Two safety tips to keep in mind when using a concrete pump
Concrete pumps play a crucial role in many construction projects. Here are two safety tips that should be kept in mind by anyone who needs to use this type of equipment.
Keep the concrete pump truck stabilised throughout the pumping process
A concrete pump is normally mounted onto the back of a truck; this enables those involved in the concrete pumping process to easily move the equipment from one area of a construction site to another.
However, accidents can occur if this truck is left in an unstable position. For example, if it is parked too close to the edge of a trench, there is a risk that it could topple over into this opening. In this situation, not only would the truck driver end up being crushed but the concrete housed inside the pump could end up splattering onto nearby workers.
Concrete can cause severe burns and lacerations if it comes into contact with a person's skin. As such, any splatters that land on the workers' hands, forearms or other exposed body parts could leave them with serious and very painful wounds.
Likewise, if the concrete pump truck is parked on a steep slope, it could tumble downwards which could, in turn, cause concrete to spill all over nearby workers.
As such, it is critical for those who have been tasked with driving the concrete pump truck to make sure that they only drive and park it on level, solid ground, where there is little to no risk of it being thrown off balance.
Insist that everyone involved wears safety gear
As mentioned above, exposure to even small quantities of wet concrete can cause extremely painful cuts and burns. As such, it is essential for anyone who will be working in the vicinity of the concrete pump truck to wear safety gear (even if they will not be directly involved in the pumping process).
The reason for this is that concrete emerges from concrete pumps extremely quickly and forcefully. As a result of this, it can sometimes create a large splash when it falls on the surface that is being poured onto. This can lead to some drops of concrete landing on people standing several metres away from the pump.
If even a single droplet of this substance gets into one of these people's unprotected eyes, they could end up with permanently-impaired vision. Similarly, if their uncovered arms are struck by some airborne drops of concrete, they may be left with permanent severe scarring as result of the burn they sustain.
In short, safety gear should be worn by absolutely everyone during the pumping process. This safety gear should be comprised of shatter-resistant goggles, and waterproof, long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers (in this situation, standard long-sleeved tops and trousers will not suffice, as their absorbency means that any concrete which falls onto them will seep through and come into contact with the wearer's skin).