Operation of Concrete Pump Placing Booms When Power Lines Are Present

Contact with high-voltage power lines is the most common cause of fatal and serious accidents related to the operation of concrete pump placing booms. It is the position of the American Concrete Pumping Association that placing booms shall never be operated within 20 feet (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) of energized overhead power lines (the danger zone). Power line injuries can only be eliminated with the cooperation of everyone on the job site. Each party has responsibilities, as follows.

Pumping Company Responsibilities

The pumping company has the responsibility to:

• Train their people in the severity of the hazard, how to identify power lines, and what options are available to avoid the danger zone.
• Empower their operators to refuse to operate the boom in the danger zone.

Operator Responsibilities

The operator has the responsibility to:

• Maintain a 20-foot distance (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) from energized overhead power lines.
• Insist on a dedicated spotter if the boom will be near the danger zone during operation.

Contractor/Customer Responsibilities

The contractor/customer has the responsibility to:

• Provide a setup location that does NOT have overhead power lines within 20 feet (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) of the unfolding placing boom.
• Provide a dedicated spotter if there are power lines within 20 feet (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) of any expected boom movement area.
• Train the spotter of the severity of the hazard, what the job duties of a spotter entail, and how far 20 feet (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) is.
• Train their employees regarding the dangers of working near high-voltage power lines and the precautions that must be employed to avoid them.
• Provide adequate lighting if pump setup, operation, or cleanout will happen during darkness.
• Notify the pumping company that power lines are present on their job when ordering the pump, and remind the operator upon arrival.
• Maintain an OSHA compliant job site.

From the American Concrete Pumping Association position paper, revised March, 2011