Health
Chemicals and chemical burns
Skin burns, eye injuries, and breathing problems from site chemicals, including wet concrete, solvents, epoxies, acids, and fuels. The Hazard Communication standard requires labels, safety data sheets, and training.
Where it shows up
- Wet concrete and mortar on skin
- Solvents, adhesives, and epoxies indoors
- Muriatic acid for cleaning masonry
- Fuel transfer and spills
Controls, most effective first
Work down the list. Rely on PPE only for the risk the controls above it cannot remove.
| Level | Control |
|---|---|
| Eliminate or substitute | Choose lower-hazard products when the specification allows |
| Engineering | Ventilation for indoor use of solvents and adhesives |
| Eyewash or quick-drench facilities where corrosive materials are used | |
| Spill kits at fueling and storage areas | |
| Administrative | Safety data sheets available on site for every product |
| Read the label and SDS before first use | |
| Wash skin right away after contact with wet concrete | |
| PPE | Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles |
| Face shield for pouring or mixing corrosives |
PPE to list on the JHA
Chemical-resistant glovesGoggles1926.102Face shield1926.102
OSHA standards
| Citation | Title |
|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1926.59 | Hazard communication |
| 29 CFR 1910.1200 | Hazard communication |
| 29 CFR 1926.50 | Medical services and first aid |
Federal OSHA construction standards. State plans can be stricter, and owners or contracts can add requirements. This page is general information. Check the full standard for your work.