Simple Steps for Safe Concrete Pumping
At JED Alliance Group, concrete pumping is a big topic of discussion. we often talk about pump performance and the specific applications of different models, but we seldom talk about the important role of safety rules for concrete pumping.
Security can actually play one of the most important roles in your company. If considered carefully, it can drastically improve the working conditions and the success of your project with any concrete pump.
Proper Equipment Training = Security
In most cases, proper training will make you safer in a workplace where you are pumping. Even if you have a well-trained pump operator for various conditions and circumstances, that does not mean that every person on the job site is equally trained and qualified, or safety aware.
In the U.S., regulations require each concrete pump operator to complete a training program of ACPA (Association of Concrete Pumpers of America). Be sure that your operator is trained and knows how to communicate with others on the job site to keep everyone safe during a pour.
If you have an employee with inadequate training in his work, this endangers himself and those around him. Make sure your training is up to par. Part of this training includes regular inspection of the wear parts that could lead to failure or malfunction of the pumping unit.
Safety Planning for Concrete Pumping
You must thoroughly evaluate and plan concrete pumping job sites to ensure optimal working conditions of safety for all involved. Regardless of how experienced the pump operator is. Poor planning can turn a safe working area into a high risk environment.
Consider working conditions. Remove all possible waste and find a level area to place the concrete pump. It is also important to consider the environment and the soil stability. You can easily detect any power lines and moving objects, and so prevent them from causing an accident. What perhaps is not visible, especially in an excavation area is how the previous team filled and compacted the site. Do your homework to ensure that larger concrete pumps especially boom pumps are sitting on solid ground.
Boom pumps and truck-mounted stationary concrete pumps are designed for specific working conditions. If you force them to meet the demands for which they were not designed to meet, it can mean disaster, damage to equipment, or worse, injured workers.
Rushing is Not the Answer
Many job sites are often stressful. Construction firms set completion dates, but occasionally something delays the work but you are ready to pour the concrete mixes. While it is important to consider time management, it is not worth compromising safety to do so. Once you start the pump, it is important to keep the necessary positioning speeds. Rushing can cause misplacement or worse, an injury. Taking your time with qualified installers, can maximize the efficiency of your job site, construction quality, and safety.
No matter the style or capacity of your pump, job site conditions, or completion deadlines, pumping concrete can be safe. It is up to you to have concrete pumps available that are suitable for the application and to follow recommended safety procedures including training and planning. Only you can make your job site as safe as possible.
