Cement COSHH assessment
Cement is one of the most common causes of ill-health in UK construction. Wet cement is corrosive and can cause serious burns and dermatitis, and dry cement dust contains respirable crystalline silica.
The hazards
- Wet cement is strongly alkaline (pH ~12–13) and corrosive to skin and eyes
- Prolonged skin contact causes irritant and allergic contact dermatitis
- Cement burns can be severe and are often not felt until damage is done
- Dry cement dust contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
Who is at risk
Exposure routes
- Skin contact (wet cement)
- Eye contact (splashes)
- Inhalation of cement/silica dust
Health effects
- Chemical burns to skin and eyes
- Irritant and allergic dermatitis
- Silicosis and lung damage from repeated dust exposure over time
Control measures (hierarchy of control)
Controls should be applied in order — eliminate or substitute first, then engineering controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Eliminate or substitute where possible — pre-mixed or low-chromate cement, ready-mixed deliveries
- Mix in a ventilated area and add water to powder to limit dust
- Water suppression or on-tool extraction when cutting or grinding cured concrete
- Never kneel or stand in wet cement; wash splashes off immediately
- Provide washing facilities and barrier cream; enforce good hygiene
PPE & RPE
- Waterproof gloves (nitrile)
- Waterproof boots for wet work
- Eye protection against splashes
- FFP3 mask when handling dry cement or cutting concrete
First aid
- Skin contact: rinse with plenty of water and remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice for burns
- Eyes: irrigate with clean water for at least 20 minutes and get urgent medical help
- Report cement burns and log in the accident book
Workplace exposure limit (WEL)
Relevant legislation & guidance
Cement COSHH FAQs
Yes. Cement is a hazardous substance under COSHH 2002 — it is corrosive when wet and its dust contains respirable crystalline silica — so any work that exposes people to it needs a COSHH assessment covering the controls and PPE.
Wet cement is strongly alkaline and corrosive. It can cause serious chemical burns, often without immediate pain, and repeated skin contact leads to dermatitis. Kneeling or standing in wet cement is a common cause of burns to the legs.
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