Safety Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Concrete Pump

Posted On: 05/10/2024 | Posted by: DY Concrete Pumps

Concrete pumps are essential for getting your concrete to the worksite. Without this equipment, your project would have much longer timelines and reduced efficiency. While concrete pumps are a must for any construction site, they include several hazardous components that need proper handling.

When you’re looking to get a concrete pump, you need to put safety first. Here’s a breakdown of essential concrete boom pump safety tips to help you find the best option for your site.

The Importance of Concrete Pump Safety

Concrete boom pump safety is absolutely critical for anyone working with them. Concrete pumps are heavy machines that work on high-pressure materials like concrete, which makes it a hazard to be around unprotected. When working with concrete pumps, you need to protect the safety of yourself, other workers, bystanders and the site. With the right safety protocols, protections and techniques, you can safely use a concrete pump on your next project.

What Are the Hazards of Concrete Pump Operators?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines the main hazards associated with concrete work and sets regulations to ensure worker safety. Construction workers and supervisors must be vigilant of these risks when working with concrete pumps.

The first step in establishing proper safety procedures is knowing what you need to be prepared for so you can protect against it. Modern concrete pumps are designed with safety in mind, but there are still some hazards that come with the job:

Heavy machinery: Concrete pumps are a type of heavy machinery. They’re large and heavy, creating a risk of entrapment, injuries and collisions. Misusing concrete pumps or failing to maintain them can lead to tip-overs, equipment failures and other accidents.
Environmental: Pumping concrete creates several environmental hazards. Emissions, dust and noise are all common when operating these machines. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues and hearing loss for anyone nearby. You need to take measures to protect against these health problems for your safety.
High-pressure: Concrete pumps also use high-pressure systems to transport concrete. These high-pressure systems come with a risk of hose ruptures, equipment malfunctions and pressurized material releases. Failure to properly secure hoses and monitor pressure levels can cause serious injuries.
Structural integrity: Placing concrete inaccurately or overloading structures can compromise their structural integrity. Poo integrity can lead to failures and collapses, a severely hazardous event.

What Are the Safety Precautions for Concrete Pumps?

With so many potential hazards, you need to know all safety precautions for your concrete pumps. You can ensure your worksite is safe and productive with the right protection. Take a look at some essential concrete pump safety factors to remember:

1. Operator Training

Before any concrete pumping can start, you need trained and certified operators. Concrete pump operators should know everything about the equipment’s safety protocols, functions and operating procedures before starting. Make sure you choose certified operators for this task — they’ll know about setup, maintenance and operation, ensuring the job gets done correctly. Additionally, invest in ongoing training and certification to keep your operators up-to-date on the latest industry standards and practices.

2. Proper Setup

Another step you need to take before starting is setup. Proper setup ensures the pump and components are ready and secure for pumping, protecting your team and site. Check over hoses, fittings and couplings for any damage or wear. You should also make sure the pump is on stable ground and properly supported. Proper setup will minimize ruptures, malfunctions and other high-pressure safety hazards.

3. Emergency Shutdown Procedures

Safety procedures are essential for any equipment operation. When a malfunction or emergency happens, your operators need to know how to quickly shut down the machine to prevent injuries. You should have clear emergency shutdown protocols and regular reviews to help protect everyone onsite. Emergency protocols can cover shutting off the pump, relieving system pressure and securing the site to prevent anyone from accessing it.

4. Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must for anyone working around concrete pumps. PPE like silica dust respirator masks, gloves, goggles, helmets, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing, and ear protection are non-negotiable. Quality PPE protects operators and workers from head, eye and hand injuries, along with dangerous trips and falls. PPE is vital for keeping your team safe on the job.

Safety Considerations for Concrete Pump Purchases

If you’re ready to invest in a concrete pump, you need to know it will perform safely and reliably. Do your research and find equipment that’s going to keep your team safe without sacrificing your productivity. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a safe concrete pump:

Safety features: Look for concrete pumps equipped with essential safety features. Options like pressure relief valves, emergency shutdown systems and safety interlocks help prevent accidents and malfunctions.
Manufacturer reputation: Choose a reputable manufacturer known for their safe, high-quality equipment. You want to ensure you’re getting the best possible product, so do some research. Look at certifications, customer reviews and compliance with industry safety standards.
Maintenance requirements: Make sure to look at the pump’s maintenance needs. Does your team have the resources to perform the necessary inspections, repairs and servicing? Maintenance is essential for keeping equipment safe and in good condition.
Operator training: Ensure your concrete pump comes with training manuals and materials. Even a certified operator needs to read over the equipment’s exact operation guide to use it safely.
Compliance: Check with the seller to make sure the concrete pump is regulation-compliant. It should meet all relevant safety standards and regulations – non-compliance can lead to accidents and fines.
Supplier support: Supplier support is a great benefit to have with your concrete pump purchase. Some suppliers will offer ongoing support, repairs and training to ensure you get the safest concrete pump possible. Having the option of more support gives you an expert resource to use when you have questions or machine problems.

Concrete Pump Safety Tips

Here’s a quick rundown of some safety tips to help you use your concrete pump effectively:

Always wear your PPE.
Prep the ground before starting with outrigger pads.
Use the latest safety protocols when pumping.
Communicate with agreed-on hand signals.
Use safety straps and check them for wear before starting.
Only let certified operators use concrete pumps.
Watch out for hazards like loose dirt and power lines.
Be aware of your surroundings while using the concrete pump.
Get equipment inspected regularly.

Get Concrete Pumps From DY Concrete Pumps

DY is an expert in all things concrete pump. Our high-quality concrete pumps are made with advanced robotic welding techniques and high-grade steel. We offer boom pumps, lift pumps and used concrete pumps to help you get the tools you need for the job. As a CPMA-certified company, you can trust us to deliver industry-leading quality and safety with every concrete pump.

With comprehensive replacement parts selections and an expert pump repair service, DY has the solution for you. If you want to take your concrete work to the next level, contact us online today!