angle of 120°.
The load-bearing part is fixed by means of anchor
PLACING BOOMS
A concrete placing boom is the final element of concrete mixture
pipeline transportation system. It is designed to deliver the concrete
mixture for discharging where and when required, therefore, similar
to cranes, it must be equipped with at least two mechanisms: boom
extension and rotation. The mechanisms can be both manually and
hydraulically actuated, hence, booms are differentiated between
mechanical (manually controlled) and hydraulically or electrically
controlled. This article aims at describing the areas for using various
categories of concrete placing booms.
It is known as a boom concrete pump because it uses a remote-
controlled articulating robotic arm (called a boom) to place concrete
accurately. Boom pumps are used on most of the larger construction
projects as they are capable of pumping at very high volumes and
because of the labor saving nature of the placing boom.
A concrete placing boom is plant incorporating an articulating boom,
capable of power operated slewing and luffing to place concrete by
way of pumping through a pipeline attached to, or forming part of, the
boom of the plant.
Various types of concrete placing booms are available in order to
meet your specific requirements: stationary, self-climbing, rail-
mounted, floor-mounted and even ship-mounted concrete placing
booms. The self-climbing models allow the boom climbing by itself.
The rail-mounted are featuring the ability to meet the demands for
concrete placement of long span or high-rise structures and large
surfaces. With the ship-mounted model it is easy to work in water,
with vertical reach related to tower-body height. Mobile models
combine excellent mobility, wide application, high utilization, high
safety and reliability, easy transportation by means of a crane.
Concrete Placing Boom Types
1. STATIONARY - In recent
years these booms have been
widely used in cast-in-place
construction of high-rise
structures, with large area and
complex configuration, together
with stationary concrete pumps.
This machine allows for
continuously supplying the
concrete mixture without
wasting time for concrete loading and lifting. The mixture may be
lifted and continuously discharged in the required location while the
structure is being built-up vertically and horizontally. The machine is
capable of supplying an area with an outreach of 50 meters and more
without the need to move the equipment in the horizontal direction. If
it is necessary to change the height of concrete mixture supply, the
crane mast can be extended fairly quickly by means of telescoping,
even when complex-shaped constructions are built, for example, oval
or polygonal. It is this type of booms that was used for building the
tallest concrete structure in the world, Burg Khalifa Dubai sky-
scraper, and is being used now in the project of Kingdom Tower in
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 1,000 m high, where as many as 3 booms type
SPB35 and 2 booms type SPB30 are installed simultaneously.
Globally, over 30 boom models are manufactured. However, if one
takes into account the modifications in terms of mast height and
cross-section, its telescoping method, the method of fixing the mast to
the building’s structure, the actuator type of boom rotation
mechanism, the method of boom folding and unfolding, this number
will be even greater. Currently, despite some difference in concepts, a
certain stereotype has been formed for designing these machines. The
machine has a load-bearing part that is essentially either two crossing
beams (cross-piece) or three beams connected to each other at an
bolts, either to a dedicated foundation, or to building floor slab. An
alternative option for immobilizing is possible, using counter-weights
to surcharge the ends of each load-bearing beam. The load-bearing
part is used to install the mast or tower that may be essentially a solid
pipe (round, square, hexagonal or octagonal) or mesh, if the height is
between 10 and 45 m. During operation, the mast can be extended by
telescoping, as it is provided in its design. The telescoping
mechanism can be designed as a rack-and-pinion, or using a hydraulic
cylinder (more common). The telescoping speed is 0.5-0.8 m/min
regardless of the method. The tower is passed through building floors
using either engineering equipment openings (elevators, cable shafts,
etc.), or dedicated openings are provided that are subsequently sealed
by cast-in-place concrete. For heights up to 20 m, the mast is free-
standing. For greater heights, it is supported by a mounting frame,
installed on the floor slab and fixed to it using through bolts. The
tower’s top section contains a swivel head with the boom and
concrete-conveying pipe installed on a crown. The crown provides for
an average rotation rate of 0.4-0.5 rpm in the horizontal direction. The
angle of rotation is typically up to 370°, and with some
manufacturers, it is 570°. Further rotation is limited by the concrete-
conveying pipe. The crown is selected based on the static load and
bending moment that it is exposed to, taking into account the dynamic
factor. Boom rotation mechanism is installed on a special platform
that is rigidly connected to the mast. Its actuator can be either
electrical or hydraulic. Hydraulic actuators are preferable, because the
boom extension mechanism can be only hydraulic, hence a hydraulic
pack is always present. The hydraulic pack is not loaded during the
boom rotation, and it is not sensible to use two types of energy.
