CONTACT US
Walser Contracting Ltd.
Concrete Cutting & Coring Services
15C Alberta Ave, PO Box 3816,
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3B1
Monday to Friday: 6:30am to 4:00
Call: 780-721-3405
Email: [email protected]
Concrete Cutting Do’s and Don’ts
When needing to perform concrete cutting on any size of a construction site, extensive tools are always required. Edmonton concrete cutting and coring projects will often involve a lot of dust and other hazards that need to be handled with caution. At Walser Contracting, we use the latest tools and equipment for cutting through any concrete material, and we have put together a list of the most important Do’s and Don’ts for a project using these tools.
Safety Guidelines
for Cutting Through Concrete
If ever in a situation where you find yourself cutting through concrete, it’s likely for putting in a new window in the basement, laying ductwork, or maybe installing a new staircase. Whatever the reason, there are certain safety precautions that you should take.
Do's:
Protective Gear is a Must.
You must wear the proper PPE or safety gear as with any construction site. This includes protective glasses, rubber boots, masks or ventilators, and earplugs. The operation of a concrete cutting machine can generate a lot of noise and dust, so protecting your eyes, ears, and lungs can help you avoid work-related health conditions in the future.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race.
When it comes to cutting concrete, don’t expect to be able to work quickly. The concrete cutting process can take hours, and you should be willing to take it slow. For the best possible results with your concrete cutting, make several shallow passes rather than making one deep cut on the first pass. By cutting too deep or going too fast, you risk damaging your saw blade and causing your equipment to overheat.
Proper Water Flow is Key.
With most saws being wet saws, they require flowing water to cut through the concrete successfully and reduce the amount of dust released into the air. A wet saw is usually best, but it is essential to have proper water flow and hookup to work correctly. You should also never use a dry saw blade in a wet saw machine.
You must wear the proper PPE or safety gear as with any construction site. This includes protective glasses, rubber boots, masks or ventilators, and earplugs. The operation of a concrete cutting machine can generate a lot of noise and dust, so protecting your eyes, ears, and lungs can help you avoid work-related health conditions in the future.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race.
When it comes to cutting concrete, don’t expect to be able to work quickly. The concrete cutting process can take hours, and you should be willing to take it slow. For the best possible results with your concrete cutting, make several shallow passes rather than making one deep cut on the first pass. By cutting too deep or going too fast, you risk damaging your saw blade and causing your equipment to overheat.
Proper Water Flow is Key.
With most saws being wet saws, they require flowing water to cut through the concrete successfully and reduce the amount of dust released into the air. A wet saw is usually best, but it is essential to have proper water flow and hookup to work correctly. You should also never use a dry saw blade in a wet saw machine.
DON'Ts:
Use of a Damaged Blade.
Before cutting any concrete, it is vital to ensure that no part of your blade is cracked or missing a tooth. It is a significant safety risk to work with a damaged blade, making it more challenging to cut through the concrete. Use a fresh, sharp blade if you suspect that your current one is damaged, and don’t forget to put the blade guard down before you begin cutting.
Working in an Area Without Proper Ventilation.
Most concrete saws run on gasoline or diesel, so the work area must be well ventilated. The combination of dust and fumes from the machine can be toxic if you’re not working out in the open. If working on a construction project that has been roofed and framed, you must wear a mask and use fans to circulate fresh air and push the concrete dust out. Open as many windows as you can and use the fans to keep the airflow steady for completely enclosed sites.
Working Without a Safe Method of Lifting.
Concrete saws are heavy and require a specific lifting and lowering method to help protect your legs and lower back. Make sure and treat these machines as if they were heavy moving boxes and lift them using the power of your legs and a straight back. If needed, we suggest wearing a back harness and brace to help keep you steady when you get ready to lift and cut, especially if you’re cutting into the side of a wall.
Before cutting any concrete, it is vital to ensure that no part of your blade is cracked or missing a tooth. It is a significant safety risk to work with a damaged blade, making it more challenging to cut through the concrete. Use a fresh, sharp blade if you suspect that your current one is damaged, and don’t forget to put the blade guard down before you begin cutting.
Working in an Area Without Proper Ventilation.
Most concrete saws run on gasoline or diesel, so the work area must be well ventilated. The combination of dust and fumes from the machine can be toxic if you’re not working out in the open. If working on a construction project that has been roofed and framed, you must wear a mask and use fans to circulate fresh air and push the concrete dust out. Open as many windows as you can and use the fans to keep the airflow steady for completely enclosed sites.
Working Without a Safe Method of Lifting.
Concrete saws are heavy and require a specific lifting and lowering method to help protect your legs and lower back. Make sure and treat these machines as if they were heavy moving boxes and lift them using the power of your legs and a straight back. If needed, we suggest wearing a back harness and brace to help keep you steady when you get ready to lift and cut, especially if you’re cutting into the side of a wall.
If you need concrete cutting or coring services, contact Walser Contracting for a free consultation at 780-721-3405
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