Concrete pumps and crane-placed skips are used extensively to deliver concrete to areas that mixer trucks cannot reach. Both methods carry significant risks including high-pressure pipeline bursts, falling skips, and crushing injuries during placement. This talk covers the safe operation of concrete pumps and skips, the precautions required, and what every operative placing concrete must know.
Concrete skip falling or swinging during crane placement
Crushing injuries from pump boom or skip gate mechanisms
Concrete splash causing severe alkali burns to skin and eyes
Control Measures
Ensure the concrete pump is set up on firm, level ground with outriggers fully extended.
Check all pipeline clamps, couplings, and seals before pumping begins each shift.
Establish an exclusion zone around the pump boom's operating radius during the pour.
Use a banksman to guide crane-placed skips and maintain clear hand signal communication.
Inspect skip gate mechanisms and safety catches before each lift to confirm proper operation.
Wear alkali-resistant gloves, full eye protection, and waterproof overalls during concrete placement.
Never stand directly beneath a suspended concrete skip or within the pump boom swing radius.
Clean pump pipelines using the correct procedure and ensure end caps are secured before flushing.
Brief all operatives on the pour plan, pump positions, and emergency stop locations before starting.
Emergency / Rescue
If a pump pipeline bursts, activate the emergency stop immediately and evacuate the exclusion zone. Treat any concrete burns by flooding the affected area with clean water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention.
Remember
Concrete pump outriggers must be fully extended on firm ground before any operation
Pipeline clamps and seals must be checked before every pumping shift begins
Never stand beneath a suspended concrete skip or within the boom swing radius
Concrete is highly alkaline and causes serious burns requiring immediate water flushing
An exclusion zone must be maintained around the pump boom during all operations
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · LOLER 1998 · PUWER 1998 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974