- The distribution hose on the boom is typically 3-4 m
long. This ensures sufficient ease of controlling it when placing
concrete mixture, despite its rigidity and counter torque. It should be
noted that stationary mast booms are divided into two types
depending whether a boom counterweight is used or not [16]:
a. without counterweight jib;
b. with counterweight jib.
- In order to define the borderline between the two above-
mentioned types, information on both machine types that are
currently being manufactured has been collected. This information
was summarized in a table (not included in this article). Similar to
other boom-type cranes used in construction, the main comparison
parameter was defined as the outreach of concrete mixture supply
rubberized hose that always hangs vertically regardless of boom
position and configuration. Concrete mixture supply outreach is the
distance between the axis of rotating boom section rotation and the
hose centerline, horizontally measured. By analyzing the series of
specifications for various manufacturers in terms of maximum
outreach, it was revealed that booms with an outreach of 28-36 m are
the most common (48.27%). The second important group is machines
with an outreach of 16 to 24 m (27.58%), and a slightly smaller group
is machines with an outreach of 36-52 m (24.15%). The working area
of up to 16 m is mainly served by rotary booms that have gained new
momentum in recent years, while the working area of over 52 m is
preferable for booms installed on tower cranes.
2. MANUAL TYPE / ROTARY MECHANICAL BOOM –
Manual type concrete pump placing boom (cloth rod) Introduction
Concrete pump placing boom is a new product developed to enlarge
the pouring range of concrete and improve the mechanization of
pumping construction. It is a
supporting equipment of
concrete conveying pump,
which is connected with
concrete conveying pump, and
expands the range of concrete
pump delivery. It effectively
solves the problem of the wall
pouring cloth, and plays an
important role in improving the construction efficiency and
alleviating the labor intensity. This concrete pump placing boom
design is reasonable, the structure is stable and reliable, the use of
360° full swing arm-type fabric structure, the whole machine easy to
operate, rotating flexible, with high efficiency, energy saving,
economic and practical characteristics.
- Booms of first class are used for centralized supply of concrete
mixture via a concrete-conveying pipe fixed on the machine as a part
of its load-carrying structure, and connected with the concrete pump
by a stationary pipeline. Mechanical booms are placed in the required
location with a crane and are ready for operation without the need to
connect additional power supplies. The entire boom or its head
section are rotated using only a person’s muscle power. Low
resistance rotation in the central journal, small weight, sufficient
length and rotary hinge locks ensure that boom sections can be easily
turned by a single person, and precisely located in the required
position. A flexible hose is mounted on the second section end of
concrete-placing boom to ensure that concrete mixture can be poured
into the shuttering or on the floor slab with the highest precision.
- Currently, the following types of rotary mechanical booms are
produced:
1. With the head section rotating up to 160° relative to the root
section, in both directions of the horizontal plane; the boom is
supported by a fixed three or four-post frame via the slewing
ring.
2. With the head section rotating up to 160° relative to the root
section, in both directions of the horizontal plane, and capable
of lifting vertically to 3-5.5 m.
3. With the head section rotating up to 160° relative to the root
section, in both directions of the horizontal plane; the boom is
supported by a column up to 3 m high mounted on a four-post
frame.
- Type 1 booms can be installed on a rail truck mounted directly on
the horizontal reinforcement mesh behind the concreting area. During
operation, such booms are fixed on the rails using special clamps.
