If you are working in the construction industry, you must know that electrocution is the leading cause of fatal accidents involving concrete pumps. The 17-foot rule will help you to avoid dangerous situations, but cranes and concrete pumps have very similar risks.
Safety training
When hiring a concrete pump service provider, it is important to ask them about their safety training. They should have a well-rounded understanding of safety procedures for concrete pumping. For example, they should know how to inspect and maintain the concrete pump before they start working. Additionally, they should know the risks associated with working with wet concrete. This material is highly abrasive and contains a wide range of harmful chemicals. It can cause abrasions, dermatitis, or caustic burns. This is why workers need protective clothing and equipment.
Requirements
When concrete is to be pumped, the exact mixture ingredients must be known to achieve the desired consistency. Concrete pumping requires careful batching and mixing to create a mix of the desired consistency. It also requires experienced personnel and proper quality control. Listed below are some of the most important requirements for successful concrete pumping.
A concrete pumping system must be equipped with positive fail-safe joint connectors. These connectors prevent the sections of a concrete pump from dissociating during pressurization.
General rules
Before any Concrete Pumping Company Charleston SC job begins, operators should determine the appropriate ground conditions. This includes clearing overhead power lines, ensuring that the hopper grate is stable, and ensuring that the concrete mix is suitable for the project. Operators should also determine whether the boom is long enough to reach the project site. Some trucks are not equipped with the proper hose for pumping concrete.
A general rule for pumping concrete is to place the pump one foot from the edge of the land or excavation. If the pump will be placed close to a vertical drop-off or slope, it is possible to place it closer to the edge. Alternatively, the boom can be positioned at the top of the slope. However, it is important to note that most boom pumps have a greater upward reach than they do downward. For this reason, the boom must never be overloaded.
Precautions
There are a number of precautions to follow when pumping concrete. These precautions include using certified materials and following the proper mix ratio. These procedures can help to minimize air loss and ensure a uniform pour. Using the proper equipment and protective gear are also important to avoid possible damage.
Operators of concrete pumps should know the standard hand signals and operate the machine in a safe location. They should also use personal protective equipment and wear hard hats while working. They should also avoid working in the dark or standing on the hose end. Additionally, they should not climb on the boom or the machine itself.
Conclusion
Another important precaution is to avoid power lines. Most fatal accidents when pumping concrete occur when the boom runs into an electrical line. It is imperative to train all employees and spotters on how to safely operate a boom near power lines. In addition, dangerous areas should be marked with cones. It is also important to have a spotter on the site at all times.