Sweating slab syndrome occurs when moisture condenses on concrete floors inside warehouses and other buildings, creating safety hazards. The document provides tips to alleviate this issue, including increasing air movement with fans, installing a dehumidification system, cleaning the slab surface, and applying a vapor retarder under the slab. Left unaddressed, sweating slabs can cause lubricant leaks, efflorescence, mold growth, injury from slipping, issues operating forklifts, and inventory damage from dampness.

1. The Dangers Of
Sweating Slab
Syndrome
AIR
MOVEMENT
Increase movement
with high-volume,
low-speed fans.
They force warm air
downward, heating
the cold surfaces-
thus reducing
condensation.
DEHUMIDIFICATION
SYSTEM
Installing a
dehumidification
system will decrease
the amount of
moisture in the
air, drying out
the facility.
GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING
Use cleaning agents
to remove deposits,
skid marks, etc. from
the slab surface.
These reduce the
slab’s ability to
absorb moisture.
VAPOR
RETARDER
A low-permeance,
below-slab retarder
will prevent moisture
in the concrete
from rising to the
surface, protecting
products stored
on the floor.
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Problems Caused by Sweating Slab Syndrome
Tips for Alleviating Sweating Slab Syndrome
LUBRICANT LEAKS
The condensation on motorized
machines can mix with chemical
lubricants and leak.
EFFLORESCENCE
Moisture prompts sulfates
in the concrete to rise to the
surface, resulting in salty
deposits on the floor.
BUILDING RISKS
Moisture promotes
mold growth.
INJURY RISK
Employees are more prone to
slipping and falling.
FORKLIFT FOLLY
Product transporters become
more difficult to maneuver, and
braking can fail.
INVENTORY DAMAGE
Metal products are prone to
corrosion; other products
could deteriorate, and
packaging can dampen.
247,120
Occupational injuries and illnesses — related
to falls, slips and trips — that led to private
industry employees missing work in 2014.