OSM Recap

Eight manufacturers participated in the pump parade.

Pumpers ruled the Rockies September 17-18 when more than 150 individuals from 75 companies gathered in Colorado for the ACPA’s second-annual Operations, Safety & Maintenance (OSM) Conference. The event took place at the Westin Westminster hotel, nestled conveniently between the cities of Denver and Boulder. With the Rocky Mountains serving as a backdrop, attendees spent the weekend learning, networking and having some fun to boot.

OSM is the industry’s only event dedicated to concrete pumping professionals interested in improving their performance as well as their company’s operations and safety culture. It is an opportunity to discover new strategies and connect with peers and suppliers.

Attendees also learned about the industry’s latest technology and products. Leading manufacturers and distributors — including 14 exhibitors and 17 additional sponsors — were on hand to share their expertise on trucks and equipment, operation and maintenance, safety practices, telematics and other topics important to concrete pumpers.

Pump Parade

The conference kicked off with a pump parade the night before sessions began. Attendees enjoyed cocktails and appetizers as they watched exhibitors’ latest equipment roll through the outdoor exhibit lot. During each truck’s grand entrance, a DJ narrated its unique features and played accompanying music selected by the manufacturer.

The pump trucks and related equipment remained on display during the conference, along with many of the products and technology tools essential to a concrete pumping operation. Best of all, OSM attendees were able to interact one-on-one with suppliers.

Operator Lee Roy Thompson navigates an obstacle in the pump rodeo course.

New Certification Programs for Pumpers

During the opening session, ACPA executive director Christi Collins gave a brief history of the ACPA Operator Safety Training and Certification Program, outlining the enhancements that have been made to increase the integrity of the training and testing process, and highlighting the new changes taking effect in 2023. Collins also announced that in addition to ACPA certification, two new certification programs for concrete pump operators have been introduced:

• Certified Concrete Pump Operator (CCPO) from the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA)
• Concrete Pump Operator certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)

Collins was joined by guest speakers Ammar Kavazovic, director of programs and initiatives at BCCSA, and Thom Sicklesteel, CEO of NCCCO, who provided details about their respective certification programs.

Both certifications are expected to receive ANSI/ISO accreditation in the coming year.

“ACPA will support both certification programs for companies seeking a higher level of certification through our extensive operator training materials; we will also continue with our own ACPA certification program,” says Collins. “Whichever certification program a company chooses, it’s important that we’re all on the same page with our messaging included in the safety training we give our operators. Keeping our workers safe is our number one priority.”

Derrick Liles of Ashmore Concrete Pumping (left) displays the championship trophy awarded by ACPA past president Gary Brown (right).

ACPA University

Collins also revealed the development of the ACPA University. Designed to help companies enhance their safety training and streamline compliance and training documentation via paperless evaluations, ACPA University will be made up of micro-size learning modules to help train, while putting learners on the path to certification or certificate programs. More information will be provided as the ACPA prepares to launch this exciting online training platform in January.

Learning Sessions

Educational sessions covered topics on the operations, safety and maintenance of a successful concrete pumping business.

Topics included:

• Diesel engine emission regulations
• Inspection guidelines for pumps, boom pumps, etc.
• Maintenance best practices for conveyors, trucks and more
• Leveraging data — customer, job site, yardage, revenue — from ERP systems
• Key strategies for selecting and maintaining a pipeline system
• Purchasing and inventory tips to avoid supply chain issues
• Mergers and acquisitions advice for company owners ready to sell or expand
• Strategies and legal guidelines to manage risk and liability

Pump Rodeo

ACPA’s second-annual pump rodeo and competition included several timed challenges that tested the skills of some of the industry’s finest pump operators in moving the pump boom. Challenges included: barrel drop, circle corridor, pull/back through, tip the ball, bull’s-eye and soccer. This year, 22 operators competed for a $500 cash prize and bragging rights.

Pumps on display in the equipment exhibit lot

In a surprise move, Derrick Liles, a mechanic with Ashmore Concrete Pumping in Evans, Georgia, was named champion. Will Kitchens, also from Ashmore, took second place. Congratulations to both!

Train the Trainer Workshop

The last day of the conference included a Train the Trainer workshop that allowed participants to earn a designation as an ACPA Authorized Training Administrator (ATA) so they can train operators at their company. Qualified individuals learned how to deliver the ACPA Operator Safety Training Program and properly administer the ACPA Operator Certification Test.

Taking a pump operator certification test administered by an ATA is one of three paths for an operator to achieve ACPA certification. Companies can either designate an employee to take the Train the Trainer course to become an ATA, or they can hire an ATA for a fee through the ACPA National Office. Two other methods of achieving certification include attending an in-person ACPA seminar or virtual attendance through the online ClickSafety portal.

Part of ACPA’s mission is to promote safe, effective concrete pumping. With two successful OSM conferences in the books, we look forward to seeing this education event grow.

The McClure Concrete team participated in the rodeo. Tyler Wood (second from left) was a course judge.

Decker Concrete at the Saturday Awards Barbecue