Tips to Prevent Concrete Trailer Pump Accidents

Safety is the most pressing concern of everyone in the concrete pumping industry.

Much of the responsibility for safety rests with the concrete pump operator. So get enough sleep to be ready for the day’s work. With thousands of pounds of equipment in your control, the consequences of a mistake can be fatal. Take the time to operate your machine safely.

Remember that drugs, alcohol and concrete pumps, don’t mix. Do not endanger yourself, your co-workers, or client’s property with irresponsible behavior.

Manual Keep It With Your Machine,Do not leave the yard or operate the concrete pump without the machine’s operator manual. Make sure you read and understand it. Operator manuals are issued with each new unit.

Inspect the Delivery Lines

Thoroughly inspect the concrete trailer pump’s delivery hoses and end hoses for abnormal wear. Check your tires, tire pressure and brakes. A bald tire could cause a blowout and the loss of control while the towing vehicle.

Be sure that the electrical connection between your truck and the trailer are reliable and that the lights on both units are working properly.

Always use safety chains when towing a concrete trailer pump. And, of course, cross the safety chains when hooking them up so that the trailer tongue will be caught if the trailer becomes unhooked.

Consider the safe approach and departure of the concrete mixer trucks and adjust your set-up accordingly. Adjusting trailered concrete pump’s set-up a few degrees could mean the difference between a safe approach and an unsafe approach for the concrete loads. Examples of unsafe approach are too near traffic or too close to an excavation.

Never leave the machine unattended when it is running or ready to run. If you must leave the area, leave someone to monitor the machine.If you are unable to see the point of placement, establish a system of communications with the workmen who will be there. Arrange for radio communications, visual or auditory signal, or a spotter. If a spotter is used, agree on hand signals before beginning the pour.If spectators will be near the job, cordon off an area where they will be safe.Never stand between the concrete mixer and pump, use clear and concise hand signals.

Workers standing near the discharge line must be warned and moved away until all the air has been purged.

Restart the pump and pump forward slowly until all air is removed from the pipeline.

Other reasons for air to be introduced into the pipeline are when initially priming the delivery system, when restarting after moving, or when restarting after adding or removing delivery system.Pipeline must not be disassembled until it has been completely relieved of air.