COS/General/TBT-COS-027
Cement Contact and Concrete Burns
COSHH & Hazardous Substances › General › Cement Contact and Concrete Burns
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Cement Contact and Concrete Burns
Cement is a highly alkaline substance with a pH of around 13. Prolonged skin contact causes chemical burns that develop gradually and are often not felt until serious damage has already occurred. Wet cement inside boots, gloves, or trapped against skin by clothing is the most common cause of cement burns on construction sites. Additionally, cement contains chromium VI which causes allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Prevention through waterproof PPE and immediate washing is essential.
Key Hazards
Deep chemical burns from wet cement trapped against skin inside clothing or boots
Allergic contact dermatitis from chromium VI sensitisation after repeated exposure
Eye damage from cement dust or concrete splashes requiring emergency irrigation
Respiratory irritation from inhaling cement dust during dry mixing operations
Control Measures
- Wear waterproof gloves and long-cuff gauntlets to prevent wet cement contacting hands and wrists.
- Use waterproof boots or waders to prevent concrete entering footwear during pours and finishing.
- Wear safety goggles when mixing, pouring, or finishing concrete to protect against splashes.
- Wash wet cement off any area of exposed skin immediately with clean running water.
- Change out of cement-contaminated clothing as soon as practicable and wash before reuse.
- Apply barrier cream to hands, wrists, and forearms before starting work with cement products.
- Use kneeling boards when working on fresh concrete to prevent knee contact burns.
- Ensure eyewash stations are available within the immediate concrete work area.
- Report any skin redness, blistering, or allergic reaction to your supervisor and occupational health.
Remember
- Wet cement causes chemical burns that develop slowly — you may not feel the damage happening.
- Concrete inside boots can cause third-degree burns to ankles and feet within hours of contact.
- Wash contaminated skin immediately with clean water — do not wait for the end of the shift.
- Chromium VI in cement causes allergic dermatitis that worsens with every repeated exposure.
- Eye contact with cement is a medical emergency requiring immediate irrigation for at least 20 minutes.
- Waterproof gloves and boots are the minimum PPE for all tasks involving wet concrete and cement.
Applicable Legislation: COSHH Regulations 2002 · PPE at Work Regulations 2022 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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