Why Do Construction Workers Wear Masks

During Construction Work

In the past, wearing a mask during construction work was strongly advised due to the number of contaminants released during construction and improvement projects. Toxins such as drywall dust, mold, mildew, paint fumes, and air particles get into the lungs and cause allergies, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Long-term effects include stomach and digestive problems, coordination loss, insomnia, COPD, kidney and lung damage, organ failure, and cancer. Fast forward to the last year and a half and construction workers are urged to wear masks for another totally different reason  - the risk of COVID 19 spreading. 

Personal Protection Equipment OSHA Requirements

OSHA issues and executes PPE for safety on every job site. Most sites have common demands when it comes to PPE, but not all areas need a mask. So, why do construction workers wear masks? OSHA uses a complicated process to determine the appropriate precautions for each potential hazard. They also regulate the type of masks suitable for a particular risk, including thickness and performance. 

Four Degrees Of Defense

OSHA utilizes four levels of barriers. Each one is unique in the peril it represents. These four degrees are:

• Level A is the highest risk of exposure and requires respiratory, skin, and eye protection. In this case, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or air respirator is deemed necessary. Additional coverings are chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and boots.
• Next, is Level B, which has the same specifications for respiratory care as Level A. The difference is less skin protection although it must still contain chemical resistance. 
• The third option is Level C with a full or half-face mask with air-purifying respirators. Clothing required must be chemical-resistant as well.
• Level D is used for nuisance pollution only. The face mask is an escape mask along with a face shield. 

Face Masks On The Work Site To Prevent COVID-19 

While safety goggles, hard hats, fall protection, and high visibility vests are required on construction worksites, masks are optional except in certain circumstances. OSHA does recommend face masks to protect against the virus, but has not issued a mandate. Since a face mask is meant to protect others and not the wearer, it isn't considered PPE. This leaves the question of mask-wearing hanging. 

Some states have stringent laws on the work site concerning face coverings. Washington requires eye protection, masks, and gloves for every contractor on a job site. If caught without these PPE, the site is shut down. In other areas, where the virus is less prevalent, specifications are more relaxed. 

Push Backs

Construction sites are often large and workers spread out. This makes it burdensome to enforce mask-wearing at all times. Constant monitoring isn't practical and if social distancing is possible, face masks aren't really necessary. However, there are many places where workers are in close contact, but may push back when asked to wear masks. Part of the issue is that many construction workers are young and believe they are immune to illness or injury. Additionally, workers who are outdoors in the heat can easily become overheated and communication, which is vital for safety, is also difficult. 

So, why do construction workers wear masks for COVID-19 purposes? The CDC originally issued a statement saying that masks weren't recommended, but then changed that standard in April 2020. This caused confusion among the general public, which makes mask mandates appear inconsequential. The CDC does state that face coverings help to contain respiratory droplets that spread the virus to others.

Best Face Mask For Construction Workers

OSHA is quick to point out that surgical or cloth masks are not suitable to protect against any of the harmful fumes or dust that are released during construction. Construction managers must be aware of the need to protect workers against toxins. Continuing education is key. 

The N95 mask is most often the preferred mask for COVID 19 safeguarding and is sometimes used to shield workers from toxins. If unavailable, other NIOSH-approved masks such as N99, P95, N100, P99, P100, R95, R99, and R100 are also great options. 

Guidelines and suggestions for successful mask usage include ensuring that management and supervisors wear masks to set the example, not reusing disposable masks, providing clean masks for employees every day, encouraging workers to cover their nose and mouth during exposure to others, and constantly educating and reminding workers of the importance of protection. 

Floor machines are important and necessary in construction work. The machines smooth and clean the ground where construction takes place. The job they do depends on the nature of their equipment, which can be either dry or wet. The best floor machine typically includes a vacuum truck to take away polluted water left over during the cleaning process and a pressure washer for spraying high-pressure water to loosen grime and dirt. Most equipment has several nozzles attached for doing different jobs, such as stripping paint or removing oil spills from concrete floors. There are many different types of floor machines used in construction:

Dry Vapor Steam Cleaning Machine

Dry vapor steam cleaning machines are the best concrete flooring machine used in construction. Using a dry vapor steam cleaner can save time and money spent hiring professionals to be doing your work. The dry vapor steam cleaning machine allows you to do many things around your house. You can clean floors, tiles, stoves, sinks, appliances, and it will leave everything smelling lovely and fresh. Your home will look 100% better than ever before and after using one of these machines. The dry vapors also dry up within 5 minutes, so you don't have to wait around all day for them to evaporate like other methods used by professionals. You cannot underestimate the speed at which vapor cleaners can handle tough stains and spots, as they are one of the best floor cleaning machines in construction.

