However, even experienced workers can get concrete in boots and gloves. Many times finishers will inadvertenly and unknowingly allow bleed water to saturate clothes. Unlike acids, cement alkalis do not produce heat or pain until it is too late. Never allow wet contrete to remain on skin or clothes for long periods of time. Concrete workers naturally come in contact with wet concrete on a daily basis.
Most workers are aware of cement burn dangers and take more precaution than the casual user.
However, without the proper use of full personal protective equipment and practices, there will still be repeated incidental contact with problem-causing alkalis. Workers exposed daily to even mildly irritating substances are likely to develop serious skin problems. One of the most common sources for high alkali contact is the job site tool wash bucket. The level of pH in these buckets becomes dangerous after washing as little as one tool. Even clean, running water does little to remove residual alkali contaminants.