Concrete pump operator

Concrete pump operators drive and operate trucks to haul concrete from the plant to project sites, and operate pumps to disperse concrete at the site. They also clean and maintain the truck and its mechanical parts.

The duties of a concrete pump operator include, ut are not limited to:

• Operating the controls of a concrete pump to ensure smooth operation during pumping operations
• Inspecting the equipment for defects such as cracks or leaks in hoses, valves, or seals before each use
• Reading plans and specifications to determine pump size requirements and placement of the pump on the job site
• Mixing concrete according to specifications for strength and consistency
• Making any adjustments necessary to keep the concrete pump in good operating condition
• Operating the concrete pump during the concrete delivery process
• Observing the concrete being poured to ensure that it is delivered to the desired location
• Operating the controls of a concrete mixer to mix ingredients together and deliver the concrete to the desired location
• Cleaning out the drum at the end of a job to ensure that no concrete remains inside the drum.

Concrete pump operators typically work full time, and some may work more than 40 hours per week. They may work early morning, evening, or weekend shifts, as well as overtime, to meet the demands of their job. Many concrete pump operators are members of a union. Some operators may be required to travel to job sites that are located some distance from their home base.

Concrete pump operators typically work outdoors, and their work may be physically demanding. They may be exposed to noise, dust, and fumes from the concrete, and they may work in hot or cold weather conditions.

The following job titles also refer to concrete pump operator:

concrete mixer truck driver
mobile pump operator
concrete pump truck operator
concrete mixer driver
concrete pump operative
HGV mixer driver
volumetric mixer driver
cement mixer driver
concrete pump driver-operator
LGV mixer driver

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a concrete pump operator, as well as a truck driver’s license.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Concrete pump operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to concrete pump operator.

mobile crane operator
tower crane operator
pile driving hammer operator
road roller operator
bulldozer operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of concrete pump operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of concrete pump operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

crane crew supervisor
sewer construction supervisor
concrete finisher supervisor
bridge construction supervisor
bridge inspector

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of concrete pump operator.

• Types of concrete pumps: The types of machines used to pump liquid concrete such as the boom concrete pumps used for large construction projects or line pumps generally used for small-scale works.
• Mechanical systems: Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of concrete pump operator.

• Keep heavy construction equipment in good condition: Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Operate concrete pumps: Operate the remote control of the robotic arm of a concrete pump while monitoring the pouring process.
• Inspect construction sites: Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.
• Prevent damage to utility infrastructure: Consult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.
• Dismantle concrete pumps: Dismantle all the assemblies of concrete pumps such as the pipe and the robotic arm, and prepare the mobile concrete pump for road traffic.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Operate gps systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Drive mobile heavy construction equipment: Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.
• React to events in time-critical environments: Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Clean concrete pumps: Remove residual concrete from the pipes and pumps after use and clean the equipment with water.
• Secure heavy construction equipment: Secure heavy equipment such as tower cranes or concrete pumps before, during, and after use to prevent damage to the machines, workforce or construction site. Take precautionary steps such as retracting the robotic arm of concrete pumps or bringing the hook block back to the jib.
• Install concrete pumps: Position the truck or trailer at the desired location, adjust support legs for stability, attach the hoses to the outlet of the machine, if necessary, or install the robotic arm, and set up the pumps. In the case of electric pumps, connect them to the network. Take different factors into account such as the presence of a slope and the soil bearing capacity.
• Guide concrete hose: Guide the concrete hose while the pump is operating. Make sure to distribute the concrete efficiently and securely.
• Test soil load bearing capacity: Test the capacity of the ground to support the load applied to it before installing heavy structures, such as tower cranes, or before driving on it with heavy vehicles.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of concrete pump operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Operate heavy construction machinery without supervision: Work with heavy construction machinery independently without the intervention of a supervisor. Take responsibility for your decisions and actions.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Pour concrete: Pour concrete into a form from a mixer truck chute, hopper or hose. Pour the correct amount to balance efficiency with the risk of the concrete not setting completely.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Inspect supplied concrete: Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
• Mix concrete: Use compact concrete mixers or various ad-hoc containers such as wheelbarrows to mix concrete. Prepare the correct quantities of cement, water, aggregate and optional added ingredients, and mix the ingredients until an homogenous concrete is formed.
• Feed hoppers: Feed hoppers with the required materials using various tools such as lifting equipment or shovels.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Guide operation of heavy construction equipment: Guide a colleague in operating a piece of heavy construction equipment. Follow the operation closely and understand when feedback is called for. Use communication techniques like voice, two-way radio, agreed-upon gestures and whistles to signal the appropriate information to the operator.
• Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
• Operate concrete mixer truck: Work with concrete mixer trucks. Drive the truck and operate controls. Keep track of time. Take the necessary steps to evacuate the concrete upon arrival at the site, either alone using a full range chute, or with help when using a rear chute.

8332 – Heavy truck and lorry drivers

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References

1. Concrete pump operator – ESCO
2. Concrete Pump Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By brewbooks from near Seattle, USA – Concrete pumper, CC BY-SA 2.0