Here is something new

I was on a job last week and the weather was way above normal plus 14 so I was wearing lighter gear It was feeling like the the southern states in Toronto...lol

Well I just finished pumping 160 meter slab and was washing out when it happpened I plugged trying to suck the ball fine I could hear it moving in the pipe so I thought I would water wash well what was a soso hastle became much worse I was having no luck with this and then I laid down the tip hose and had reversed it about 10 times thinking the preassure was off I proceeded to remove the hose just as I lossened the clap the hose shot off like a cannon I ran but by then I was covered head to toe. Thinking the worst was over and thanking god I did not have this hose take me out { Thank god for a strong safety strap on the hose and clamp  }

With the amount of water and stone that came out I thought  the worst was over....not.  Well tried to do another water wash ... no water again I reversed it what looked like all the water came back we started to bust pipe to look for the plug. couple elbows  and nothing the third one bingo we found it but it was still pressurized it sounded empty from the tapping but it was not so it came out but with no explosive force. Now we have checked it all the way to the turit pipe clean to there took off the transition elbow leading to the deck pipe all clean. so proceeded to do one more water wash..... It worked but the water did not come out in a even flow so did one more seemed ok

Ok I now folded up and and was heading back to our yard but I could feel burning on my legs I pull over and look I have what looked like chemical burns above my boot line and below my knees with being a ski patroler I know what burns are so yes I am on fire so to speak I began to wash my legs to get rid of the powder and concrete that was still all over me... felt good for a min then returned anyway could not do much I get home shower look closer yes 1st and 2nd degree burns well you know what happens hospital burns sent home.

Next day on the job going to prime woundering if this was going to happen and still a bit sore in the legs I am priming and I hear what sounds like bang bang bang then nothing I see the prime come out then this dark thing and then the concrete. I pump the wall and then went and looked through where I primed I find a head of a sledge hammer 5 inchs long 2 to 3 inchs in diameter. I am guessing that it was in the last few loads of the slab pour and I am thinking that was the cause of one or both of the plugs I am not sure on that. I was f.... mad anyway I have chain link fence over my hopper and hope I never see this happen again as for my burns on my legs they are are healing good but can`t ski for a few weeks  :o(

That's the ticket speedy.I always carried a bottle of white vinager with me and hand lotion.Thank goodness your ok and learned a valuable lesson.A hammer head,now don't that beat all.

we need a picture. Glad your ok.

Tricky 24 hours! When ever I get concrete burns. I will soak in the tub. Then use a diaper rash ointment over the affected area. Then wear loose clothing to keep it covered. Works well. The first time someone told me " use vinegar it would make me feel better"! It did, after the burning stopped!

Here are a few pictures of Concrete Burn in case you have never seen them before.

here is the story for the above photo

http://www.annegreatrix.co.uk/ConcreteBurns.htm

Also see this link on our web site called Cement Contact Dermatitis

http://www.concretepumping.com/dictionary/mydictionary/index.php/Cement_Contact_Dermatitis

I love our new Concrete Pumping Encyclopedia anytime we have a issue I just research it and put it up on the site. Under definitions we now have a term called Cement Contact Dermatitis. Check it out.

Hey

Thanks for the replys and the burns are healing but itchy....dammm and vineger is now part of my firdt aid kit thanks speedy

Z man

I am glad that you are getting better.

What is the old saying...

Experience is surviving your mistakes. ;~)

I was doing a pour over a year ago, the last mixer driver washed out in my hopper, he put about 10 or more gallons of water in it and then drove off.  While this was going on, I was discussing with the contractor as to where he wanted to pump out the remaining mud in my hopper.  I swung my boom around to the location the contractor wanted the mud. I started pumping the hopper down when all of a sudden here comes a flood of water, I was totally pi$$ed.  I went to suck my sponge and it happened, separation occurred, a massive clog in my elbow at the base of A Section.  Pumping Forward and backwards could not break up the plug.  To make a long story short.  I had to remove pipes, and in the process, I got concrete all over my back.  I was 2 hours away from civilization.  Drove back to the shop.  When I finally got to the shop my back was completely burned.....I learned a lesson the hard way.  I carry a quart of vinegar on my truck at all times....and I watch mixer drivers very closely now.  It was the worst burns and pain you can imagine.  When I mixer driver asks, "can I wash out in your hopper, I yell, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"