Personnel not directly involved in the operation should be clear of the work area, while those directly involved should use appropriate safety precautions. All construction activities involve risk, and common-sense measures should always be taken to help prevent injury.
Personnel involved in roadwork operations should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This PPE includes organization-required safety footwear, head protection, and high-visibility vests, as well as protective clothing to minimize skin exposure to dust and other irritants. Full coverage of legs and arms is recommended to prevent skin irritation.
Safety eyewear should be worn to minimize accidental dust contact with the eyes. Safety glasses with side shields or goggles are recommended for added protection. Contact lenses may be problematic in dust environments, as particles can become trapped and may be more difficult to flush out naturally. Face protection is also recommended, and N95 masks can be effective when workers are exposed to elevated dust levels.
Cement and many natural soils contain crystalline silica, which can present health risks with prolonged inhalation. During initial pulverization of soils or road base materials to be treated, it is important for workers to minimize exposure to the dust generated by the equipment. Very windy conditions should be avoided whenever possible to help reduce airborne dust.
When spreading dry cement along a roadway for mixing, it is also important to avoid application on high wind days, firstly for worker safety, and secondly to help ensure the proper application rate is achieved. Spreading equipment that places the dry cement directly on the ground is recommended, such as cement tankers equipped with spreading socks or other controlled-discharge systems.
When mixing dry cement on a roadway, water should be introduced in the mix immediately. This provides the moisture necessary for the stabilization process while also helping to suppress cement dust. Water trucks may be used to apply water ahead of the mixing equipment, reclaimers may be equipped to inject water directly into the pulverating/mixing chamber.
After rolling and shaping the treated roadway, the surface should be kept moist through watering or by applying a waterproof prime coat. Proper curing helps develop the desired strength, reduces drying shrinkage cracking, and minimizes surface dusting.
Safe and successful cement stabilization operations depend on proper planning, sound construction practices, and attention to worker protection. The Cement Council of Texas recommends that you review the Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and OSHA requirements prior to performing cement stabilization operations.