Pervious Concrete
Date Posted: 09/03/2016
Pervious Concrete uses materials with larger aggregate to create voids for water to pass through it and back into the ground. Unlike typical concrete mixes, pervious mixes are hard to vibrate into place and thus require more manual labor to install, spread, and compress.
Equipment Failure
Pervious surfaces require cement trucks and pumps for installation. Anytime you require heavy equipment for a new system it is important to have the equipment inspected and maintained properly to prevent failure during the actual installation.
Struck by Moving Equipment
Cement trucks and pumps move quickly throughout the site and pose potential struck by hazards. Workers should be kept clear from cement trucks and pumps wherever possible.
Impalement from Form Stakes
Like most flat surface concrete or asphalt installations, pervious surfaces require forms to complete the installation. Form stakes present an impalement hazard especially with equipment moving around the site. Caps should be used on form stakes to reduce exposure to impalement.
Material Handling
Pervious surfaces often require more labor than typical concrete or asphalt pours and the mixes can be more difficult to move into place. Job rotation and ergonomics become important when handling pervious surface pours to prevent strains and overexertion.
Concrete Burns
Concrete burns are present when pouring pervious concrete. Proper PPE should be utilized at all times during the installation.
Environmental Factors
Is the concrete pour taking place during the winter? If so are there potential slip hazards from plastic coverings due to frost or ice? Additional environmental concerns include strong winds, and excessively hot days where workers out in the open are at a greater risk of heat exhaustion.
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
Where is it located?
Which trades may be in a new situation? How is it sequenced?
What equipment & materials are involved?
How is it installed?
How is it operated & maintained?