Floor Scrubber

Construction uses many floor cleaners because construction projects often leave behind dust, mud, paint, and other things that should not be walked past the work area. A floor scrubber can remove these things from the floor. The scrubber is commonly used in garages, warehouses, small shops, and retail stores. Floor scrubbers are also very good at removing grease spots and spills on floors during the building process. This helps reduce damage to products due to spilled oil or other possible hazards like tripping over large objects on the ground.

Mobile Concrete Washout System

The mobile concrete wash-out system is also considered the best concrete flooring machine used in construction for various reasons. This machine can be adapted to provide for the fast removal of water on nearly every surface. Most companies are unable to use regular concrete scrubbing equipment because it would damage their concrete surfaces.

Regular concrete cleaners often cause water spots or haze issues after being applied onto slabs that have not been cured thoroughly. Other high-pressure washers can also cause these problems by leaving behind marks that have difficultly being removed over time.

The mobile wash-out system doesn't risk damaging polished or glazed gloss finishes on floors, but it can still get rid of spilled paint and sludge from stains without causing damage to the surface. This machine does not waste water by taking one pass over the entire concrete slab, but it can do multiple passes for deep cleaning without leaving marks or causing damage to more porous surfaces. This is why it is considered the best concrete flooring machine.

Cement Cleaning Machine

This concrete flooring construction machine is used to clean cement. The cement cleaner is used to remove the fine dust from the cement. This is done by spraying water at very high pressure, after which it sucks the water back to the machine and then goes for filtering.

The biggest advantage of this type of cleaner is that no dust is left behind after cleaning. This leads to a huge saving in time and money because there may be a need to wash the place again if the place has any dust left (because if there is even a small amount of dust present, it may affect welding). To make proper use of these machines, first, spray wax over the concrete surface so that the rough area could also act like a sponge and retain more water for cleaning purposes.

After spraying wax, the machine uses water at a high pressure of 400-500 bars. Following this, the machine is started, and it sucks the water back to itself so that no dirt comes out from the cleaner. This cleaner is very useful for construction workers because they need to have a clean area around them.

The several types of floor machines in construction all have their purposes. While some can be used for multiple purposes, it's important to know the differences between them, so you don't weaken certain floor parts by using an inappropriate machine.

Wet stone polishing machines are used for polishing granite and other stone surfaces with wet diamond polishing pads. They have a water feed attachment that directs a steady stream of water onto the wet pads and stone surfaces. A wet polishing machine is a powerful piece of equipment that allows the user to get the job done efficiently and effectively. A high-quality wet polisher is durable and powerful and can produce a beautiful finish while evenly distributing the water and providing optimal torque control.

Benefits of buying handheld wet polishers

Wet polishing dates back to the 1900s and is the oldest form of surface preparation for concrete. Although opinions differ as to whether wet or dry polishing is better, there is no doubt that there are several benefits of buying handheld wet polishers. This type of handheld wet stone polisher offers several advantages:

1. One of the main advantages of buying/owning a handheld wet polisher is the fact that wet polishing is the oldest method of polishing. With over a hundred years of knowledge and expert opinions, it is the obvious choice for those with extensive experience as well as beginners.
2. By using a hand-held wet polisher, the surface is not abraded.
3. The water used in wet polishers acts like a lubricant. It reduces friction and cools the diamond tools during the polishing process and helps in cleaning the abrasives.
4. As in any other industry, companies and workers must comply with OSHA ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. Using a handheld wet polisher means that work is completely dust-free and this process eliminates problems that could arise or be a cause for concern due to OSHA regulations, such as hazardous dust. However, companies and employees must still wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when using a handheld wet polisher in order to avoid harmful exposure.
5. Using a handheld wet polisher can increase the longevity of the tools. Molten resin is eliminated because polishing is done at a lower temperature, which ultimately increases tool life.
6. Dry polishing increases pitting on the floor while using a handheld wet polisher decreases pitting.

Handheld wet concrete polisher buying guide

There are a selection of wet concrete polishers on the market. However, if you are looking for durable, professional-quality tools that can withstand heavy use, there are three market leaders: Metabo, Flex, and Makita. These tools are superior to other generic brands and models.

Three superior products will be discussed in this handheld wet concrete polisher buying guide.

1. Flex LE 12-3 100 Variable Speed Wet Polisher and Grinder

This polisher tops the list for a number of reasons. Aside from the one-year warranty that accompanies this model, it has a variable speed and can hold up to 5" pads. The speed ranges from 1200 to 3700 RMP and the motor has a power rating of 9.3 amps. It is durable and easy to use, which is why this product is at the top of this list and made it onto this handheld wet concrete polisher buying guide. 

