Concrete curing work in Winter season at domestic construction sites is an essential work area to shorten air. However, concrete curing work in winter season is a work in an enclosed space, and there is a risk of casualties due to the explosive genera...
Concrete curing work in Winter season at domestic construction sites is an essential work area to shorten air. However, concrete curing work in winter season is a work in an enclosed space, and there is a risk of casualties due to the explosive generation of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has made efforts to reduce harmful gases and prevent asphyxiation of closed space work, such as banning the use of lignite, recommending the use of hot air or solid fuel, thorough prohibition measures and on-site inspection.
Despite these efforts, 17 out of 25 construction industry suffocation disasters that occurred in the 10 years from 2011 to 2020 were caused by concrete curing in winter season. The fatality rate of suffocation accidents is 47.4%, which is about 44 times that of general accidental disaster disease. Although the frequency of occurrence may be less than that of general accidental disasters, the risk of leading to serious disasters is judged to be very high, and active improvement measures are needed.
Prior research on the prevention of choking disasters in enclosed spaces has been continuously conducted. However, previous studies analyzed the causes and countermeasures of various types of disasters as a comprehensive study on choking disasters in enclosed spaces, but a close analysis of concrete curing work in winter season, where similar types of choking disasters are repeated, was not conducted. In addition, among similar previous studies, studies on cold and cold concrete analyzed curing methods and materials used for quality and construction efficiency or effectiveness and derived improvement plans, but comprehensive studies and analysis in terms of safety and health were limited.
Therefore, this study aims to study the improvement of concrete curing in winter season through an integrated analysis on the prevention of choking accidents in closed spaces based on the construction plan and quality of concrete in winter season. To this end, the current status of concrete curing work in winter season and disaster statistics were analyzed, and the standards related to closed space work in Korea and abroad were summarized and compared and analyzed to identify problems. Finally, the reliability of the problems derived through interviews with related experts was secured, and related improvement measures were presented. The improvement measures proposed in this study are as follows.
First, as a fundamental measure, it is necessary to thoroughly review the appropriate budget and air at the stage of establishing a preliminary plan, and to utilize a construction method that does not generate harmful gases.
Second, as a management measure, harmful gas concentration standards, management supervision, and ventilation-related standards and regulations should be supplemented.
Third, education, such as how to wear personal protective equipment, should be mandatory, and standards for applying personal protective equipment should be established in consideration of work characteristics.
Finally, this study aims to contribute to the creation of a safe and pleasant working environment by carefully reviewing the current situation and ensuring safety, quality, and construction through Cold weather concrete curing work analysis.