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Concrete Burns Prevention

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Concrete Burns Prevention

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-CON-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • Wet concrete, mortar, and cement are highly alkaline with a pH of 12 to 13 and burn skin.
  • Burns from wet concrete develop slowly — operatives often do not notice until hours later.
  • Prolonged kneeling in wet concrete causes deep chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
  • Cement contains chromium VI, a known skin sensitiser causing allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Eyes are extremely vulnerable — cement dust or wet concrete splashes cause serious injuries.
  • COSHH 2002 requires risk assessment and controls for all work with cement products.
  • Waterproof gloves, long sleeves, and trousers are the primary PPE controls.
  • Contaminated clothing must be removed immediately — cement soaks through and burns skin.
  • Cement burns account for a significant proportion of occupational skin disease in construction.
  • First aid for cement burns is prolonged irrigation with clean water for at least 20 minutes.

Why?

Prevent skin burnsWet concrete causes deep chemical burns that may need surgical treatment.
Dermatitis riskChromium VI in cement causes incurable allergic dermatitis in sensitised workers.
Eye injuryCement splash in eyes causes serious chemical burns and potential blindness.
Legal dutyCOSHH requires employers to prevent skin contact with cement products.
Do Don't
  • Wear waterproof gloves when handling wet concrete, mortar, or cement.
  • Wear waterproof trousers or knee pads when kneeling in wet concrete.
  • Cover all exposed skin with long sleeves and appropriate PPE.
  • Wash contaminated skin immediately with clean water for at least 20 minutes.
  • Remove clothing soaked with wet concrete or cement slurry without delay.
  • Wear safety goggles when mixing, pouring, or working near wet concrete.
  • Use barrier cream on hands before wearing gloves as additional protection.
  • Attend COSHH training on cement products and understand the risks.
  • Report any skin redness, irritation, or cracking to your supervisor early.
  • Ensure eyewash stations are available at all concrete work locations.
  • DON'T kneel or sit in wet concrete without waterproof knee protection.
  • DON'T handle wet concrete with bare hands even for a short time.
  • DON'T wait to wash off cement — the longer it stays, the deeper the burn.
  • DON'T wear contaminated clothing without removing and washing it.
  • DON'T rub your eyes or face while handling cement or wet concrete.
  • DON'T ignore minor skin irritation — it can develop into serious dermatitis.
  • DON'T use solvents or thinners to clean cement off your skin.
  • DON'T mix cement in windy conditions without eye and respiratory protection.
  • DON'T share gloves — dermatitis can be triggered by contaminated PPE.
  • DON'T eat, drink, or smoke without washing hands after cement work.

See also: Cement and Concrete Burns | Dermatitis Prevention
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