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Working with metal materials such as rebar requires strict adherence to safety measures to prevent any injuries from occurring. Improper practices can lead to anything from minor bumps and scrapes to serious, life-threatening situations. Whether you’re working with rebar yourself or training employees on handling it safely, here are a few rules to keep in mind.

5 Safety Measures for Rebar

1. Use Small Safety Caps

rebarNot all injuries from rebar are life-threatening, but even minor cuts can be avoided by following proper safety protocols. One of the easiest ways of preventing harm is using safety caps. These mushroom-shaped devices give the ends of rebar a much smoother surface, reducing the chance of scrapes while working with the material.

2. Outfit Rebar With Steel Safety Devices

While the smaller, mushroom-shaped caps will keep skin safe from small cuts, more severe injuries are still possible. Specialized flat caps made with steel inside will prevent more serious injuries caused by trips and falls. Because the caps are reinforced by steel, the rebar can’t penetrate them.

3. Cover Low Rebar

When there is a low piece of rebar in your worksite, covering the material with a 2-by-4 foot piece of wood creates a barrier between it and you. This method should be used in combination with the safety caps to provide as much cushion between the sharp end of the metal and workers in the area.

4. Round Off Edges

If possible, bend the edges of the rebar so the sharp tip is turned into a smooth curve. This greatly reduces the danger associated with fall injuries and minor conditions like small lacerations.

5. Use Fall-Prevention Equipment

One of the most common injuries associated with rebar is impalement. This severe injury typically occurs when a worker falls from above an exposed piece of the material. Fortunately, there is plenty of fall-prevention equipment available, including harnesses, anchors, and guardrails. These should always be in place when workers are operating at elevated levels.

 

If you need high-grade rebar for an upcoming project, Byer Steel is the top provider in the Greater Cincinnati area. The company has been in business for more than 80 years, and their state-of-the-art rebar mill is capable of customizing any order to meet your construction needs. For more information about their products, call (513) 821-6400 or visit their website today.

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