Some construction projects require concrete to be cut, and if you have no prior concrete cutting experience or you are using the wrong type of equipment, it can be a recipe for disaster. It can be extremely dangerous cutting into concrete, and if your project requires you to, you should call in the professionals to take care of it for you. Here is why.

What are the potential risks of concrete cutting?

Kick Back

Kickback is a very real and potentially serious risk of cutting concrete. It is not only the operator who is at risk but also those around them if this occurs. If the blade makes contact with the skin, this can cause fatal cuts, it often happens without warning and the user doesn't have time to move before injury occurs. With proper experience, you can identify potential risks and minimise the chances of this occurring.

Electrocution

To cut concrete proficiently, water is often used and if you are using a concrete cutter that is portable and run by electricity, you are at an increased risk of electrocution. Petrol run, pneumatic and hydraulic cutters are safer to use when wet cutting. Ensure that if you do use a portable electrical run concrete cutter that it is resistant to water.

Dust and gas inhalation

It is essential when undertaking any type of concrete cutting type of work that the correct PPE is worn. Inhaling dust or gas omitted from cutting concrete is potentially hazardous to one's health and can cause a variety of health concerns and conditions.

Hearing damage

Cutting concrete can be extremely loud and if the correct protective wear isn't worn, it can lead to injuries that can cause hearing loss. Even working with a concrete cutter that doesn't produce excessive sound on a regular basis can cause issues with hearing in the long run.

You should also ensure that you are using noise-reducing blades and equipment as well as ear protection at all times. Those working within close proximity to the person using the concrete cutter should ensure that they are properly protected with appropriate PPE.

Reasons why you should leave concrete cutting to the professionals

Concrete cutting requires a certain level of skill and if you don't know what you are doing or you don't have the proper safety measures in place, you put yourself and others at risk of serious injury.

Concrete cutting professionals:

Have the correct machinery and equipment

Concrete cutting professionals are equipped with a large selection of the very latest concrete cutting equipment. This ensures that the correct equipment is used for the job resulting in a high-quality finish in addition to making the project safer for everyone involved.

Are fully qualified, experienced, and highly skilled

Professional concrete cutters have the necessary skills and expertise to approach all concrete cutting work with confidence and precision. Concrete needs to be cut properly to prevent impacting the integrity of the slab and to decrease the chances of cracks forming due to improper cuts. It requires accuracy and this often cannot be achieved with someone who doesn't hold the necessary qualifications or skills.

Concrete cutting professionals have years of industry experience and know how to cut concrete no matter the specifics of the project

Can complete the job quickly with minimal interference

A professional concrete cutter can complete the job quicker, allowing you to get on with the job with minimal disruption.

It may potentially save you money in the long run

If something goes wrong when someone inexperienced is cutting concrete, it can end up costing you a lot more. Broken equipment, injured workers and damages to the construction site can all add up fast. Professional concrete cutters have the right equipment and skills to complete their work to a superior standard. They also have proper insurance if in the unlikely event something like this were to occur.

Offer emergency call-out services

Some concrete cutting companies will offer an after-hour service for emergency situations where the concrete needs to be cut urgently to access the components underneath.

Cut concrete to a high standard

Concrete cutting can be hard to get right when you don't have the expertise behind you. When you hire a professional, you can have confidence knowing that it will be completed to the utmost highest standard, leaving you with a flawless finish each and every time.

Do I have to get concrete scanned before cutting or drilling into it?

Whenever you plan on altering concrete in any way shape or form, you should have the area scanned by a professional concrete scanning Gold Coast team. There is no room for error when it comes to cutting concrete, even knicking an embedded object slightly can cause serious or fatal injuries. Not only that, but it can damage expensive equipment and cut off utility services. Concrete scanning needs to be precise to ensure that no one is injured while cutting into the concrete.

The biggest risk of concrete cutting

It may be obvious, but the biggest risk of concrete cutting is injury or illness caused by improper technique or PPE implementation. Everyone deserves to work in a safe environment and while concrete cutting may cost you a little more upfront than doing it yourself, it can save you hugely in the long run on injured workers, site shutdowns and damaged equipment. It is simply not worth the risk.

To summarise

Undoubtedly, concrete cutting is a risky task that should only be performed by experts. Professionals have the proper knowledge, utilise the right equipment, deploy the appropriate tactics, and are a much safer option. Employing specialists to complete your concrete cutting project is a smart idea.

Whether you need residential or commercial concrete cutting done, the expert team at South East Scanning can help. We offer a number of concrete-related services, concrete cutting included, and conduct our work to the absolute highest standard. With our concrete scanning equipment, we can detect potential hazards underneath the concrete before cutting to prevent injuries from occurring. We aim to be affordable and proficient, allowing you to get on with the job with no delays or additional expenses that were not budgeted for. For more information, reach out to the friendly team at South East Scanning today.