CON/General/TBT-CON-024
Concrete Burns Prevention and First Aid
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Concrete Burns Prevention and First Aid
Wet concrete, mortar, and cement are highly alkaline with a pH value of around 12 to 13. Prolonged skin contact causes chemical burns that develop slowly and are often not noticed until serious damage has occurred. Concrete burns are a common and entirely preventable injury on UK construction sites. Kneeling in wet concrete or allowing it to enter boots causes deep tissue burns requiring hospital treatment.
Key Hazards
Chemical burns from prolonged skin contact with wet cement and concrete
Eye damage from cement dust or concrete splashes entering the eyes
Chromium VI allergic dermatitis from repeated cement contact on skin
Respiratory irritation from breathing cement dust during mixing and pouring
Control Measures
- Wear waterproof gloves, long sleeves, and full-length trousers when handling wet concrete.
- Use waterproof boots or waders to prevent concrete entering footwear during pours.
- Wear safety goggles when there is any risk of concrete or cement splashing towards your face.
- Wash any wet concrete off your skin immediately using clean water and mild soap.
- Change out of clothing contaminated with wet concrete as soon as practically possible.
- Apply barrier cream to exposed skin before starting work as an additional protective measure.
- Use knee pads or kneeling boards to avoid direct contact when working on fresh concrete surfaces.
- Ensure eyewash stations are available within the immediate work area during concrete operations.
- Report any skin redness, irritation, or blistering to your supervisor and first aider promptly.
Remember
- Concrete burns develop slowly and you may not feel pain until serious damage is done.
- Wet concrete inside your boots can cause third-degree burns within a few hours.
- Wash contaminated skin with clean water immediately — do not wait for the end of your shift.
- Chromium VI in cement causes allergic reactions that worsen with every repeated exposure.
- Wear waterproof gloves for every task involving wet concrete, mortar, or cement products.
- Eye contact with cement is a medical emergency requiring immediate irrigation with clean water.
Applicable Legislation: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) · PPE at Work Regulations 2022 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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