Shotcrete and concrete jobs require that everyone involved on the job site understands the inherent risks (Every construction-type job requires considerable safety precautions). It’s not necessarily the norm for injury, but things might not go exactly as planned, and having precautions in place, and workers to understand the possible risks involved, will greatly reduce the risk of injury on the job site.
Job Site Safety
One of the most important aspects of shotcrete/concrete, especially for someone unfamiliar with using shotcrete/concrete as a building material, is to always follow the manufacturers guidelines on the operation of the equipment. The manufacturer’s guidelines are rules not regulations; it’s not intended to be a suggestion. The manufacturer knows and understands the potential hazards in the use of their product; those guidelines are written to keep the person operating/using their products as safe from harm as possible.
And when a person uses Shotcrete equipment, he or she should remember to keep all the safeguards in place. Any accessories that are included as a safety precaution for the operator are not intended to be use optionally. And when spraying shotcrete, it’s important to remember that there is dust and over spray, and equipment should be used in a well-ventilated area; this is not only a safety precaution for the operator,
it will also be beneficial to the end product because the operator will be better able to see the area where he or she works. And if a shotcrete operator has skin exposed to shotcrete, he or she should clean it with soap and water immediately. In certain situations, involving prolonged or immense exposure, the exposure could develop into a chemical burn.
Possibly the most important consideration in a state like ours, where the weather is unpredictable, is the temperatures at which you spray the shotcrete. If you are doing a shotcrete job and the temperatures are below forty degrees Fahrenheit, the area should be heated, and it may also be necessary to tent the area. Tenting off an area helps to keep the area safely-enclosed from water and debris.
Remember, if you do decide to do a shotcrete job yourself, it’s important to know and understand your equipment and building materials. Stay safe. And if you have any questions about your next project, or are ready to hire the shotcrete experts at Shotcrete Montana to perform your shotcrete/concrete job, then call Shotcrete Montana today.