They are moved together with the concreting area, and the track is
partially disassembled. Type 1 mechanical concrete-placing booms
are used only for concreting horizontal floor slab areas and only when
using more complex equipment for supplying the concrete mixture is
economically or technically unreasonable, for example, when
working on a large area or on a height that exceeds the specifications
of the concrete pump truck.
- These booms are produced with an outreach of 6.6 to 15 m, supply
height of up to 1.5 m and can provide a concreting area of up to 700
m2. Type 2 boom is more versatile, as it allows for pouring the
concrete mixture not only on a horizontal surface, but, thanks to its
slope, it can be used for constructing store walls and partitions. In this
case, the head section is lifted by a hydraulic cylinder using a hand-
operated pump. Such booms have an outreach of 14 m, lifting height
of up to 4.7 m, and a working area covered by one unit of up to 530
m2.
3. SELF PROPELLED / TRUCK MOUNTED - These booms
mounted on a truck or crawler chassis are now used very widely. The
classification does not present self-propelled concrete placing booms,
because they are all structurally similar. Concrete pump trucks consist
of two main elements: transfer
pump with a hopper where the
concrete mixture is poured into,
and the boom carrying the pipes
that supply material into the
shuttering with various heights
and outreaches. Operation of a
concrete pump truck involves
frequent change of location,
therefore the boom design provides for folding it into the
transportation position. for example, when working on a large area or
on a height that exceeds the specifications of the concrete pump truck.
Concrete mixture supply booms consist of several sections that are
hinged together. This ensures their high maneuverability, good
approachability to the mixture placing location, as well as the
transportation function. A major benefit of applying concrete pump
trucks is that their design includes a screw concrete mixer. After the
concrete mixture is loaded into the concrete pump truck hopper, it is
maintained in the necessary condition throughout the entire
transportation time period and up to the time when concreting is
started. The latest models of concrete pump trucks already are
equipped with an innovative system for purging the concrete-
conveying pipe by means of an air compressor. Maximum supply
height of such booms can be up to 66 m, with the outreach of up to 60
m. The height and outreach will hardly be increased further, as it
results in certain problems with operating such trucks, namely,
difficulties with efficiently controlling the truck when it is moved
from one construction site to another, as well as when pouring
concrete, and safety issues.
DEFENITION OF TERMS
 Additive: A material which is added to concrete to change the
properties of the mix.
 Ball Catcher: a device fitted to the delivery end of a pipeline
designed to catch the sponge rubber device used for cleaning the
pipeline.
 Banksman/ Spotter: A person who is competent to give directions to
the operator of a vehicle-mounted concrete pump during maneuvering
of the vehicle on site by a recognized code of signals or by verbal
communication.
 Blanking device: A component designed by the concrete pump
manufacturer fitted securely at the outlet end of a placing or delivery
hose with a coupling or other device to prevent concrete from falling
out of the hose whilst the concrete placing boom is being moved to a
new position.
 Linesman: Person supplied by Owner or Hirer trained to work with
concrete delivery pipelines.
 Owner: Company, firm or person letting the concrete pump on hire,
including their successors, assignees or personal representatives.
 Pipelines or Delivery Lines: Pipes, whether steel or rubber, through
which the concrete is conveyed. They will include, pipes, bends,
hoses, coupling connectors and any valves inserted in the line.
 Placing Hose: A flexible hose to provide freedom of movement in
the final placing of concrete.
 Receiving Hopper: The area into which the mixed concrete is
discharged prior to being pumped into position.
 Remote Control Box: A portable control panel which is connected to
the concrete pump by a wired or wireless system, allowing the
concrete pump operator to operate the machine from a remote
position. The control levers / switches may operate the placing boom
movements, the concrete pump and the vehicle engine.
 Safety Induction Training: Instruction given to the Hirer to
communicate, for example, the site safety rules, safe access on the
site and the location of welfare facilities.
 Spotter: A person who has had training to give directions to the
concrete pump operator by a recognized code of signals or by verbal
communication.
