Concrete pumps are indispensable in construction, yet safety remains paramount. Here are 19 key safety considerations for optimal concrete pump operations:
1. Equipment Placement:
Maintain a safe distance between the pump and the excavation edge.
2. Wind Guidelines:
Avoid using fabric booms when wind exceeds level six. In hot weather, shield pipelines with wet sacks or grass covers.
3. Proper Pipe Layout:
Ensure a rational layout for horizontal pumping. Securely fasten and seal pipe joints.
4. Material Specifications:
Meet concrete pump machine requirements for aggregate size, cement grade, and mix ratio. Prevent air intake by keeping material in the hopper above the suction opening.
5. Vertical Pipeline Caution:
Never directly connect a vertical pipeline to the pump outlet. Use at least a 10m horizontal pipe section with an anti-reverse valve at its end. When laying a downward-sloping pipeline, attach a horizontal section at the lower end with a length at least five times the slope height difference to increase negative pressure. Install an air release valve at the slope’s upper end if necessary.
6. Braking and Locking:
Engage both parking and locking brakes and chock the tires. Ensure normal cooling water supply, a full water tank, debris-free hopper, and well-lubricated points.
7. Preparation Checklist:
Have cleaning pipes, tools, a receiving hopper, and related equipment ready. Lubricate the pipeline with a cement mortar prepared according to specifications before concrete pump operation. Clear the pipeline of unrelated personnel.
8. Outriggers Deployment:
Fully extend and secure the outriggers before raising the fabric boom. Rotate the fabric boom only after lifting off the support.
9. Immobility During Operation:
Once the fabric boom is fully extended and secured, avoid moving the vehicle. If mobility is necessary during operation, fold and secure the upper fabric boom section. The speed should not exceed 10 km/h. Use pipes with diameters complying with regulations, and secure hoses with anti-slip safety ropes.
10. Continuous Monitoring:
Keep a constant eye on gauges and indicators. Address abnormalities promptly. In case of pipeline blockage, perform reverse pumping to return concrete to the hopper and disassemble pipes to clear the blockage.
11. Continuous Operation:
For continuous pumping, pause for 5–10 minutes (3–5 minutes in winter) after each pumping cycle. If a prolonged stop occurs, perform one or two reverse pumps before resuming forward pumping. Keep a certain amount of concrete in the hopper during pumping, avoiding air suction.
12. Cleaning Procedures:
Rotate both pistons into the cleaning chamber and lubricate with oil. Reset all control switches, levers, wheels, handles, and plugs. Unload the hydraulic system.
13. Water Tank Inspection:
Ensure the water tank is full. Check and address any water quality issues promptly.
14. Bolt and Joint Tightening:
Tighten all equipment bolts securely. Seal and secure pipe joints. Confirm the completeness and reliability of protective devices.
15. Control Component Positioning:
All control switches, high-speed handles, wheels, levers, and plugs should be in their correct positions. The hydraulic system should operate normally without leaks.
16. Pressure Restrictions:
Do not open any delivery or hydraulic pipes under pressure. Do not arbitrarily adjust the safety valve of the hydraulic system, and only use nitrogen to charge accumulators.
17. Post-Operation Procedures:
After concrete pump operation, completely discharge the concrete in the hopper and pipes. Clean the concrete pump machine, hopper, and pipes. During compressed air flushing, ensure no one stands within 10 meters of the pipe outlet, using metal baskets to collect expelled foam rubber and sand particles.
18. Air Compression Safety:
Do not use compressed air to flush fabric boom pipelines. Fold and retract the fabric boom in sequence.
19. Emergency Response:
Familiarize yourself with emergency stop and emergency braking operations. Be prepared for unexpected situations and respond promptly.
By adhering to these 19 safety guidelines, construction professionals can enhance site safety during concrete pump operations, ensuring a secure and efficient work environment.
Post time: Dec-05-2023