How to Avoid Concrete Sealer Risks
Learn how to safely use concrete sealer.
Concrete sealers are a great way to keep your concrete looking like new. There's just one little problem: they come with hazardous risks if you don't use them correctly! In this article, we'll go over all the hazards involved with installing and using concrete sealing treatments so that nothing bad happens while working on these important projects for your homes or businesses.
Using a concrete sealer is an easy way to make your simple floor more beautiful. However, it's important that you follow all of the safety procedures in order for everyone to avoid the long term health risks!
Concrete Sealer Risks
Concrete sealer is a great way to protect your concrete from water damage. However, it's not without its risks and you should be aware of what those might entail before deciding whether or not they're worth taking on this project yourself! For example:
- Respiratory hazards: The chemicals in concrete sealers can be harmful, but often necessary. They're solvents and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Exposures to these may lead to issues such as asthma or lung cancer which is something you should always keep an eye on when working near products with volatile substances like this!
- Skin hazards: Concrete sealers are chemicals that can cause skin irritation and even chemical burns. Always wear the appropriate safety gear when working with them, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching any concrete surfaces treated with sealer.
- Eye hazards: Whatever you do, don't take a chance with your eyes! Wear protective eyewear at all times when working near concrete sealers. Keep yourself safe by following proper protocols for hand washing and eye protection.
Staying safe while still delivering beautiful floors is important, and the right precautions can be taken. Don't let the hazards of concrete sealers keep you from getting that gorgeous new floor!
Installing Concrete Sealer Safely
Here are a few tips for safely installing concrete sealers:
- You should always read the safety data sheet (SDS) for any sealers that you're using. This will let you know about all of its hazards and how to safely utilize it.
- Instead of a solvent based sealer, which contains more VOCs, try a water based sealer if the ventilation is poor.
- Wear the appropriate safety gear and PPE, including gloves to protect your hands from pathogens. Make sure you also wear goggles, as well as a mask, or even a respirator in low ventilation environments.
- It is important to work in a well-ventilated area. Open windows, doors and turn on fans so you can replace the air inside the site with fresh air.
- The work area should always be kept clear of children and pets. This is especially important when working with potentially hazardous chemicals.
- If you're handling concrete sealers, it's important to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid any secondary exposure. This goes for when touching eyes too!
Protect your health and follow this advice for working with concrete sealer.
What's Inside Your Concrete Sealer?
When installing concrete, it's important to know what chemicals are in the sealer so that how you can safely use it.
The SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for a concrete sealer will tell you about the hazards and how to safely use it. Always read the products' SDS before using it! It's important that you are aware of what could happen on the job in case of misuse or carelessness when it comes to safety.
When choosing a concrete sealer, it's helpful to talk with professionals about what your chances are for harm and whether or not this product will be safe. No matter how confident you feel in using the chemicals yourself, consulting an expert can help reduce risks for everyone involved, and also give you a better floor finish!
Whether you buy quality sealer or not, wearing proper safety equipment and allowing for ventilation is a must on any job.
Recommended Safety Gear for Concrete Sealer Use
Working with concrete sealers can be hazardous to your health. The right safety gear will protect you from toxic chemicals and other dangers, less is never more. Here is some PPE you should wear and other resources:
- Nitrile Gloves: The chemicals in concrete sealers are dangerous and can cause skin irritation or burns if you come into contact them while working. Wear gloves at all times when handling this stuff so as to avoid damage done.
- Goggles: If you're not wearing goggles, then your eyes are at risk! Concrete sealers can cause serious eye irritation and even blindness.
- A P95 Mask: The chemicals in concrete sealers are harmful, especially to your health. Inhaling them can cause respiratory problems and even lung cancer! Always wear a mask when working with these products so you don't risk hurting yourself
- Water based Concrete Sealer. Instead of a solvent base, you could replace it with products like the Paveseal Acrylic Concrete Sealer, or the Xtreme Hard 2 Concrete Densifier & Sealer.
Learn How to Be Safe On Site
With us, not only can you find the safest and highest quality products, you can also learn to apply concrete sealer, and how to work safely here at Polished Concrete University. Help get your business on the ground and make better floors, safer. During the program, we'll cover:
- Best safety practices & industry regulations
- How to price your floor & Marketing
- Best polished concrete techniques and resources
Sign up for our program today and get everything you need to develop your flooring business towards success.
Conclusion
Concrete sealers are a great way to keep your floor looking like new, but they come with their own risks. The right precautions can help you stay safe while using these products and avoid any serious health problems down the line!
If you want to know more about work safety or other concrete concerns, contact our trusted technicians at (954) 228-8856. We distribute all the best quality resources & concrete solutions you'll need on the job on our EpoxyETC store.
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