Concrete Pump Truck Set Up - Common Do's and Don'ts
Joe Whiteman, director of safety services

As concrete contractors, having a concrete pump truck on your jobsite may be as common as a house having a front door. As regular as that piece of equipment may be on the project, using it can easily become routine, and routine can lead to complacency. When complacency sets in questions aren’t asked, and things get taken for granted, forgotten, or overlooked. Pump truck set up is something you do not want to take for granted. These are a few of the common do’s and don’ts that should help stave off complacency and stay vigilant and mindful when we set up.

Don’t:

• Don’t assume the ground or soils condition is sufficient to support the weight of outriggers.
• Don’t rush and set the pump truck up near overhead obstacles or power lines.
• Don’t use the boom as a crane for hoisting.
• Don’t climb on the boom or hydraulic lines.
• Don’t clear a clogged hose while it is under pressure.
• Don’t expose workers to the hose end when the pump is priming the system and hose.
• Don’t allow untrained workers to handle the hose, work near the hopper, or operate the pump truck.

Do:

• Verify ground conditions and ensure proper cribbing is utilized.
• Verify set back distances when setting up near a trench or excavation.
• Verify pump truck logistics on site to ensure adequate space for proper set up, and safe concrete delivery access.
• Verify that outriggers are fully extended. If “short rigging” is necessary, verify manufacturer of pump truck allows for that.
• Ensure all parts of the pump truck including the boom cannot come in contact with power lines.
• Ensure a safe path of travel for concrete trucks and other workers.
• Perform a “dry run” function check and extend the boom in the area it will operate to identify potential obstacles or hazards. Verify the boom can be properly articulated and safely extended.
• Ensure an adequate means of communication is available and utilized. Hand signals are good, but if the operator’s view is obstructed radio communication is a safe alternative.
• Coordinate activities on site that may impact concrete boom activities such as other equipment like tower cranes. Ensure right of way responsibilities are identified and proper communication is maintained.

These are just a few of the many do’s and don’ts when setting up a concrete pump truck. There are many more hazards to consider, which lends itself to be a regular topic at your morning safety huddle. Get your crews involved and talk about the hazards often so they do not become complacent.