Take care when filing concrete because the dust can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Too much inhalation can cause a lung disease called silicosis.
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Reduce skin exposure by wearing alkali-resistant gloves, long sleeves and pants. Wear safety glasses with side shields, or even goggles if you plan to do a lot of filing. If you can't avoid breathing the dust, wear a dust mask on a small job and a respirator for jobs that will last for long periods.
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Wet down the concrete you will be filing to keep down the amount of dust. Continue wetting down the concrete throughout the project.
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Use a rasp or file to file away the concrete at the desired location. Move the rasp or file in a back and forth motion along the surface of the concrete, applying downward pressure. A rasp or file coated with tungsten carbide or diamond bits will make the work go faster.
The Drip Cap
- You can file concrete to give it a more finished appearance, smooth out rough edges or even to create artistic sculptures.
- Too much inhalation can cause a lung disease called silicosis.
- If you can't avoid breathing the dust, wear a dust mask on a small job and a respirator for jobs that will last for long periods.