 Sponge Rubber Cleaning Device: A piece of sponge rubber, usually
in the shape of a ball, which is inserted into the delivery pipeline for
the purpose of cleaning the inside of the pipes. It is propelled along
the pipeline either by the action of the pump (forward or reverse), by
compressed air or by water pressure.
 Stabilizers: Extendable structural members on the pump unit to
increase the dimensions of the stability base.
 Trailer-mounted Concrete Pump: A concrete pump mounted on a
trailer that can be towed (also known as a static pump).
 Truck-mounted Concrete Pump: A concrete pump mounted on a
self-propelled lorry.
 Wash Out Adapter: A short length of pipe with one end blanked off
and a connection for a water/ compressed air hose for cleaning
purposes. A secondary valve(s) should be fitted for releasing the
pressure when necessary in addition to a working pressure gauge.
SAFETY TIPS
 The aim of this guidance is to improve standards of safety during
concrete pumping and reduce the incidence of collapse of concrete
pump rigs and injuries due to incidents involving pressurization of
pipework or other equipment.
1. SELECTION OF PERSONNEL
- The safe operation of a concrete pump relies heavily on the selection of
suitable personnel who are competent to carry out the required duties.
Those responsible for the selection should ensure that an operator is
efficiently organized in order to promote good teamwork in the working
situation.
- Nobody should be selected whose efficiency is impaired by alcohol or
drugs. The Administration must issued a guidance note “Intoxicants at
Work” to avoid accidents while on work hours or when in job site or
workplace.
- The concrete pump operator should:
a) be competent;
b) be over 18 years of age if operating a concrete pump on the site and
over 18 years of age if driving a concrete pump on the road. If driving
a concrete pump on the road, the operator must fulfill all necessary
requirements under road safety legislation;
c) have adequate communication skills;
d) be medically and physically fit, with particular regard to eyesight,
hearing and reflexes.
e) be physically able to operate the concrete pump safely;
f) be able to judge distances, heights and clearances;
g) be adequately trained for the class of concrete pump which he
operates.
h) have sufficient knowledge of the machine and its safety devices;
i) be fully conversant with the duties of the spotter and should
understand the signals code agreed with him;
j) have adequate communication skills;
k) be medically and physically fit, with particular regard to eyesight,
hearing and reflexes (see 3.2);
l) be physically able to operate the concrete pump safely;
m) be able to judge distances, heights and clearances;
n) be adequately trained for the class of concrete pump which he
operates (see 2.6);
o) have sufficient knowledge of the machine and its safety devices;
p) be fully conversant with the duties of the spotter and should
understand the signals code agreed with him;
q) be authorized to operate the machine; and
r) in the case of a mobile concrete pump operator expected to move the
pump, be qualified to drive a large goods vehicle (Class C).
2. MEDICAL FITNESS
- Employers have a duty to both ensure the health of their employees and to
ensure that any employee is fit to undertake the tasks they are required to
carry out.
3. SPOTTER REQUIREMENTS
- An appointed spotter should be able to:
I. relay signals from the placing gang to the pump operator;
II. direct safe movement of the concrete placing boom; and
III. give clear and precise verbal instructions where audio equipment is
used, for example, a two-way radio.
4. MANAGEMENT OF THE CONCRETE PUMPING
OPERATION
- All concrete pumping pours should be planned to ensure that they
are completed safely and that all significant foreseeable risks have
been taken into account. Planning should be carried out by personnel
who have the appropriate expertise. In cases of repetitive concrete
pours to and from one location this planning may only be necessary in
the first instance, with periodic reviews to ensure that no factors have
changed. The concrete pump Owner should be able to supply a risk
assessment to the customer, detailing the generic risks in concrete
pumping.
5. SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK
- Following a site specific risk assessment, a safe system of work
should be established by the Hirer and this should be followed for
every concrete pumping operation whether it is an individual pour or
a series of pours.
