subject: Safety Whilst Using Lime Plaster [print this page] Lime has been used as building material for more than 11,000 years.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. Planning on using Lime plaster for construction, especially of internal walls and ceilings, is the best way forward.Aside from the durability of this material, lime is also highly recommended for building green structures.
Emissions experts have deducted that the lime plaster in industrial and residential construction is significantly low on carbon dioxide.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 mainly made from calcium hydroxide.It is mixed with sand or other inert fillers.With the help of carbon dioxide, the calcium hydroxide will be transformed 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.Once the paste is exposed to air, it will slowly transform and harden into limestone again.This permanently sets the plaster.
Safety Precautions When Handling Lime
When wet, lime has a pH of 12,it means that this material is extremely caustic and can create havoc with your skin.This can irritate your skin and can also damage your skin. Whilst handling Lime plaster it is important to protect your eyes with special protective goggles, the same goes for your hands where you should have rubber gloves to prevent exposure from splashing.
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.Direct inhalation of this powder can damage your lungs and respiratory system.
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.
