Demand Safety – May 2026

Cement is one of the most widely used building materials—but when wet, it can be far more hazardous than many realize. Whether you’re working with concrete every day or managing a home project, understanding how it interacts with your skin is critical for staying safe.

When water is added Portland cement, calcium hydroxide is formed. This wet cement is caustic, i.e. a pH as high as 12.9 and can produce third-degree alkali burns after 2 hours of contact. Unlike professional cement workers, inexperienced finishers are usually not aware of the danger and may stand or kneel in the wet cement for long periods..

In some cases, general physicians may not recognize the seriousness of the injury in its early stages or the significance of a history of prolonged contact with wet cement. All people working with wet cement should be warned about its dangers and advised to immediately wash and dry their skin if contact does occur.

HAZARD: Wet concrete is an alkaline, chemical mixture that can damage the skin in minutes and create severe burns if left untreated.

KEY FOCUS: Training workers on safe handling procedures—including the use of alkali-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and full-length pants—to prevent direct skin contact. Worksites should have readily accessible washing stations equipped with pH-neutral soap for immediate rinsing when exposure occurs.

Cement burns are entirely preventable when workers understand the risks and follow proper safety protocols.

• GLOVES: Use rubber or poly/cotton gloves. Avoid leather or untreated cotton gloves—they absorb moisture and trap concrete against the skin.
• CLOTHING: Wear long sleeves and secure them by tucking and duct taping into gloves.
• KNEE PROTECTION: Use rubber knee pads or kneeling boards instead of cloth-based pads.
• BOOTS: To prevent wet cement from coming in contact with your skin, wear rubber boots and duct tape them to long pants.
• EYE PROTECTION: Use safety glasses or goggles to guard against splashes.

• Wash Off Concrete Immediately: Use pH-neutral soap and clean water (at least 6–7 gallons per worker). If it got into an employee’s eyes – flush immediately using an eyewash station or portable eyewash bottles.
• Remove Contaminated Clothing: Wet concrete can seep through fabric and cause burns.
• First Aid Kit: Include absorbent towels, white vinegar, a concrete burn neutralizer, clean socks, eyewash solution, nitrile gloves, and a concrete safety data sheet.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Seek medical attention immediately for any suspected burn.
• Inform medical personnel that the injury is from wet concrete for proper treatment.
• Avoid petroleum jelly, ointments, or creams—they can trap alkaline materials and worsen the burn

Concrete burn prevention is simple when PPE is used consistently, hazards are recognized early, and hygiene practices are followed. Cemstone is committed to supporting worker safety by providing clear guidance and reliable PPE options.

Cemstone Supply carries a full line of chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye protection, and other equipment designed to reduce the risk of concrete burns. Visit cemstonesupply.com to browse available products and stay protected on every job