Brick cleaning safety

Common injuries from brick cleaning

• Cuts and scratches from sharp edges
• Chemical burns from harsh detergents or acids used in the process.
• Eye injuries
• Slips, trips and falls
• Back pain

1. Always wear brick cleaning PPE (personal protective equipment)

• Always wear gloves when handling bricks, as this will prevent you from getting cut or scratched and will also keep your hands clean and free of debris.
• Your eyes are also at risk of injury when cleaning bricks as debris and dirt can fly up into your face. Wearing eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles will help protect you from any harm.
• Wearing steel capped boots when cleaning bricks is important for protecting your feet from any sharp objects that may be on the ground or hidden amongst the bricks.
• Additionally, wear pants and long sleeved clothing to protect your skin from any splashes or fumes.

2. Using brick cleaning chemicals safely

• Always read the instructions on the label and make sure that you use the product in a well-ventilated area.
• Additionally, be sure to keep all containers tightly sealed when not in use and never mix cleaning chemicals as this could create a dangerous reaction.
• Lastly, always store the container safely out of reach.

3. Preventing slips trips and falls in brick cleaning

• Make sure that your workspace is clear of any clutter and keep an eye out for wet patches on the floor.
• Wear good quality non-slip shoes for extra grip and make sure that all ladders or scaffolding are securely fastened.

4. Prevent back pain from cleaning bricks

• Long periods of time spent bending over can cause back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries, so be sure to use proper body mechanics when handling bricks.
• Try to keep your back straight with your shoulders relaxed and lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch and move around to help reduce any strain on your back muscles.
• Be sure to use the proper tools and equipment when lifting bricks as this will relieve some of the pressure from your body.

Cleaning bricks can be a dirty and dangerous job but by following the proper safety procedures, you can avoid injury.

Our Brick Cleaning SWMS