Concrete Burns
Construction | 10-15 min
Summary
Wet concrete has a pH of 12-14, nearly as caustic as lye, and causes severe chemical burns that can require skin grafts or even result in amputation. Interesting fact: Concrete burns are often called 'sneaky' because workers don't feel pain immediately - the alkaline nature destroys nerve endings before you realize you're being burned. By the time it hurts, serious damage has already occurred.
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Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Wet concrete has a pH of 12-13 and burns skin
- Burns may not be felt immediately due to nerve damage
- Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and long sleeves
- Rinse concrete from skin immediately with water
- Kneeling in concrete without protection is especially dangerous
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.