Operator Assessment Clarification

Dear Members, 

Recently, you may have received an email from the NCCCO regarding the practical assessment requirement contained in the ASME B30.27 Safety Standard for concrete pump operators. It's important to reassure you that while a third-party practical assessment is the preferred option for risk management, your company has the capability to conduct the evaluation itself, ensuring compliance with the Standard's requirements.  

According to the ASME B30 Safety Standard for Material Placement Systems (concrete pumps and conveyors), "it is the responsibility of the material placement system owner to provide competent personnel who meet the requirements for competency as defined in Section 27-3.1.2." 

Among the competency requirements listed in Section 27-3.1.2, two of these are: 

1. An operator is required to have a third-party written examination (e.g., ACPA Certification) covering operational characteristics, controls, power line avoidance, stability requirements, and emergency control skills, such as response to fire, power line contact, loss of stability, or control malfunction, as well as characteristic and performance questions appropriate to the material placement system type for which they will operate, and 

1. Completing an operation test demonstrating proficiency in handling the specific type of material placement system, including both prestart and post-start inspection, setup procedures, maneuvering skills, shut down, and securing procedures.  

It is essential to clarify further that a practical assessment is required for each type of equipment for which the operator will be assigned. For example, you would need two separate evaluations for an operator who operates a 36-meter and a 58-meter concrete pump. 

To be clear, it is the company's responsibility to determine competency; however, for your convenience, the ACPA has developed a practical assessment form for evaluating and documenting your operator's capabilities. You may download the forms below.

Boom Pump Practical Assessment

Line Pump Practical Assessment

Stay tuned for some exciting updates and developments coming soon to the ACPA Operator Certification program.  

Safe Pumping! 

Christi Collins 
Executive Director