How to Ensure That Your Concrete Pumps Are Safe and Fit for Purpose

Let's face it – the average town or city centre in Australia is a very cramped place. If you're trying to develop a property deep inside one of these conurbations, then you have some challenges when trying to access it with tools, supplies and resources. In particular, you have to be very creative when supplying the all-important concrete to build out the development, but you will be pleased to know that there are several pumping options available, using modern-day equipment. Nevertheless, you must ensure that you pay close attention to safety if you are to succeed with this project and move forward on time. What do you need to bear in mind?

Working with Pumps

If you have to introduce concrete into a building that is elevated or very difficult to reach with trucks or conventional chutes, then you have to use one of several different concrete pumps for the purpose. Typically, you will work with a boom pump or a line alternative, and sometimes you need to work with several in concert, as well as placing booms.

Understanding Safety

Obviously, work site safety is paramount here, as it is everywhere else, but you must work with a contractor who has experience and a good safety record when they set up and maintain your pumping system.

Security

To begin with, the machine and all its connected parts must be carefully secured and tied down to substantial areas nearby. The buckets and pipelines have to be correctly fitted in advance of the work, leaving nothing to chance, so that the workers can concentrate on placement rather than delivery.

Cleaning Methods

As you may know, all equipment has to be cleaned at the end of the shift due to the nature of concrete, but the type of cleaning process is crucial. Some contractors choose to work with compressed air because it is a quick and time-saving solution, but this does have significant risks attached. A pressurised air-cleaning method should always include a bleed-off valve so that any built-up pressure within the system can be released as soon as the cleaning effort is finished. Otherwise, a clot or blockage could be generated within the line, and this could lead to a nasty incident when the pumping process started back up. Instead, it's almost always better to clean the pumping equipment with water to be on the safe side.

Check and Recheck

All the equipment should be carefully checked to ensure that it is in good working condition and not damaged before work commences. Otherwise, there is a risk that grout could escape or that air could enter the system and cause unpredictable results.

Choose Carefully

If you work with a concrete contractor who is well respected in their field, you'll make sure that your job is completed carefully and on time. Reach out to concrete pumping companies to learn more.