The dust produced by cutting concrete contains dangerous silica particles. Without suitable measures, frequent exposure to this silica dust might result in lung cancer or other diseases.
That is why it is critical to prioritize safety when cutting concrete. Wearing a respirator, hearing protection, gloves, a GFI outlet, and using a wet saw or soaking the location are all examples of safety precautions. Employees exposed to silica dust at work must follow all OSHA safety procedures, including wearing respirators with the appropriate APF factor.
Can You Cut Concrete on Your Own?
Definitely. Concrete board, pavers, blocks, walls, and even slabs can be cut by hand. Depending on the job, the tools and techniques required will differ. A circular saw, on the other hand, is generally sufficient for most tasks with a depth of less than seven inches.
Can an Angle Grinder Be Used to Cut Concrete?
Absolutely, angle grinders can be used to cut concrete. The method is fairly similar to using a circular saw. Simply use a diamond blade and a wet grinder. If you don’t have a wet grinder, conversion kits are available online.
What Is the Best Way to Cut Concrete Without Breaking It?
Step cutting is used to keep concrete from cracking. Always move the saw carefully and never change directions or turn curves without pausing and adjusting the saw. Step cutting involves making a sequence of minor cuts in the same location to make deeper incisions. Begin with a shallow, safe cut. Slowly move the saw to the desired cutting location. Stop the saw, reposition it near the start of the cut, and go over the cut again, this time a little deeper. Repeat until the required depth is reached. Cutting concrete doesn’t have to be complicated, whether you rent a trencher or use a basic chisel and hammer. Just be sure that any surplus concrete from your job is appropriately disposed of.