Cement Mixer Operation

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the safe operation of cement mixers, detailing critical hazards such as entanglement, chemical burns, and electric shock. It is designed for all personnel involved in cement mixing tasks, ensuring they understand safety protocols and legislative compliance. By adhering to this SOP, workers can minimize risks and promote a safer workplace environment.

• Entanglement with the rotating drum, drive belt, or pinion gear → severe crush or amputation
• Cement burns and dermatitis from skin contact with wet cement (pH 12-13) → chemical burns
• Cement dust inhalation when adding powder → silicosis, respiratory irritation
• Eye injury from cement splash or dust → chemical burn or blindness
• Manual handling injuries from lifting 20 kg+ cement bags → back, shoulder strain
• Electric shock from damaged cords, plugs, or motor on electric mixers → electrocution
• Burns from the hot petrol engine and exhaust on petrol mixers
• Mixer tip-over on uneven ground when discharging the load

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Plant; Part 4.2 Hazardous Manual Tasks; Chapter 7 Hazardous Chemicals
• AS/NZS 60745 — Hand-held motor-operated electric tools — Safety
• AS/NZS 3012 — Electrical installations — Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3760 — In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 4501 — Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 1337 — Personal eye protection
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Cement Mixer Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)