Module 6: Safety & Best Practices for Concrete Finishers

1. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Requirements

Essential Protective Gear

• Respiratory Protection:

• NIOSH-approved N95 masks for dust (grinding/polishing)

• Organic vapor respirators for sealers/chemicals (OSHA 1910.134 compliant)

• Eye/Face Protection:

• ANSI Z87.1 safety goggles (prevent cement splash injuries)

• Face shields when power troweling or mixing

• Skin Protection:

• Alkali-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene, 18+ mil thickness)

• Long sleeves + full-length pants (avoid cotton – retains moisture)

• Waterproof boots (ASTM F2413 rated with steel toes)

• Hearing Protection:

• Earplugs (NRR 25+ dB) for power trowels (>85 dB noise)

Specialized Situations

• Epoxy Applications: Chemical splash suits (Type 4 per EN 14605)

• Overhead Work: Hard hats (ANSI Z89.1) + shoulder covers

2. Chemical Handling (Sealers & Curing Agents)

Safe Storage & Mixing

• Ventilation Requirements:

• Use in well-ventilated areas (mechanical exhaust if <4 air changes/hour)

• No smoking/flames within 50 ft of solvents

• Spill Management:

• Keep spill kits with absorbent pads (clay-based for acids)

• Neutralize alkali spills with vinegar (5% acetic acid solution)

• First Aid Protocols:

• Skin contact: Flush with water for 15 mins (pH-neutral soap)

• Eye exposure: Use emergency eyewash stations (ANSI Z358.1 compliant)

High-Risk Chemicals & Precautions

3. Ergonomics & Injury Prevention

Tool Handling Techniques

• Troweling Posture:

• Maintain neutral wrist position (avoid >15° flexion)

• Alternate between kneeling and squatting every 20 mins

• Lifting Mechanics:

• Team lift for bags >50 lbs (OSHA limit for solo lifts)

• Use bag breakers for cement (reduces dust inhalation)

Equipment Adjustments

• Power Trowel Setup:

• Handle height at hip level (prevents back bending)

• Suspended harness systems for ride-on models

• Kneeling Aids:

• Gel-pad knee boards (3" thickness minimum)

• Rolling seats for edge work

Work/Rest Cycles

• Rotation Schedule:

• 30 mins troweling → 10 mins rest for repetitive tasks

• Hydration breaks every hour in heat (>85°F WBGT)

• Stretching Protocol:

• Wrist flexor stretches (hold 15 sec, 3 reps)

• Spinal twists between pours

4. Job Site Safety Audit Checklist

✅ Pre-Pour Inspection:

• Verify GFCI protection for all tools

• Mark underground utilities (call 811)

✅ During Operations:

• Barricade fresh concrete (prevent unauthorized access)

• Wet cutting only for silica-producing tasks (OSHA 1926.1153)

✅ Post-Pour:

• Proper chemical waste disposal (RCRA guidelines)

• Equipment decontamination station

Key Training Requirements

• Annual Certifications:

• OSHA 10-Hour Construction (minimum)

• First Aid/CPR (with chemical exposure module)

• Task-Specific:

• Lockout/tagout for mixer maintenance

• Fall protection for elevated pours