Hi. So I have poured crete for 10 years in commercial concrete. I recently became my company's new pump operator. I had two weeks training and am getting used to it for the last month. No mishaps or problems. Just when I set up the pump I always get extremely nervous I'm going to tip it over for some reason. Always have solid ground and always have out riggers fully extended. I run and schwing 39x. Is there a way to easily flip this thing when I have pressure on all outriggers and they are fully extended? I want to be safe as possible and would love tips and info. Thanks!

Theoretically if all outriggers are extended, pump is level, and ground conditions are good. the only way you could tip it over is if you overload the boom in some manner. ie: flying machines, pulling system around or doing anything you are not supposed to do with a concrete pump

Thank you very much for that. I just hate getting very worked up and then. Othing happens everything is good and I have another job under my belt. I'm sure experience is the best teacher.

If you set it up acording to the rules you should be able to wave your boom around as much and in any possition you want without tipping.

- pump should be within 3 degrees level

- ground should be stable and outriggerpads level

- all outrigger all the way out on the side where you are working..

- no heavy lifting with the boom.

- regular visual inspection of the bolts in the boom and greasing them the way you should. 

If you follow these rules you are about 99.999% sure you are good.

Unfortunately there have been cases where booms or outriggers just snap or ''should be'' stable grounds gave way.. So you can never be 100% sure. You have to stay awake and make sure no one is under the boom that doesn't need to be there. That way you minimize the risks to a level that is in my eyes much lower than getting in your car every morning and taking the risk of getting killed in a car accident.

If you than think that most people get in to traffic happely every morning with their kids on the back seat we should draw the conclution that we are very safe as long as you stick to these rules  Pump On !!

I will def remember that for sure. All that info was great! I'm feeling better already.

I agree with the above posters. I think what's going on with you is the samething that happened to me close to 18 years ago. I was just nervous, because I was so new at running a boom pump. There would be no way my pump could possibly tip over, but there I was scared to death for no reason. It will take sometime but your insecure feelings will go away as did mine. 

Side note be sure to unfold off the same side everyday. Don't short rig until you feel safe doing so. Kinda of have to protect yourself from yourself, you know what I mean? Use dunnage lots of it, if you need to. Because you don't want a extra worry on your job. If you don't trust the ground or your dunnage. Unfold the boom flat out over (without concrete in it) the side of the pump you don't like. And jog your joysticks on your control box to make the boom bounce. By doing that it will show you really quick if the ground or your dunnage will hold a boom full of concrete. And if I may, bounce that boom hard. If the outriggers/groung/dunnage don't move your good to go. Good luck to you - remember "haste makes waste" take your time and be sure of yourself and your pump. 

Also once you get a set-up/fold-up procedure don't vary from it. If your customer wants to rush you on set-up/fold-up don't let it happen. Also persons than want to bs while you are cleaning up can get you out of your procedure. When they walk away take a second to stop at look at boom,outriggers etc.

Totaly agree on that one .. The people that make the safetyrules for our industry have no backbone. They just fiddle around with the rules a bit to keep everyone happy.

Last thing I heared is that a new demand on pumps will be that if you don't set up within the 3 degrees level the pump will only work on HALF capacety

WTF does that mean?? ''You can set up on 5 degree angel but you have to pump a bit slower''?? Half capacety is actualy quite a lot. Not so often we pump much harder than half capacety here..

Unfortunately, there isn't a whole pile of training required to operate a concrete pump. There is, however, a pile of literature about safe operating procedures. The first thing is your operator safety manual. Every pump should have one on hand. Know this book! If you don't, contact the pump manufacturer and order one for your size of pump. You should read through this over and over. No two set up's are alike, even if you set up there the day before. Always treat each set up as if you were setting up there for the first time. Look up and live! The ACPA has super awareness/safety operator's certification program. Please go to their website and even call someone there. They are always nice to talk with and eager to help you get the info you're seeking. It is normal to feel a bit on edge at first. Don't, however, set your pump up and stare at your outrigger pads wondering if they will be fine. This is your first priority. Make sure they are good before you get that boom out.(dunnage!) This is serious business. The worker at the end of the whip hose, "NEEDS" you to know your stuff! I don't know the statistics, but some of the biggest mishaps I've heard about have involved operators with a great deal of experience, so mishaps aren't exclusive to new operators. Right now you have the opportunity to develop good habits! You're doing the right thing by reaching out to fellow operators.

Hey Buddy.......... don't freak out But DON"T EVER LOSE THAT FEAR. Many accidents happen to very experienced operators when things become second nature to them. Always have respect for what you are doing. You are doing something that really should be considered impossible.......pushing a heavy abrasive material through a pipe suspended in mid air over 100 feet in length......amazing .......except we do it every day.