What Are The Hazards of Concrete Pumping?
Concrete pumping is a handy and convenient service that can help you get your concrete mix to the exact area of your site where it is needed.
Traditionally, people would use wheelbarrows to manually transport concrete, pouring the mix into the wheelbarrow before moving it to the pour site. However, this process is extremely labour-intensive and can be wasteful as it makes spillage more likely.
Step forward concrete pumping. A process that sees your concrete mix pumped through hoses directly into the pour site, it is the most efficient way to transport concrete.
However, there are several concrete pump hazards that you should be aware of, and in this article, Chorley Concrete will take a closer look at the dangers of concrete pumping and how to avoid them.
The hazards of concrete pumping operations
While concrete pumping has a whole host of benefits, you should be aware of some of the hazards of this service.
These include:
Improper hose placement – There are several circumstances where improper hose placement can cause a problem. When using boom pumps that can lift a mix to great heights, it’s important to make sure there are no powerlines above that may cause a hazard. Likewise, if you’re using line pumps along the ground, hoses should not be placed in steep areas or near sudden drops.
Concrete burns – Wet concrete splashing onto exposed skin can be highly dangerous, especially if operators do not have the correct protective gear on. Such burns can cause scarring and even blood poisoning, so it’s important employees are properly clothed and stand well away from concrete as it is poured.
Cleaning the pump – After the concrete has been poured, the pumps will need to be properly cleaned to remove any excess concrete inside. Using compressed air is one of the most effective ways to clean a pump, but if this is not properly monitored, the air pressure can cause the hose to whip around violently causing potential injury to those in the vicinity. With this in mind, people should always stand well back and the air pressure must be monitored throughout this process.
Concrete pump safety
If you’re considering a concrete pump for your next domestic or commercial project, there are a few precautions you should take to ensure maximum safety.
These include:
Using equipment properly – If you’ve hired concrete pumps you must always follow the safety instructions and inspect the equipment before use to check for any wear or damage. Ensure all pipes are properly secured before pumping concrete through them.
Wear the proper safety equipment – Make sure you and all those on your site are wearing the correct safety equipment such as goggles, ear protection, gloves and long sleeves so that no skin is exposed.
Communicate – Throughout the pouring process you should be constantly communicating with the other operators to ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely. This includes instructing people to stand way back when the mix is being poured.
Use a professional concrete company – Hiring a professional and reliable concrete company, such as Chorley Concrete, is a great way to maximise safety as it ensures all of the equipment is being used correctly and in the most efficient manner. Often, a concrete pump risk assessment can also be carried out to identify any safety concerns before the service takes place.
At Chorley Concrete, we provide our customers across the North West with a comprehensive concrete pumping service, supplying both boom and ground line pumps that can seamlessly move your mix with ease. To find out more or to book, contact our expert team today.
