Preparation of the site
Planning by the builder, hirer or principal contractor
Planning by the concrete pumper
Planning by the builder, hirer or principal contractor
Planning by the builder, hirer or principal contractor should ensure that the site provides a clear, level area of ground with firm base to support the pump unit, clear access to the pump unit for concrete trucks and safe, unobstructed access for the general public if the pump unit is in the street.
It is important to have a clearly defined pump washout area which provides a method for collecting concrete residue to avoid stormwater drains and complies with Environmental Protection Authority requirements.
Additional planning includes the following points:
- the concrete pump is in the best position to pump concrete which allows the pump operator an unobstructed view of the pump and the pour area
- a time schedule for a major concrete pour and planning for weather, volume of concrete, site limitations, equipment back up and capacity
- if compressed air and water lines are supplied, they are placed on site in a way that avoids damage and complies with Australian Standards
For more detailed information on planning requirements, check Section 3.1 of the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2005.
Planning by the concrete pumper
The concrete pumper should consult with the principal contractor or responsible person about the plan for pumping concrete on site.
In addition, the following points are important:
- Providing enough workers to pump concrete safely, including a competent worker to operate the emergency shut down system if necessary.
- The best method for pumping concrete to the pour site.
- The capacity and type of pump to be used and where to place the pump for best access by concrete delivery trucks.
- Ensuring electrical safety including safeguards from nearby powerlines.
- Removing risks to health and safety from manual handling, trip, slip and fall hazards.
- Providing safety equipment including personal protective equipment.
- Keeping maintenance and repair manuals safely on registered premises.
- The pump operator should be trained and competent to use operational manuals and equipment.
- Instruction manuals and maintenance log books should accompany the pump unit and/or boom.
Before starting pumping, the concrete pumper should consult:
- the concrete delivery company - to discuss the measures in place for preventing line blow-outs and for handling multiple truck reversals to the concrete pump
- the truck driver - to discuss the importance of:
- following the directions from traffic controllers or spotters
- the arrangements for multiple trucks reversing to the concrete pump
- standing in a safe place during concrete pumping
For more detailed information, the concrete pumper should check Section 3.2 of the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2005.
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