Lime and Cement Stabilisation

Lime and cement stabilisation improves weak or waterlogged ground by mixing binders into the soil.
Quicklime (calcium oxide) reacts violently with water, generating intense heat up to 300°C.
Portland cement dust is a respiratory irritant and contains chromium VI, a known skin sensitiser.
The COSHH Regulations 2002 require a risk assessment for all lime and cement handling on site.
Stabilisation typically uses specialist plant such as rotavators, spreaders, and mixing rigs.
Dust generation during spreading and mixing is the primary health hazard for operatives and neighbours.
Contact between quicklime and wet skin causes severe chemical burns that worsen with moisture.
Wind speed and direction must be monitored to prevent dust blowing onto adjacent properties.
The process is widely used on road subgrades, embankments, and development platforms in the UK.
All operatives handling lime or cement must have appropriate COSHH training and health surveillance.

Protect your health	Lime and cement dust cause burns, dermatitis, and long-term respiratory disease including silicosis.
Legal duty	COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to control dust exposure and provide health surveillance.
Prevent environmental harm	Uncontrolled lime or cement runoff into watercourses is highly alkaline and toxic to aquatic life.
Protect the public	Dust plumes from stabilisation works can affect neighbouring properties, schools, and public areas.

Do

Don't

Complete a COSHH assessment before any lime or cement stabilisation work begins
Wear RPE with a P3 particulate filter during all spreading and mixing operations
Use chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and full eye protection when handling lime
Monitor wind speed and direction and stop spreading when dust cannot be controlled
Ensure emergency eyewash stations are available within the immediate work area
Dampen the surface before and during spreading to suppress airborne dust
Brief all operatives on the thermal reaction risk of quicklime in contact with water
Wash any skin contact with lime immediately using large quantities of clean water
Prevent runoff of lime-treated water into ditches, drains, or watercourses
Store lime and cement in sealed, clearly labelled containers on hard standing

DON'T handle quicklime with bare hands — it causes severe chemical burns
DON'T spread lime or cement in strong winds that will carry dust off site
DON'T allow lime to enter surface water drains, ditches, or watercourses
DON'T store quicklime in contact with damp ground or unsealed containers
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke until you have washed hands and face after handling
DON'T ignore skin irritation — it may indicate early-stage chemical burn or dermatitis
DON'T work without eye protection when loading, spreading, or mixing binders
DON'T allow untrained workers to operate lime spreaders or handle bulk quicklime
DON'T use water to clean lime spills on skin before brushing off dry material first
DON'T breathe dust during loading — stay upwind and use RPE at all times

See also: Cement and Concrete Burns | Dust Control Hierarchy

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