CS : Concrete Mixer - Safety Hazards & Precaution

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Chapter : Construction Safety 

Concrete Mixer- Safety Hazards & Precaution 

A concrete mixer, often called a cement mixer, is a machine that uniformly combines cement, aggregate (like sand or gravel), and water to form concrete. It typically uses a revolving drum to mix the components. There are various types of concrete mixers available, each suited for specific needs and projects.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS  

1. Moving, rotating parts                       
2. Entrapment                      
3. Eye injuries
4. Skin irritation from cement or additives
5. Manual handling             
6. Electricity 

PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1. Ensure the mixer is in a suitable, safe work area and select a firm, level and stable ground surface.
2. Confirm the mixer has a current electrical safety tag. 
3. Ensure that the power lead can be kept dry, off the ground and connected through an RCD safety switch.
4. Ensure all safety guards are correctly fitted and secured.
5. Ensure that the unit is mechanically sound.
6. Check the tyres for appropriate inflation. 

OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1. Never use the electrical mixer outdoors in the rain.
2. Never use the mixer without all guarding in place.
3. Ensure that the area does not contain any hazards that may impact on the safe operation of the mixer. 
4. Never insert your hands into a rotating mixer bowl.
5. Be conscious of your manual handling techniques when adding cement powder, gravel or sand to the mixer bowl using a shovel or similar. 
6. Regularly inspect the mixer bowl for consistency and suitability for the concrete mix. 
7. Never leave the mixer running unattended. 

HOUSEKEEPING

1. Empty the mixer drum of all contents.
2. While still wet, wash out with clean water.
3. Allow the mixer to revolve to wash the interior and carefully clean off the exterior. 
4. Disconnect the electrical AC power source.
5. Clean up the work area.
6. Return the mixer to a secured storage area. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

1. Appropriate protective footwear with substantial uppers must be worn.
2. Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas.
3. A mask should be worn when excessive airborne dusts or fumes are created.
4. Wear close fitting protective clothing, overalls, leather gloves, etc. 
5. Rings and jewellery must not be worn.
6. Appropriate hearing protection (Class 5-SLC80>26 dB) must be worn.