a lifelong condition.
Once sensitised to chromium VI, even brief contact with cement will trigger a severe skin reaction.
COSHH 2002 requires a risk assessment and control measures for all activities involving cement contact.
Cement dust is also a respiratory hazard — inhalation irritates airways and can cause chronic bronchitis.
The workplace exposure limit for cement dust is 10 mg/m3 total inhalable dust and 4 mg/m3 respirable.
Cement burns often go unnoticed because the alkaline reaction destroys nerve endings before pain is felt.
Kneeling in wet cement without waterproof knee pads is a common cause of severe knee burns.
EU regulations have reduced chromium VI content in cement, but the risk is not eliminated entirely.

Chemical burns	Wet cement at pH 13 causes deep chemical burns that destroy skin tissue — burns worsen the longer contact continues.
Lifelong dermatitis	Chromium VI sensitisation is permanent — once developed, every future cement contact causes painful skin reactions.
Hidden damage	Cement burns destroy nerve endings first — workers often do not feel the burn until significant damage is done.

Do

Don't

Wear waterproof gloves when mixing, placing, or handling wet cement products.
Use long-sleeved clothing and waterproof trousers to prevent skin contact throughout.
Wear waterproof knee pads when kneeling in or near wet concrete or screed.
Wash cement off skin immediately with clean water — do not wait until break time.
Apply barrier cream before starting work and moisturiser after washing at end of shift.
Wear safety goggles when mixing dry cement to prevent dust entering your eyes.
Use an FFP2 mask minimum when cutting, grinding, or mixing dry cement products.
Check the COSHH assessment for the specific cement product before starting the task.
Report any skin redness, cracking, itching, or irritation to your supervisor immediately.
Attend dermatitis health surveillance when offered by your occupational health provider.

DON'T handle wet cement or concrete with bare hands under any circumstances.
DON'T kneel in wet concrete without waterproof knee pads protecting your skin.
DON'T allow cement-contaminated clothing to remain in contact with skin — change promptly.
DON'T use solvents, white spirit, or thinners to clean cement off your skin.
DON'T ignore dry, cracked, or itchy hands — these are early signs of dermatitis.
DON'T wash hands with abrasive cleaners after cement work — use mild soap only.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke without washing cement residue from your hands first.
DON'T create unnecessary cement dust by dry sweeping or tipping bags aggressively.
DON'T reuse cement-contaminated gloves that have been soaked through to the inside.
DON'T dismiss cement dermatitis as minor — it can end your construction career permanently.

See also: Skin Protection and Dermatitis Prevention | COSHH Awareness

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