QMS/General/TBT-QMS-020
Concrete Cube Test Safety Procedures
Quality & Inspection › General › Concrete Cube Test Safety Procedures
Toolbox Talk
Concrete Cube Test Safety Procedures
Concrete cube testing is an essential quality control process that verifies the compressive strength of placed concrete. Testing involves sampling wet concrete, curing cubes in controlled conditions, and crushing them at 7 and 28 days. Operatives face skin contact with wet cement, manual handling of heavy moulds, and crush risks during the compression test. This talk covers the safe procedures for concrete cube sampling and testing.
Key Hazards
Skin burns and dermatitis from contact with wet cement
Manual handling injuries from heavy cube moulds and samples
Crush injuries during operation of the compression testing machine
Eye injuries from concrete splash during sampling
Control Measures
- Wear waterproof gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves when sampling wet concrete.
- Wash any wet cement off skin immediately with clean water; do not use solvents.
- Use correct manual handling techniques when carrying filled cube moulds weighing up to 15 kg each.
- Operate the compression testing machine only if trained and authorised to do so.
- Keep hands clear of the crushing platens at all times during the compression test.
- Store curing tanks at a convenient height to reduce bending and reaching during cube placement.
- Label all cube moulds clearly with pour reference, date, and test age on the day of sampling.
- Transport cured cubes in a secure container to prevent movement and breakage during transit.
- Calibrate the compression testing machine at the intervals specified by the accreditation body.
Remember
- Always wear waterproof gloves and safety glasses when handling wet concrete for cubes
- Wash wet cement off your skin immediately with clean water to prevent burns
- Only trained and authorised personnel may operate the compression testing machine
- Keep hands well clear of the crushing platens throughout the compression test
- Label every cube mould clearly with the pour reference, date, and test age
Applicable Legislation: COSHH 2002 · PUWER 1998 · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · BS EN 12390-2:2019
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