Concrete chipping

Concrete chipping is a process which requires trained chippers to enter the drums of ready-mix concrete trucks and central mixers to break away the dried concrete along the drums’ walls. [1] Teams use tools such as the handheld jackhammer and chisel to manually remove hardened material. [2] Then, with help from shovels, wheelbarrows and the like, they pile the discarded concrete on the ground, where it can either be hauled away to the landfill, turned into new building material through the process of concrete recycling or repurposed in some other way. Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel, once described concrete chipping as the toughest job he ever took on.

Maintenance

Chipping requirements vary depending on a variety of factors, including the individual cement mixing truck and concrete mixer, the concrete blends at use and crews’ maintenance practices. Still, many concrete chipping companies advise scheduling chipping appointments every three months.[3] Regular chipping helps companies avoid problems such as lowered drum capacity, sluggish machinery and breakdowns which not only grind work to a halt, but result in costly repairs. It should be noted that even companies which use chemical blends to keep concrete buildup at bay require periodic chipping, though on a slightly extended timeline.

Safety

Concrete chipping is inherently dangerous work. Chippers face a number of on-the-job hazards, including but not limited to flying debris, silica dust, electric shock and excessive noise.[4] Still, it doesn’t end there. Confined spaces are another such danger concrete chippers face on the job.[5] Airborne cement dust can also lead to burns, irritation, blindness and life-threatening diseases.[6] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps minimize exposure to dangers tradesmen such as concrete chippers face on the job.[7] This equipment includes, but is not limited to: The hard hat, respirator, eye protection, steel-toe boot and ear protection. The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also maintains a list of safety tips and requirements to protect workers involved in manufacturing, pouring and chipping concrete. [8] Many companies also require continuing education and regular safety training to ensure both their team members and the clients they serve remain fully protected.

References

  1. ↑ General Chipping. “What Goes into Chipping Concrete?”, General Chipping. Retrieved on January 31, 2018.
  2. ↑ Baxter, Eric. “How Cement Mixers Work”, How Stuff Works. Retrieved on January 31, 2018.
  3. ↑ General Chipping. “How Often Should I Plan Concrete Removal for My Drums and Central Mixers?”, General Chipping. Retrieved on January 31, 2018.
  4. ↑ American Society of Concrete Contractors. “Job Hazard Analysis: Chipping & Drilling Concrete”, American Society of Concrete Contractors. Retrieved on January 31, 2018.
  5. ↑ General Chipping. “Confined Spaces: Understanding the Hazards of Concrete Chipping”, General Chipping. Retrieved on February 1, 2018.
  6. ↑ General Chipping. “How Do I Protect My Team and Those Around Them from Cement Dust?”, General Chipping. Retrieved on February 1, 2018.
  7. ↑ The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Personal Protective Equipment”, The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Retrieved on February 1, 2018.
  8. ↑ Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Workers Safety Series: Concrete Manufacturing, Pocket Guide”, Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Retrieved on February 1, 2018.
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