subject: Safety Tips While Using Lime Plaster [print this page] People have been using Lime plaster for many years now for building.Ancient Mayan builders and Roman architects frequently used lime to plaster floors, walls, and the exterior of buildings.We still see a lot of these buildings still standing today which indicates just how good lime plaster is.
The majority of bulding and plastering companies use lime plaster.Aside from the durability of this material, lime is also highly recommended for building green structures.
Experts believe that the use of lime for residential and industrial construction projects could significantly reduce the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.This will greatly help in further reducing the devastating effects of global warming.
Although a suitable construction material for building green structures, you still have to follow the basic safety procedures when handling lime.To better understand how to use lime plasters safely, you have to know its chemical composition.
The Chemistry of Lime Plasters
Lime plasters are mostly prepared from calcium hydroxide.It is mixed with sand or other inert fillers.With the help of carbon dioxide, the calcium hydroxide will be changed into limestone.
Calcium hydroxide is typically obtainable in white powder.If mixed with water, a sticky paste can be made from it.You can keep the lime paste in an air tight container before use.When exposed to the air, it will gradually turn and harden back into limestone once again.This permanently sets the plaster.
Safety Precautions When Handling Lime
Once the lime is wet it has a very high Ph count of twelve, this is extremely caustic and needs careful handling.This can damage your skin and could induce irritation. If you are handling lime, it is important to wear protective construction goggles in order to protect your eyes.You must also wear adequate protective clothing and rubberized gloves to prevent exposing your skin to lime splatters.
If you are going to prepare powdered calcium hydroxide into a paste, it is a must to use a basic face mask that can filter industrial dusts.Never ever inhale the dust psrticles from this as it can get into the respiratory system and damage your lungs.
As a safety measure, you should have a pail of clean water nearby when working with lime plasters.
If lime accidentally gets into your eyes, you should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly in order to neutralize it.For direct skin contact, you can neutralize lime with vinegar or lemon juice.
