How to Deal with Concrete Burns on the Skin while Construction

Construction workers must remain cautious about the risks associated with their jobs, especially when working with concrete, as they can encounter severe injuries. Some of the common concrete-related hazards are silicosis, crush injuries, and asbestos-containing concrete. However, many people often overlook concrete burns, one of the most common cement-related injuries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported over 252,000 injuries related to hot objects or substances. This rising number of fatalities highlights the need for preventive measures and training to address the risks of burns, including those caused by concrete exposure. Let’s discuss what exactly are concrete burns and ways to deal with these burns!

What Are Concrete Burns?

Concrete burns occur when the skin comes into contact with wet cement or concrete. These injuries are also called cement burns, and they lead to chemical reactions that can damage tissues. Wet concrete contains high levels of alkaline substances, such as calcium hydroxide. These toxic substances cause chemical burns and irritation on the skin. 

When wet cement contacts the human skin, chemicals react to water molecules present in it. This reaction produces alkaline molecules that break down the skin tissue. The longer cement stays in contact with the skin, the worse the burn. 

Factors such as excessive sweating, high concrete temperatures, and wearing damp or wet clothing can increase the severity of concrete burns. These chemical burns usually affect workers because they are frequently exposed to concrete. Concrete burns are particularly dangerous because you might not notice them until significant damage has already occurred.

How Does Concrete Burn You?

Concrete is a mixture of cement combined with small pieces of rock, sand, and gravel. When wet cement contacts a person’s skin, the chemicals react immediately with the water molecules present on the skin. This hazardous reaction produces alkaline molecules that can break down and damage skin tissue. The longer cement remains in contact with the skin, the worse the burn will be.

Concrete burns always occur in scenarios like:

• Kneeling in wet concrete while finishing,

• Getting concrete inside boots or gloves,

• Concrete splashing onto exposed skin,

• Handling wet concrete with bare hands.

The worst part about concrete burns on feet or skin is that they occur without any immediate sensation of burning or pain. Many workers don’t even realize they’ve been burned until several hours after exposure.

Why Does Concrete Burn You?

Irritation on the skin is caused by exposure to concrete. However, the damage is specifically caused by concrete’s aggregate material makeup. It includes a binder ingredient called Portland cement, which is also found in plaster, grout, mortar, and other materials.

When wet, Portland cement has a caustic pH level of 12 or higher compared to your skin’s pH scales, which usually range between 5.4 and 5.9. Contact with such high pH levels can lead to a chemical reaction and burns on your skin or worse.

Several additional factors influence the severity of concrete burns, such as duration of exposure, concentration of alkaline substances, or presence of friction or pressure. Sometimes, increased temperature and humidity may also cause such cement burns. The severity of these burns is also based on individual skin sensitivity. 

Read More: How to Become a Construction Worker?

How to Deal With Concrete Burns?

Immediate and proper treatment of concrete burns on the skin can prevent severe tissue damage. You must know these treatment measures to reduce the risk of complications. This involves preparing for such situations through extensive construction training measures, such as:

Remove Wet Protective Gear or Concrete Dust Immediately

If you have been exposed to wet concrete or suspect you have concrete burns while wearing absorbent clothing, take immediate action. Remove any clothing, jewelry, or protective gear immediately to prevent wet concrete from being trapped against your skin.

Please note that water activates dry cement's destructive properties. The best approach is to brush off any concrete powder from your skin using a dry towel or brush before washing the area.

Use a Concrete Burn Neutralizer or Water 

Rinse the exposed skin with cold water for 20 minutes to prevent further damage. You may also add vinegar or another acidic substance to neutralize the concrete's alkalinity. This can save your skin tissues and prevent severe damage while waiting for medical assistance.

If your face or eyes are exposed to wet concrete, wash them immediately with cold water for 15 minutes. This ensures debris is flushed from your eyes or skin tissues.

Do Not Apply Lotions, Creams, or Petroleum Jelly Immediately

Use only clean water or neutralizing agents to treat cement burns. Never use creams or lotions to relieve your skin from the burns. Avoid petroleum jelly and lanolin lotion, as these products can trap contaminants against your skin, potentially worsening the burns.

Call 911 for Further Assistance

Not all concrete burns can be treated immediately at your workplace. If the burn is very deep or covers areas such as the feet, face, hands, or groin, call 911 for immediate assistance. Responders can guide you on steps to take until emergency medical help arrives.

