Health & Safety

Health and safety is the number one priority for the cement industry for its employees, contractors, end-users and those who are neighbours to its operations.

Advice on working with cement safely

Although cement is easy to use, it is important to follow the correct safety precautions. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn to ensure people do not suffer allergic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis or burns.

The following tips are designed to help you use cement in a safe manner but you should always follow the safety information on the cement, mortar or concrete product you are using:

• Avoid eye and skin contact by wearing suitable eye protection, waterproof clothing, waterproof footwear and waterproof gloves
• Ensure that cement does not enter boots or gloves
• Do not kneel in wet cement. If kneeling is absolutely necessary then appropriate waterproof personal protective equipment must be used
• Avoid breathing dust
• Keep out of the reach of children
• On contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water. Seek medical advice after eye contact
• Wash hands and face after working with cement, particularly before eating and drinking
• Cement should be used and stored as instructed on the delivery ticket or bag and used within the period stated
• Injuries can be caused by lifting cement sacks, particularly if the overall load exceeds 25kg
• Plan where you will be able to put down the load
• Stand close to the load and spread your feet
• Partly bend your knees but keep your back straight
• Hold the load firmly
• Raise your head as you begin to lift
• Keep the load close to your body.

For further guidance, please refer to the HSE Cement: Construction Information Sheet, which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis26.pdf.