- The safe system of work should cover arrangements for all aspects
of work from the concrete pumping rigs arrival to its departure,
including:
a. the preparation of a method statement,
b. the planning of the operation,
c. the selection, provision and use of a suitable concrete pump and
boom,
d. the need for additional delivery pipes in addition to the standard kit
carried,
e. the position of the concrete pump and any necessary preparation of
the site for its positioning,
f. the site of the pour, taking into account proximity hazards, space
availability and suitability of the ground to support the weight of the
concrete pump,
g. the provision of properly trained and competent personnel who
have been made aware of their relevant responsibilities,
h. the requirement for all personnel to be able to communicate
clearly,
i. adequate supervision by competent personnel,
j. ensuring that all necessary documentation is valid and available for
inspection,
k. preventing unauthorized use of the concrete pump and boom,
l. ensuring the safety of persons not involved in the pumping
operation,
m. the provision of a clean-out area, taking into consideration all
environmental issues,
n. the provision of an adequate piped water supply at the pump
position,
o. the provision of a supply of suitable and sufficient concrete of a
consistency which is readily pumped at a sustainable rate, and
p. adequate lighting.
6. SELECTION OF CONCRETE PUMP RIGS BEFORE
DEPLOYMENT
Size and Pumping Capacity
- Concrete pumps are available in a number of sizes and pumping
capacities. The characteristics of each concrete pump should be
considered in relation to the job requirements.
Documentation
- When the rig arrives at site the following documentation should be
available prior to the start of the pumping operation:
• Inspection Report – we recommend that the concrete pump be
inspected at least annually and the information set out in appendix 3
 be recorded during these inspections and be made available in the
form of an inspection report.
• Declaration of Conformity if less than 12 months old or if the pump
has undergone a substantial alteration in the past 12 months.
• Evidence of operator training.
• Evidence of pre-delivery checks.
• Daily /weekly check sheets. Evidence of the Roadworthiness
Inspection Sheets should be supplied if requested.
7. ARRIVAL ON SITE AND SETTING UP THE MACHINE
- The concrete pump operator is responsible for the correct operation
of the concrete pump in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and within safe systems of work.
On Arrival
- On arrival, the concrete pump operator must report to the site office.
Site Induction
- The concrete pump operator must attend site safety induction
training as required by the Project Supervisor for the Construction
Stage (PSCS). The provider of the training may determine that the
delivery of induction training on the first visit to the site is sufficient
but may insist on further training if site conditions change
significantly
Authorized Access Routes
- It is the Hirer’s responsibility to assess the ground conditions and
confirm its suitability to support the equipment. The concrete pump
operator should only use authorized routes across the site. Where
possible, site routes should be taken to eliminate reversing. Where
this is not possible, the Hirer/contractor should supply a banksman/
spotter to assist with reversing when necessary. The use of CCTV
cameras and other visual aids should be considered to reduce the risk
of collisions.
Overhead Power Lines
- Overhead power-lines must be considered when setting up the
machine; the boom must never be positioned where it might touch
overhead lines or where electricity might arc to the boom. A safe
method of working in the vicinity of overhead cables must be
included, if appropriate, in the overall safe system of work.
Proximity of Cranes and Other High Reach Equipment
- Regard should be given to the proximity of cranes or other concrete
pump booms, especially when working areas overlap.
Maximum Operating Wind Speed
- The manufacturer of the machine specifies the maximum wind
speed in which it is safe to operate a concrete placing boom. The
pump Owner must supply this information to the Hirer. It is the
responsibility of the Hirer to verify that the wind speed at the site is
not in excess of the limit specified by the manufacturer.
Pre-use Checks
- The function of all controls and safety devices should be checked by
the concrete pump operator for correct working before pumping
commences.
Guards
- Guards to all dangerous moving machinery must be in place at all
times while the machine is working.
Pipelines
- Pipelines for conveying concrete from the pump to the pour position
may be supplied and set up in a number of ways:
1. For basic single pours where the distance from the pump to the
pour point does not exceed approximately 30m, the Owner will
generally send the pump, operator and standard pipeline equipment to
site. The operator sets the pipeline up, with assistance from site,
carries out the pour and removes the equipment from site.
