Practicalities on a hempcrete build - The Hempcrete Topic: Designing and Building with Hemp-lime - page 444

For this reason, as discussed in Chapters 15 and 16 , site the mixer in such a way as to
avoid rain getting into the wet hempcrete, and avoid leaving tubs of hempcrete waiting to
be placed where rain (or someone over-shooting with the hose) can add to their water con-
tent.
Remember also that all sections of wall where hempcrete is to be placed must be protected
from rain during and after placement. If water is allowed to run down through the freshly
placed hempcrete before it has set, this not only risks adding excess water but also carries
the further risk of the water washing binder out of the wall and compromising its structural
integrity.
Last but not least, rain increases the risk of workers getting lime burns, as powder or wet
particles that would normally have stayed on the outside of clothing get washed into every
nook and cranny by heavy rain. It is almost impossible to stop this, despite your best efforts
to protect yourself. However, the risk can be reduced by making sure there is sufficient wa-
terproof clothing on-site: cheap waterproof jackets and over-trousers, and steel toe-capped
wellies or rigger boots for a start. Bear in mind that even in light rain, waterproof trousers
or knee pads can prevent burns caused by kneeling on spilt mix on a rain-soaked scaffold-
ing platform while tamping the hempcrete in the shuttering.