2. Metabo PWE 11-100 Wet Polisher / Grinder

In second place is the Metabo PWE 11 - 100 wet polishing/grinding machine. The speed ranges from 1700 to 6100 RMP with a 9.6 amp motor and offers variable speed. It is best suited for ceramic and sculpture studios and it comes with a one-year warranty. This polisher can also hold up to 5" pads and has an adjustable handle. The Metabo PWE 11 - 100 model has a water switch on the back that can be operated with the flick of a finger.

3. Makita PW5001C 4” Wet Polisher / Grinder

In third place is the Makita PW5001C 4" wet polisher/sander. This is a high-quality piece of equipment that is very durable. It has a water feed on the bottom of the machine and a side grip front handle. The speed ranges from 2000 to 4000 RMP and it has a 7.9 amp motor. This model can accommodate up to 4" pads. Similar to the other models mentioned, the Makita PW5001C 4 comes with a one-year guarantee. 

This handheld concrete polisher buying guide sets out to highlight three of the top-performing wet polishers currently on the market. While there are several models that could qualify as professional-grade quality, the aforementioned models come with the best online ratings and proven performance. These are very specialized tools that can perform polishing work quickly, effectively, and accurately while offering a dust-free method to grind/polish stone, concrete, ceramic, and other hard surfaces. Top-quality handheld wet polishers are durable, creating a beautiful finish. 

A concrete grinder is a necessary piece of equipment for most contractors and many D.I.Y.ers. These machines save time and energy through their powerful ability to quickly transform the surface of many floors.

After removing carpet or tile, businesses, homeowners, or job sites may be left with adhesive, paint, sealer, or waterproof coating. They may also need to fix uneven flooring surfaces. Concrete grinders can help by removing material up to one-eighth of an inch below the surface.

The Flextool Cub Grinder is used extensively by the construction and rental industries.

Flextool Cub Floor Concrete Grinder

With its compact, lightweight design, the Flextool Cub Grinder takes the headache out of concrete grinding. Grinding capability is enhanced with this easy to maneuver tool. Whether you want to level concrete or skim old coatings in preparation for a new look, the Flextool Cub Floor Concrete Grinder is the solution you’ve been searching for.

Unlike bulkier grinders, the mass of the Flextool Cub Floor Grinder’s motor sits on top of the grinding head for ease of movement and enhanced efficiency. With a direct drive coupling design, there are no drive belts to be adjusted or maintained, so you can focus on all your grinding jobs. And, for ease of use, this product is compatible with a standard 10A power outlet.

Product Specifications:

Features of the Flextool Cub Floor Grinder

Full compliance for use with standard 10A power outlet

Electric motor overload protection offers safety and protection

Adjustable handle height extends ergonomic comfort to the user

Fold over handles provide easy transport and storage

Central lifting hook allows for safe and easy handling

Dust outlet provides capacity to connect to vacuum system or water for complete suppression of annoying and dangerous dust particles

How Does the Flextool Cub Grinder Work?

Floor grinders remove surface materials like adhesive, mortar, or membranes from the surface of floors. They are commonly used to level uneven surfaces on concrete, stone, or marble floors.

Benefits of Flextool Cub Floor Grinder

There are many benefits of choosing the advantages offered by the Flextool Cub Floor Grinder when deciding on how to preserve your paved surface area.

Durability:

The Flextool Cub Grinder is designed for both dry and wet grinding. Because of the simplicity of design, the Flextool Cub Floor Grinder offers superior durability.

Result: The finished product will be a smooth, durable, concrete surface that can sustain greater wear and tear over the life of the floor’s new lifetime.

Low Maintenance:

Due to the lack of a belt to adjust, the necessary maintenance is greatly reduced. This grinder is uniquely designed with a shroud system that eliminates dust loss during grinding.

Result: Finished floors will be easier to clean and maintain their resilience for longer periods of time, despite high traffic. After grinding concrete to resolve uneven spots, the resulting polished, smoother surface becomes harder to wear down.

Affordability:

For less than the cost of renting a concrete grinder for a month, you can own your own Flextool Cub Floor Grinder.

Result: Upon completion, the price of maintaining your new floor will be decreased due to minimal costs for upkeep.

Visual Appeal:

Unlike bigger and bulkier options, the Flextool Cub Grinder’s fold over ability and central lifting handle/hook allow for simple storage when not in use. Using a walk-behind grinder allows the ability to stand versus kneel while grinding. This also minimizes the amount of silica, resurfacing dust that can cause health and other concerns.