2. For basic single pours where the distance from the pump to the
pour point exceeds approximately 30m, the Owner will generally
send the pump and operator to site with a second person (linesman)
and a vehicle containing the pipeline equipment. The operator and
linesman set the pipeline up with assistance from site personnel and
carry out the pour. After the pour, the equipment and pipeline is
removed from site.
3. For multiple pours, the pipeline is normally delivered to site and set
up beforehand, remaining on site until the pours have been
completed. The pipeline can either be set up by Owner’s personnel or
the Hirer’s personnel. The concrete pump will then come to site with
the operator, and possibly a linesman, to carry out each pour. It is
essential that responsibility for the pipeline is agreed between the
Owner and Hirer.
4. On large contracts the Hirer may choose to supply their own
pipeline which they will set up themselves and maintain. The Owner
will then send the pump to site as required whilst the Hirer takes full
responsibility for the pipeline.
- Whichever method of supply and set up is used, it is essential that
the operation is planned effectively and that each element of the line
must be capable of resisting the likely maximum pressure exerted by
the concrete pump. The installation should be inspected by a
competent person before being taken into use, to ensure that it is safe.
This inspection should include checks that all couplings have been
fitted with gaskets and safety pins and that flexible hoses have not
been used in place of steel bends.
8. Control of Noise
- The combination of the noise levels from different items of plant
may exceed the action levels in the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work
(General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 1 of Part 5: Control
of Noise at Work. If this excess noise level cannot be eliminated or
reduced to a safe level, the concrete pump operator should be
supplied with appropriate ear defenders and be instructed on the use
of them in accordance with the Regulations.
- If operators are exposed to daily noise levels of 80 decibels (dBs) or
any instantaneous exposures of 135 dBs, his employer must make
available to them preventive audiometric testing. If operators are
exposed to daily noise levels of 85 dBs or any instantaneous
exposures of 137 dBs exposures or equivalent, they must be offered
by their employers the services of a registered medical practitioner to
carry out hearing checks and audiometric testing.
9. Remote Controls
- The availability of a remote control box, whether operated by cable
or by radio signals, allows the concrete pump operator to select the
optimum position from which to operate the pump and boom. This
position will vary according to the work in hand. The concrete pump
operator should select the position that offers the safest overall
position for the job. When a remote control box is in use, any other
controls on the machine must be effectively isolated.
10. Use of Spotter Requirement for Spotter
- If the concrete pump operator is required to position himself where
he cannot see the concrete placing gang, the Hirer must supply a
spotter to give appropriate signals to the concrete pump operator.
Signal Code
- A code of signals must be agreed between the concrete pump
operator and a representative of the concrete placing gang before
pumping starts.
11. Concrete Level Monitor
- When the concrete pump operator cannot see the concrete level in
the machine’s receiving hopper, it is the responsibility of the concrete
pump supplier to arrange a competent person to monitor the level of
concrete in the receiving hopper and convey signals to the concrete
pump operator when the level is at its safe minimum. It is not
acceptable to hold the driver of the ready-mixed concrete truck
responsible for advising the concrete pump operator when the
concrete level is low in the receiving hopper. In certain situations it
might be feasible to have mutual arrangements between drivers to
check the level of concrete in the hoppers. However, this must be
agreed prior to commencing work and must be facilitated by the
nature of the pour.
12. Personnel in the Vicinity of the Concrete Pump
- Before the concrete is flowing smoothly from delivery hose, or
when a blockage occurs in the boom pipeline, all personnel should
remain clear of the delivery hose and the placing boom. The danger
zone is the area around the delivery hose in which the delivery hose
 can strike out. The diameter of the zone is twice the length of the
delivery hose.
