Concrete Pumping: Things to Consider Before Unfolding and Positioning A Boom
Whether you are doing commercial or residential concrete pumping, safety should be the number-one concern. The secure positioning of the pumping truck and the boom is critical, as incorrect positioning can lead to fatal injuries at worst and a terrible pumping job at best. Before the truck is stabilized and the boom unfolded to pump concrete, the pumping team should ensure that all safety precautions are taken to avoid accidents. Below are three things to consider before positioning the boom.
Electric Lines
Did you know that electrocution is one of the leading causes of death among concrete pump workers? This is because most of the parts in a concrete truck are good conductors of electricity. The concrete is also a tremendous electric conductor because of the high water content, meaning any contact between the truck and electrical wires will be a disaster. Commercial concrete pumping companies usually use specific technology like remote controls to measure the distance between the boom and the cables. The concrete pump workers should also ensure they have the proper gear like rubber boots and equipment on such job sites to protect themselves from the high voltage power lines.
Buildings and Machinery
If your job site is obstructed by buildings, cranes and scaffolding, the pumping team must position the truck carefully when unfolding the boom. It's crucial that you measure the space between the site and the obstructions so that you can choose the proper boom length for the project. Take any obstacles into consideration to avoid accidents that can happen when a boom can go over them. Position your boom with these structures in mind for maximum safety on the site.
Excavation
Concrete trucks are heavy machinery, and the concrete only adds to the weight. Safe positioning of the truck near a hole is critical to ensure it does not fall inside. As a precaution, always place the pump at least one foot away from the edge. You should also consider the length of the boom when working on an excavation. Most pumps have about half the downward reach as their height.
Accidents can happen when the boom is unfolding or folding back, so there should be a spotter near the lines to supervise and alert the pump operator when they get too close. The pump operator should make good use of the provided technology, including cameras and remote controls to position the boom correctly, and they should also rely heavily on the spotter by listening to the walkie-talkies and hand signals for extra help.
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