With forecasters predicting dry weather this Bank Holiday weekend, DIY enthusiasts have been warned against the dangers of laying cement without suitable protection after people were left with painful skin burns...

Aardvark Concrete, the (Stockport-based) volumetric concrete specialist, said many people do not realise that when cement and water combine it creates a powerful chemical reaction, which can cause very serious burns.

John Kilroe, managing director at Aardvark, has urged people to wear proper protective clothing when laying patio stones or garage bases this Bank Holiday weekend.

He said: “There have been cases where people have actually removed their boots and socks and stood in cement in bare feet because they didn’t want to dirty their boots.

“It’s not uncommon for DIY enthusiasts to suffer terrible skin burns when coming into contact with wet cement, so it’s essential to wear proper clothing and eye protection.”

Home improvements growing in popularity

Wet concrete can draw moisture from skin, damage the skin’s surface, and contains sensitizing chemicals and metals, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Even just brief contact with powdered cement can cause a reaction and experts advise people to quickly remove any items of clothes around the area, brush off any powder and rinse with clean cold water for at least 20 minutes.

Kilroe added: “Now the summer has finally arrived, more and more people are getting stuck into home improvements, but jobs involving concrete should be approached with extreme caution. It would be easy for people to strip off and work in the sun, however, suitable eye protection, good strong work boots and gloves are absolutely crucial.”

Aardvark specialises in providing ready-mixed concrete to trade contractors carrying out small to medium sized projects, and to consumers for DIY projects.