13. Pipeline Blockages
- Clearing pipeline blockages is a potentially hazardous task, as
workable concrete has such a short life. If a blockage is detected, then
it’s vital that it be cleared as quickly as possible. A clear risk
assessment and robust method statement setting out roles and
responsibilities should be in place to minimize the possibility of
accidents. All personnel dealing with the pipeline should be trained in
what to do in the event of blockages. Whilst the concrete pump
operator may be the person on site with the most experience of
clearing blockages, it is unreasonable to expect him to have control
over a long pipeline. It is important to remember that overall
responsibility for the management of the operation will rest with the
Hirer.
- If the concrete pump operator needs to open the delivery pipeline to
clear a blockage, he must first release the pressure inside the pipeline
as much as possible, for example by reversing the pumping action.
The pipeline must be treated as being pressurized at all times.
Appropriate and adequate hand and eye protection must be worn
when opening the delivery pipeline. The Hirer/ (sub) contractor
should ensure that site personnel DO NOT under any circumstance
open or attempt to open the delivery pipeline under pressure.
- Where a blockage has to be cleared the following procedure should
be followed:
• Stop pumping immediately
• Reverse the pump until the pressure is released (DO NOT increase
the pressure to clear the blockage as an alternative to the following
procedure)
• Locate area of blockage, check the following:
o reducer (if applicable),
o bends,
o flexible rubber hoses, and
o outlet of pump.
• Establish an exclusion zone (move non-essential personnel out of
the area)
• Disconnect the delivery pipeline at the safest point near to the
blockage
• Clean out the blockage, re-prime and re-connect ensuring that safety
pins and clips are in place
• Recommence pumping operation to ensure blockage is clear, if not
repeat the procedure as above
14. Exhaust Fumes
- Arrangements must be made to extract exhaust fumes when the
machine is operating inside a building or a confined space.
15. Leaving the Concrete Pump Unattended
- If the concrete pump has to be left unattended, the operation of the
boom and pump must be isolated.
16. Maximum Hose Length
- The maximum length of end hose to be suspended from the end of a
boom is specified by the manufacturer and must not be exceeded as
this may affect the strength and/or stability of the pump unit.
17. Falling Concrete
- Concrete must be prevented from falling out of the delivery hose
when the boom is being maneuvered over personnel or property.
Where necessary, a Blanking Device, fitted in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, should be used.
18. Use of Concrete Placing Boom as a Crane
- The boom must never be used as a means of hoisting/lifting
equipment or personnel.
19. SECURING PINS
- Purpose designed securing pins must be fitted to all pipe couplings
to prevent them from opening accidentally.
- The tip hose should also be fitted with safety straps/chains to
prevent the hose falling in the event of pin failure.
20. HOPPER
- The hopper contains mixer paddles on a revolving shaft. Access
doors and an interlocked protective grille must be fitted to prevent
persons from coming into contact with the moving machinery. The
interlock, a switch usually located at the hopper grille, prevents
operation of the machine when dangerous moving parts inside the
hopper can be accessed. The hopper grille must be in a closed
position at all times during the pumping operation.
 SITE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
- The concrete pump operator must comply with the site’s traffic
management arrangements. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to
ensure that alterations in the site traffic management arrangements
necessitated by the presence of the mobile concrete pump and
concrete-mixer lorries are adequate and implemented.
 WASHING OUT OF READY-MIX TRUCK CHUTES
- Site managers should ensure that ready-mixed concrete trucks do
not wash out their chutes into the receiving hopper of the concrete
pump. This can cause damage to the pump unit and affect concrete
quality. Washing out arrangements should be agreed between site
management and ready-mix concrete suppliers.
WORK WITH PIPELINES
 RESOURCES
- The Hirer is responsible for providing adequate resources to assist
the concrete pump operator in handling pipes and accessories.
 SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT
- Pipes and couplings must be selected in accordance with the
anticipated pressure in the pipeline.
 INSPECTION
- The concrete pump operator/Hirer should carry out regular
inspections of the standard delivery pipeline supplied with the
machine, in accordance with a planned maintenance schedule to
ensure that they are fit for continued use.
