Admixtures | Secondary Reinforcements | Truck Options | Concrete Calculator | Tools & PPE

When beginning the excavation, an assessment of the site is always useful, especially location of any services such as buried electricity cables, gas mains, drainage systems, overhead cables for electricity or telephone, overhanging tree branches and tree roots.

Before commencing any project, ensure the correct planning permission and agreements are in place.

Please note, all organic matter should be removed before setting out the site.

Using a combination of pegs, string and spray line-marking paint, mark out the extent of the foundations. If laying a concrete base, floors or drives, dig out the area to twice the required depth of concrete.

A minimum of 10cm of concrete is advised, so the area should be dug out to 20cm deep. It is also advisable to compact the soil and ensure the foundation is level. Place a sub-base layer of hardcore approximately 10cm deep and compact it to give the concrete a solid base and prevent sinking. Sprinkling a thin layer of sand on top of the hardcore will provide a smooth surface to work with. Laying a sheet of polythene damp proof membrane between the sub-base and concrete will help to stop the concrete from drying out too fast, and will also help to prevent rising damp on the finished project.

What tools and PPE are needed?

It is likely that, if your customer has all the correct certificates and permits in place they will already have the tools required for the project but it is worth double-checking before the delivery arrives.

Most importantly do they have means and labour available to off load the product, if not they will incur waiting time

Tools

tape measure
string and pegs - for marking out the area you need to fill with concrete
timber - to make pegs and formwork, and to use as a tamping beam
wheelbarrow - handy for moving the concrete around the site
shovel - to help move the concrete
rake - to help move the concrete
spirit level - to ensure the job is level and maintain accuracy
float or trowel - for surface finishing
brush - to help you clean up after the job

PPE

It is important to be aware that concrete is both abrasive and alkaline, it can cause skin irritation and severe burns and therefore we always advise protective clothing to be worn. When placing concrete, full length shirts and trousers should be worn, along with rubber / rigger boots and gloves.

Eye protection should be worn in all operations in case of splashes.