People who operate with concrete coring and masonry drilling and cutting equipment on a regular basis are at significant risk of a variety of hazards, including silica dust, saw kickback, toxic exhaust fumes, collapsing walls, blade fracture, electrocution, noise pollution, vibration, slips and falls, and so on.
In comparison to fixed saws, these devices are more vulnerable to the tremendous pressures generated when the blade of the saw jams inside a cut. These pressures, which are commonly referred to as kick-back, pull-in, or push-back, are extremely difficult and frequently impossible to control, putting the operator at risk of potentially fatal injury from such an unmanaged circular saw.
In all concrete and masonry cutting and drilling activities, supervision, instruction, and training are required.
Risks and Dangers of Concrete Coring and Cutting
Some hazards are relatively prevalent and extensively witnessed in all types of concrete cutting and coring, but there are some hazards specific to specific types of devices, such as:
Push-back, Kick-back, or Pull-in – These are potentially lethal forces that occur unexpectedly and can be difficult to handle. When quick-cut concrete saws and hand-held power tools are available, such situations might lead to injury. It may also liberate the saw from its fittings, allowing it to run freely on the ground.
Obstructions in the Concrete Being Cut – Such obstacles can lead to abrupt back-push, back-kick, or pull-in movements of the equipment. They occur when the blade comes into contact with masonry or concrete resistance, such as reinforcing steel mesh, bars, or brick ties.
Pinched Cuts – These cuts are witnessed when the material being cut shifts from its original location, increasing the risk of kickback, etc.
Off-line Cuts – Such a situation may cause the saw to pinch or bite, which may cause the saw to push back, kick back, and pull in movements. These situations are mostly encountered when working with hand-held saws.
Blunt Cutting Edges – This was witnessed by relying on a saw blade situation with an incorrect diamond cutting bond. The binding in this situation keeps the cutting diamonds together too tightly, causing a delay in the cutting process that may lead to the surface diamonds becoming dull.
In this situation, extra force is applied, particularly with hand-held saws, increasing the likelihood of push-back, kick-back, or pull-in.
Worn, Damaged, or Inappropriate Saw Blades – These can make the blade shake, wobble, fracture, or fragment, and are frequently thrown off. When force is applied to a dull blade or when an obstacle is encountered, the blade may lead to an improper cutting groove.
Hazardous Dust – This dust is produced by cutting and drilling equipment that performs dry operations and does not use water to cool the cutting parts.
Cutting Concrete Pipes – Some unique saw safety precautions should be taken for this activity to prevent the pipe from moving while cutting, particularly when using a handheld saw. A hazard during pipe cutting is the pressure from the larger flange at the pipe end, which causes the saw blade to close and pinch, resulting in blade shatter or kick-back injury.
Toxic Fumes – In the absence of sufficient ventilation, petrol engine emissions laden with carbon monoxide and other hazardous chemicals can reach dangerous levels.
Electric cables, water, or gas pipes – Exposing utility services, particularly in existing structures, might expose the operator to the risk of electrocution, sliding, toxic fumes, and, in some cases, explosion.
Power Cords – These cords may be destroyed when connected to electric-powered cutting devices and other equipment. An exposed wire in a reservoir of water coolant and suspension could lead to electrocution.
Uneven Surfaces – This situation might increase the risk of tripping and stumbling, resulting in an unexpected movement of the saw kickback in the operator.
Wet, Slippery Surface – Slurry or water on the floor can make the operator slip and fall.
Vibration – Whole-body or arm vibration, if sustained for an extended period of time when utilizing a drilling and cutting device, may cause nerve, joint, and circulation damage.
Working Alone – Working alone may be a hazardous gamble because this activity would necessitate assistance in the event of an emergency or injury.
Noise – Excessive noise from concrete cutting or drilling is a potential workplace hazard.
Prior to undertaking any cutting or drilling of a pre-tensioned or post-tensioned structure of a building or structure, it is recommended that a properly skilled and trained engineer undertake an on-site inspection.
The evaluation report should be documented and delivered to the person hired to execute the job.
Identify and manage hazards and risks
To establish and apply control measures for each piece of equipment and each work, it is necessary to identify the hazard and estimate the risk for each type of concrete cutting and drilling task.
Control measures, which should include safe working techniques, should be designed in consultation with everyone on the job, including workers, employers, managers, supervisors, persons in charge of workplaces, contract workers, and health and safety representatives.
When working with such hazardous equipment, it is critical to adhere to particular safety precautions. Control measures must be reviewed and analyzed on a daily basis through communication and consultation, safety and health committee meetings, regular checks of equipment and work safety measures, keeping track of accident and near-miss records, injury and lost time data, and repair and maintenance reports.
Key Takeaways
Concrete core strength testing is an essential procedure that determines the strength of the concrete core sample taken from the structure. It involves drilling a core sample from the structure and testing it to determine its compressive strength. However, the process of concrete coring and cutting can be hazardous if not done with proper safety precautions.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a concrete coring and cutting method statement that outlines the risks and hazards involved and the necessary safety measures to be taken.
The concrete coring and cutting method statement should outline the safe and appropriate procedures for drilling and cutting concrete structures. This includes identifying and controlling hazards such as dust, noise, and debris generated during the process.
It should also detail the equipment to be used, including the drill bits and saw blades, and their proper use and maintenance. It is essential to follow the method statement to ensure the safety of the workers and minimize the risks associated with the process.
There are several risks and hazards associated with concrete coring and cutting, such as the possibility of injury from flying debris, inhalation of dust and fumes, and exposure to noise levels that can cause hearing damage.
The method statement should address these hazards and detail the safety measures to be taken to mitigate them. These safety measures may include the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety goggles, respiratory masks, and earplugs. Overall, concrete core strength testing is a crucial process that requires a safe and controlled environment to avoid any accidents or injuries.
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