 SETUP OF PIPELINES
- The setting up of all pipelines, not supported by the machine, should
be under the direction and control of the Hirer.
 PIPELINE SUPPORT
- All pipelines must be adequately supported.
 COUPLINGS
- All couplings must be in good order and correctly fitted with a good
rubber seal and a securing pin. The bolts of bolted couplings must be
capable of being tightened fully.
PIPELINES FITTED TO
SCAFFOLDING
 LOADINGS AND ATTACHMENT
- Before a pipeline is fitted to a scaffold/false work, the Hirer must
confirm that the scaffolding/ false work is designed and constructed
to take the extra loading to be imposed. Purpose-made clips must be
used to attach the pipeline to the scaffold/ false work.
 WORKING PLATFORMS
- Working platforms, in compliance with the Safety, Health and
Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 Part 4
Work at Height, must be provided for the purpose of attaching
pipelines to scaffolding.
CLEANING OUT THE MACHINE
- Cleaning out a concrete pump and its concrete placing boom is a
specialist operation, which is to be left to the concrete pump operator.
If the concrete pump operator requires assistance when cleaning out
the delivery line, this must be carried out under supervision.
 WATER SUPPLY
- Truck-mounted concrete pumps generally carry their own supply of
water for cleaning the boom pipes and hopper. However, in cases of
more than one pour, it may be necessary for the site to provide a
water supply. Trailer or skid-mounted concrete pumps need a separate
water supply or bowser.
 DESIGNATED WASHOUT AREAS - Other PPE should be supplied when a risk assessment deems this
- The cleaning process involves the deposit of some waste concrete necessary.
on the site. The concrete pump must only be washed out in the area
designated by the Hirer.
 ISOLATING THE PUMP
- Before working in the receiving hopper, the concrete pump operator
should always switch off the engine and remove the keys, vent the
hydraulic pressure and ensure that the agitator control lever is in the
neutral position.
 WORKING AT HEIGHT
- When considering the risk of working at height during the cleaning
process, the hierarchy of control should be followed.
 HIERARCHY OF MEASURES
a. Avoid work at height wherever possible and actively seek solutions
to facilitate this.
b. If this is not possible, use “collective” means of prevention such as
guardrails.
c. If this is not possible, use “personal” means of prevention such as
work restraint.
d. If this is not possible, use “collective” means of protection such as
air bags or nets.
e. If this is not possible, use a personal fall protection system such as
a work positioning system or fall arrest system.
 SELECTION OF PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION
EQUIPMENT
- Where a risk assessment indicates that a personal fall protection
system is required, a working positioning system should always be
used in preference to a fall arrest system. Where the use of fall arrest
personal fall protection systems is unavoidable, there will be a risk of
the wearer being left suspended following a fall and arrangements
must be made to ensure that they can be rescued in a safe and timely
manner.

LEAVING THE SITE (TRUCK-

MOUNTED PUMPS)
 STOWING
- Before leaving the site, the concrete pump operator must ensure that
the concrete placing boom is properly stowed and that all equipment
is securely loaded.
 EMPTYING THE RECEIVING HOPPER
- Concrete should not be carried in the receiving hopper on the
highway.
 CHECKING OF TYRES
- The vehicle tyres should be checked for damage, cuts, nails or
screws in the tread and material trapped between twin wheels.
 APPROPRIATE PPE
- Depending on the circumstances and the risk assessment in
operation, the PPE worn by the concrete pump operator should
generally include:
• a safety helmet to EN 397,
• footwear to EN ISO 20345,
• overalls,
• suitable eye protection to EN 166 (Mechanical strength -S -
increased robustness),
• ear defenders to EN 352,
• fall protection equipment,
• high visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471,
• impervious gloves/gauntlets to EN 374-2, and
• waterproof clothing as necessary to EN 343.
 CHARGING FOR PPE
- Concrete pump operators should not be charged a cost for PPE.
 PPE REPLACEMENT
- PPE should be replaced by the employer as necessary.
 ADDITIONAL PPE