Read More: How OSHA10 Training Increases Workplace Safety in Construction

Who is at Risk for Cement Burns?

Anyone who works with or around fresh cement-containing products is at risk for cement burns. These individuals may regularly be exposed to wet concrete, mortar, plaster, grout, stucco, or terrazzo. While anyone working with concrete can suffer burns, certain groups face higher risks. Sometimes, DIY enthusiasts like home renovators, garden project workers, or patio builders also get exposed to concrete burns. Several tasks put these workers at risk, specifically in their workplaces:

• Tendency concrete pouring,

• Blending and distributing mortar,

• Preparing the cement base for terrazzo flooring,

• Washing pre-mixed cement mixer, concrete tools, and chutes,

• Installing concrete blocks and bricks,

• Removing formwork contaminated by Portland cement,

• Pouring, leveling, and polishing concrete surfaces,

• Fixing tiles onto walls, floors, and ceilings,

• Applying plaster, render, and exterior insulation finishes,

• Spraying Portland cement-based materials.

What You Need to Know About Treating Cement Burns

Concrete burns may be mild to severe, so you must know how to treat them based on the damage to get permanent relief. OSHA recommends that medical professionals analyze skin problems caused by cement exposure to ensure proper treatment. The treatment for concrete burns also varies depending on the severity and stage of the skin burn:

Read More: What is OSHA Training? 

Early Stage

You can treat concrete burns with prompt action if they are detected early. The first thing to do is remove your contaminated clothing immediately. Then, wash your affected area of the skin with lukewarm water. Make sure to use plenty of water and use it to flush the area for around 20 minutes. This helps you dilute and remove the alkaline cement residue.

A few experts also recommend using mild acidic solutions like vinegar or diluted lemon juice to neutralize the concrete's high alkalinity. Keep an eye on the affected skin to see if it is still burning, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Intermediate Stage

If your cement burn has progressed beyond mild irritation, the treatment must be more intensive. Symptoms to look out for in such cases include blistering or swelling in the affected area. Continue to flush with water, especially if you have intermediate burns. Do this for as long as possible to prevent further damage to your skin or feet.

You can also apply over-the-counter burn ointments to reduce your pain and promote healing. A hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera may help you soothe the skin. Please note that you must cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick bandage to protect it from further infection. 

Advanced Stage

Severe concrete burns penetrate deep into your skin tissue or result in dead skin. In such cases, you require immediate medical intervention. Full-thickness cement burns usually require specialized wound care, such as removal of dead skin or skin grafting in extreme cases. They may require advanced treatment, including physical therapy and specialized burn care. These customized treatments usually depend on the extent of tissue damage and scarring.

Read More: Common Misconceptions About OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certification

How to Protect Yourself Against Cement Burns?

There are several protection strategies that you can use against cement burns. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that people who work with concrete must follow the rules below:

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95

This rule requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and other protective clothing to help workers protect themselves from exposure to concrete.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51

This OSHA standard mandates that employers must provide washing facilities across job sites where workers are exposed to wet cement or concrete. This allows them to rinse off toxic materials immediately to prevent burns.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 (Silica Standard)

This rule aims to prevent workers from inhaling silica dust present in concrete. It also encourages the safe handling of concrete and other materials to minimize health hazards.

Take Appropriate Steps to Treat Concrete Burns!

Concrete burns are a serious occupational hazard that requires immediate attention and proper treatment. Don't underestimate the severity of these chemical burns, and take caution regarding their prevention and treatment. Your skin's well-being depends on proper safety practices while working with concrete. The few extra minutes it takes to protect yourself properly can prevent hours, days, or even weeks of painful recovery from concrete burns. You can also learn more about the treatment and prevention of these burns through an OSHA certification. Make sure to approach a recognized organization so that your credentials are considered by potential employers. 

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/concrete-burns

2. https://www.hexarmor.com/posts/concrete-irritation-burns-and-dermatitis

3. https://trdsf.com/blogs/news/what-are-concrete-burns?srsltid=AfmBOor-gxB57wIrBVCBByd9oU4iwc0KOWLdJ3oHLs2p2h-cIo8u7GCS

4. https://www.dcpu1.com/blog/does-concrete-burn/