As experts in the world of concrete chipping, the General Chipping crew sometimes fields questions regarding how they stay safe from flying debris and other dangers on the job. (Think about it — there isn’t much extra elbow room when you’re chipping concrete from the cramped interior of a ready-mix truck drum!) Of course, safety always comes first at General Chipping. Regular training, safety-focused toolbox talks and simple reminders of the dangers associated with our work come into play on a regular basis. Here are a few key ways our team stays safe when chipping concrete in small spaces.
Eye Protection
Everyone on the team uses high-quality personal protection equipment (PPE) when they’re ready to get down to business chipping concrete, or cleaning out cement silos and central mixers. In addition to concrete work gloves and thick jumpsuits, eye protection designed for construction and concrete work is vital for concrete chipping work in small spaces. After all, tiny shards of concrete flying at high speeds have the ability to blind a person in an instant. Safety goggles and face shields are a must.
Proper Ventilation
When working in the tight confines of a concrete mixing drum, cement dust will quickly fill the air. General Chipping team members wear masks and ventilation equipment to assist with breathing, and we encourage everyone to take breaks for fresh air whenever needed. We also remind crew members to make sure chipped concrete doesn’t block the exit, especially if that exit is the drum’s only source of ventilation.
Crew Limits
There’s one thing you don’t want to see inside your concrete drum (OK, there’s a lot more than one, but this one’s relevant!) — too many crew members crowded inside. It might seem like the job would be faster and more thorough with more people chipping concrete in there, but the more people you have, the more cement dust and flying debris become a problem. And that means more potential for injury. We limit the number of people working in a drum at one time, and we make sure everyone is trained and prepared to be there safely.
Want to talk more about concrete chipping work in tight spaces? Reach out for a conversation. Our team is here to help keep your ready-mix trucks, central mixers and cement storage silos working well.
