Follow These Tips to Have an Easy time When Pumping Concrete

Concrete pumps are one of the greatest improvements that have been made to the construction industry. The pumping process has made it possible to effectively deliver concrete many feet above and below the ground level. This makes the construction process simpler than it was when builders had to transfer liquid concrete manually. The equipment used to pump concrete is massive, which creates an additional safety hazard in construction sites. Here are some tips which you can follow to have an easy time pumping concrete.

Check the Position of Powerlines

Powerlines are the number one of source of danger to sites where cement pumping is taking place. Before setting up the equipment, make sure there are no powerlines close to the equipment. If there is a powerline close to the site, identify it as a danger zone and mark it off. Additionally, you can train everyone on ground on simple safety rules to follow when operating near powerlines. Always have a spotter at hand to check whether the boom operator is getting too close to the powerline. Booms should never be used less than 20 feet from powerlines.

Set up the Cribbing

Liquid cement is very dense. If it is not balanced properly, it can break structures and cause massive losses during the pouring process. Cribbing helps create a supportive framework that will evenly distribute the poured concrete. Suppliers will offer you outrigger pads when you are getting the pumping equipment. You can also get wood dunnage to act as additional support to the structure before pouring the cement. The crucial thing is to ensure there is enough support to prevent damage.

Follow the Proper Procedures

Another safety threat in construction sites is the inability to follow procedures. Contractors tend to get overconfident after pumping concrete for a long time, which can lead to mistakes. First, never allow a contractor to replace the work of a crane with a boom. Second, do not allow anyone to handle clogged holes that are under pressure. Ensure everyone steers clear of the discharge end of the cement pipeline, and never allow anyone to climb onto the hydraulic system to have anything cleaned. 

Before starting a concrete pumping operation, make sure that you have all the necessary insurance coverage. General liability insurance will protect you against all damages, while concrete pumping insurance will cover you against most damages related to pumping. Work with your residential concrete pumping company to ensure everything goes smoothly.