COS/Controls/TBT-COS-035
Chromium VI in Wet Cement Exposure
COSHH & Hazardous Substances › Controls › Chromium VI in Wet Cement Exposure
Toolbox Talk
Chromium VI in Wet Cement Exposure
Wet cement contains hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI), a chemical that causes allergic contact dermatitis and is classified as a carcinogen. Construction workers who handle wet concrete, mortar, or grout without adequate skin protection are at risk of developing painful, blistering skin reactions that can end a career. This talk explains how Chromium VI exposure occurs and the controls that prevent it.
Key Hazards
Allergic contact dermatitis from Chromium VI causing painful skin blistering
Chronic skin sensitisation meaning lifelong reactions to even trace cement contact
Burns from the high alkalinity of wet cement damaging skin tissue directly
Carcinogenic risk from repeated unprotected exposure to Chromium VI compounds
Control Measures
- Wear alkali-resistant waterproof gloves when handling any wet cement, concrete, mortar, or grout.
- Use long-sleeved tops, full-length trousers, and waterproof boots to prevent skin contact with wet mix.
- Apply barrier cream to all exposed skin before starting work with cementitious products.
- Wash any cement splashes off skin immediately with clean water — do not wait until break time.
- Change wet or contaminated clothing and gloves promptly to prevent prolonged skin contact.
- Use low-chromate cement products where available to reduce the Chromium VI exposure at source.
- Ensure the COSHH assessment for cement work includes Chromium VI and specifies the required controls.
- Report any skin irritation, redness, cracking, or blistering to your supervisor without delay.
- Attend health surveillance appointments for dermatitis if you regularly work with wet cement.
Remember
- Wear alkali-resistant waterproof gloves whenever handling wet cement, concrete, mortar, or grout
- Wash cement splashes off skin immediately with clean water and do not wait until break time
- Change contaminated clothing and gloves promptly to prevent prolonged Chromium VI skin contact
- Use low-chromate cement products where available to reduce exposure at the source
- Report any skin irritation, redness, cracking, or blistering to your supervisor without delay
- Attend health surveillance for dermatitis if you regularly handle cementitious materials on site
Applicable Legislation: COSHH Regulations 2002 · EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
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