Concrete pumps are essential pieces of equipment for many builders and contractors for many different applications. The problem with a concrete pump is that it's a large machine with parts extending over large distances while also pumping heavy material. It can be truly dangerous if something where to go wrong. One of the most dangerous scenarios is having the concrete pump tip over while operating, as this would cause tremendous damage both to the machine and to the people that happen to be nearby. One way to prevent accidents like these is to spend some extra time on the set up of the concrete pump. To set the pump up safely, there are a few things you should think about.

Location

The first thing you need to consider when choosing where to set the machine up is the location itself. It has to be a fairly flat piece of land to keep the machine levelled. It's also important that you investigate what type of soil the ground contains of. If it's too sandy, it might not be able to support the machine properly. This could also be the scenario if the soil is too wet. If you are unable to move the concrete pump to a better suited location, you should use additional cribbing to spread the weight of the machine on a larger surface.

Excavations

Another thing you need to look out for when finding the right place to set up the concrete pump is whether the site is close to an excavation or not. Excavation work can be performed at the same time as the concrete filling at a work site, and if the machine is placed too close to the excavation, it increases the risk of tipping over. Remember that the ground can be unstable even far away from the excavation itself. Try to place the concrete pump at least as far away from the hole as the hole is deep, but preferably even further away.

Outriggers

When you have set up the machine and placed the outriggers on the cribbing, you should test the carrying capacity of the outriggers. Lower the boom over each of the outriggers. This will help you see if they sink further into the ground when being the sole load bearing outrigger. Depending on how much they sink, you might need to move the concrete pump to a more stable location. This procedure puts more weight on every outrigger than the actual operation of the pump will. This means that if the outriggers pass the test, it's highly unlikely anything you do while pumping will cause them to fail.

For more information, talk to a professional like Hunter Concrete Pump Hire.

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