Result: Upon grinding your concrete floor, you’ll be pleased with the smooth surface that will improve the look of any floor by highlighting its natural beauty.

Safety Note: The Flextool Cub Floor Concrete Grinder provides maximum operator safety by minimizing noise and vibration levels. Operators are urged to comply with safety instructions for hearing and vision protection, face coverings, and proper protective clothing, including footwear. To reduce the risk of injury, all safety instructions must be read and understood before operation or performance of maintenance on this or any power tool.

Foam Riser Pad for Concrete Polishing

Concrete polishing is similar to the process of sanding wood. Concrete surfaces are ground to an acceptable degree of smoothness and shine using machines fitted with abrasives (similar to sandpaper).

Polished concrete possesses a sophisticated, modern appearance, and the process of polishing the concrete has the potential to improve the overall condition of the material. Although the procedure is simple, it does necessitate a significant amount of physical time and labor.

In this article, you are going to learn about foam riser pads for concrete polishing and how foam riser pads are used in concrete polishing. Read on below as we explore further:

How Foam Riser Pads are used in Concrete Polishing?

Foam Risers in the pad are meant to give a concrete diamond extra thickness while polishing. The foam riser connects to the head of the floor grinder on one side, whereas the diamond connects to the other.

 While grinding, the foam and the extra thickness will aid in creating a smoother finish. When cutting lippy floors and uneven surfaces, these foam risers come in handy. On one side, hook (male) Velcro is used, and on the other, loop (female) Velcro is used. When cutting a lippy floor, the foam serves as a shock absorber, reducing pad vibration and movement. The riser ensures that all the pads are in touch with the concrete surface when working on uneven floors.

Dry or wet methods can be used to polish concrete. Despite the benefits of each, the dry polishing method has been the most popular in the industry, since it is environmentally friendly and more convenient. Water is used to cool diamond abrasive parts and remove grinding dust during wet polishing. 

Water prolongs the life span of polishing abrasives by reducing friction and acting as a lubricant. Cleanup is the most significant disadvantage of this process. Wet polishing generates significant amounts of slurry, which workers must dispose of properly. There is no need for water when dry polishing. Instead, the polisher is connected to a dirt-collection system that collects almost all the debris.

Foam riser pad benefits for concrete polishing

· Durability: Foam riser pads produce a dense surface that prevents stains of paint, oil, and liquid spills. They have a longer life expectancy than VCT tiles or various epoxy coatings on floors. Polished concrete surfaces will be impervious to high volume scuffs, abrasions, tire marks, and foot traffic.

· Maintenance is low: Floors that have been polished create a more durable surface and last longer than stone and vinyl tile. Except for mopping dust to remove dirt particles from the surface, polished concrete surfaces require less maintenance. Additionally, surfaces with polished concrete may require refinishing every ten years to maintain appeal depending on foot traffic. Even then, the procedure is quick and doesn’t require much downtime.

· Expense reduction: Polished concrete floors eliminate the need to purchase costly floor coverings by grinding the slab to a fine grade. Studies have shown that polished floors can reduce your energy charges as they are very reflective and need less brightness to lighten a room.

· Resistance to slipping: Despite its gleam, a polished concrete floor has very high slip resistance and does not develop a slick surface. In the real sense, as opposed to ordinary concrete, the ground and the flattened floor has the advantage of increased friction coefficient. Polished concrete has standards higher than regulatory requirements.

· Aesthetic value: The beauty of any concrete is achieved with concrete polishing and grinding. Polished concrete surfaces can create an elegant and beautiful appearance with little maintenance for a long period. Furthermore, when you apply concrete stains to a polished concrete floor, they mimic the appearance of a highly-priced polished stone.

· Unique: Polishing concrete densifies, colors, and seals the existing surface, providing you with highly unique flooring.

· It is friendly to the environment: Concrete polishing and grinding is a long-lasting option. This is because of the production of low amounts of waste during the process, the flooring's durability, and polished concrete's ability to enhance air quality indoors by eliminating or reducing dust, mildew, and mold.

· A reflective surface is produced: Polishing and grinding concrete floors produces a gloss, light-reflective surface. Even in big warehouses, factories, or buildings, this can result in an environment that is safe as well as lower lighting costs.

· No shutdown of the plant: After the process is completed, concrete that has been dry-polished can be used right away. Because the process is clean, non-toxic, and does not involve dangerous chemical composition, floors may be made when the plant production progresses.

As discussed above, there are many benefits of carrying out concrete polishing using foam riser pads. We have also seen how foam riser pads are used in concrete polishing. There is no doubt that concrete polishing is something you will consider when constructing a floor.