Site mix screed linked to occupational diseases
JCW are a Floor Screeding installation company who use only pre mixed floor screed on our projects. This not only ensures the highest quality installation but protects our workers and other site operatives from dangerous exposure to cement dust.
We have decided to support the ‘Breathe Freely’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of preventable occupational diseases caused by site mixing screed and to highlight the respiratory problems cement dust exposure can cause.
According to The Electronic Library of Construction Safety and Health “Inhaling high levels of dust may occur when workers empty bags of cement. In the short term, such exposure irritates the nose and throat and causes choking and difficult breathing. Sanding, grinding, or breaking concrete can also release large amounts of dust containing high levels of crystalline silica. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to a disabling and often fatal lung disease called silicosis. Some studies also indicate a link between crystalline silica exposure and lung cancer.”
Further to this a recent report found that more than 7,000 occupational cancer deaths a year are caused by dust exposures in construction, this equates to 1 in 20 cancer deaths in the UK, not to mention other conditions such as asthma which can develop through cement dust inhalation.
Dave Stewart, Sales Director of Marshalls Premier Mortars and screeds commented “On a national basis, the overall cementitious screed market size is a minimum of 2 million tonnes per annum. We estimate that circa 50% of this is site batched/site mixed.”
These shocking statistics confirm our firm beliefs that action is required to reduce the frightening risks of contracting occupational lung disease and respiratory problems in the construction industry.
To put the amount of cement dust screeders are exposed to into perspective we can compare exposure to the bricklaying industry. Bricklayers are responsible for laying up to 2 ton of cement a day whereas screeders install 30 tons of screed a day. We feel similar action must be taken for floor screeders who are exposed to as much as 15 times more dust than their bricklaying counterparts.
It is surely now time for the industry to take action and consider banning the mixing of cement based screed on site, when viable ready mixed alternatives are available.
For more information about the floor screed JCW install please give us a call on 01204 387029
Site Mix Dangers FAQs
Floor screeding is commonly used when levelling out an uneven floor, creating an even, solid subfloor, capable of receiving the final floor finish.
Usually carried out by professionals, screed can be applied on most concrete floors, ensuring a level surface even over electrics, pipes, ducts, and underfloor heating.
There are many different types of screed available, the three types we carry at JCW Floor Screeding are:
• Fibre-reinforced sand and cement screed – This screed is mixed with polypropylene fibres to give extra resilience.
• Higher-strength sand and cement floor screed – Perfect for areas with high levels of foot traffic or home to heavier items.
• Quick-drying sand and cement floor screed – The fastest drying type of screed, this allows for your final floor to be applied in no time.
When deciding which screed to use, you also need to decide whether you want a pre-mixed screed, or a site mix screed.
Site mix screed is, unsurprisingly, mixed on-site by the floor screeding team. This involves mixing the combination of cement and sand as and when required. This is generally the cheaper option; however, it does involve more manual labour.
Pre-mixed screed is the easier, more convenient option – it’s mixed in the factory before being delivered to site, this means that it is quality controlled in compliance with European Standards and will save time on site.
Unlike pre-mixed screed, because site mix screed is mixed on site, the quality control is down to the screeder themselves.
Here at JCW Floor Screeding we only stock pre-mixed screed to ensure our products are safe to use and meet the highest of standards.
Saving you the worry of compliance and making site work more efficient.
We all know construction sites can be dangerous environments as it is but, unfortunately, site mix screed comes with its unique risks.
Although site mix screed comes with a number of benefits including its price, flexibility, and lack of waste, there is one negative that often outweighs all of these benefits.
When mixing the sand and cement mixture, the cement needs to be emptied out of its bag. This often creates a significant amount of dust which is then inhaled by the worker. Over time this exposure can cause respiratory issues, including asthma and silicosis.
At JCW Floor Screeding we pride ourselves in providing only pre-mixed screed, reducing the risk of our team becoming seriously ill.
If you would like to find out more about pre-mixed floor screed, contact us by emailing estimating@jcwgroup.co.uk or filling in our online enquiry form.
Good news – you don’t need to put your team at unnecessary risk by using site mix screed.
There are plenty of pre-mixed screeds available that don’t have the potential to cause respiratory illnesses.
Not only are these screeds a much safer solution but, because they don’t need to be mixed onsite andcan be used straight away.
Pre-mixed screeds are developed to meet various European and British Standards. This means that you can be sure the highest quality screed is being used and that it’s guaranteed to be fit for purpose every time.
From fibre reinforced sand and cement screed to higher-strength and quick-drying screeds, at JCW Floor Screeding we have a variety of pre-mixed screed options available. Plus, with our team of screeding experts, we’ll have your floor sorted in no time.
Fill in our online enquiry form for a quick quote. Or, if you’d rather speak to a member of our friendly team, you can call us on 01204 387 029.
