Sweating slab syndrome is a phenomenon where moisture periodically develops on the interior concrete slabs. Sometimes sweating slab syndrome is also referred to as concrete sweating. The moisture content forms due to the rapid change of humidity and temperature. Sweating slab syndrome can increase the slipperiness of the concrete surface and hence it needs to be avoided for the safety of workers. Sweating Slab Syndrome (SSS) is a very serious thing and needs to be corrected. Due to SSS, product transporters like Forklift become more difficult to control and there are the chances of brake failure. Also, it can cause inventory damage like corrosion to metal products, and the packaging of the products.
Fig 1: Concrete Sweating.
According to the Bureau of Labour statistics, there were approximately 240,000 non-fatal workplace injuries due to slippery surfaces. The main reason behind these injuries is sweating slab syndrome.
Causes of Sweating Slab Syndrome
Moisture present in the air is the root cause of sweating slab syndrome. There are a number of causes that may lead to SSS.
- Dew point Condensation: In dew point condensation, warm and humid air enters the shops or buildings through open doors, windows, and vents. Dew point condensation causes SSS when outside warm air meets cooler floors below dew point temperature. Slab condensation events most commonly occur with the rapid increase in ambient temperature and relative humidity. When warm and humid air enters a building, it takes very little time to change interior temperature than it does the temperature of the slab.
- Salt deposits on the floor: Salt deposited on the structure may lead to SSS. The hygroscopic structure of the salt attracts moisture from the air and also possibly from concrete. The salt came from concrete within itself.
- Unclean floor surfaces: Tire marks, dust, dirt can also impact the slipperiness of the floors. This dust and dirt may lead to the formation of moisture on the floor surface.
Risks of Sweating slab Syndrome
When the slab becomes slippery, it can create a serious threat, not only for the employees but also for equipment and machines in the shop. A small amount of moisture can create serious hazards that can cause employees and workers to slip and fall. Due to SSS, it makes it difficult for forklifts, carts and other equipment to stop, which may lead to crashing into the walls, machines and other equipment. Moisture content can also damage products by dampening packaging or paper and also by rusting metals. In most cases, these types of products become unusable.
Preventive actions for Sweating Slab Syndrome
According to the type of concrete sweating, there are different types of preventive actions available:
- HVLS Fans: High Volume Low-Speed fans can remarkably reduce sweating slab syndrome. HVLS fans reduce or eliminate the concrete sweating by reducing the temperature difference between the ceiling and floor. HVLS fans also increase the surface evaporation rate of the concrete slabs. Epoch HVLS fans are the most effective and efficient fans that allow a continuous movement of air which reduces temperature and moisture contents.
2. HVAC systems: HVAC systems can also be a better option to control the temperature in shops or buildings. HVAC systems help to alter the interior building environment by reducing the sweating slab syndrome.
3. Good housekeeping practices: The first step is to establish good housekeeping practices that remove any type of deposits from the surface of the slab. Commercially available cleaning agents can be used on the floor.
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