Pumping near high voltage cables

High voltage cables are the leading cause of fatalities in the concrete pumping industry (American Concrete Pumping Association, 2009).

It is important to keep a safe distance in case anything goes wrong. Risks of touching high voltage cables include accidental touching of the cables, wind, poor vision when operating the boom and equipment malfunctions.

It is recommended that a concrete boom pump can be set up about 20 feet or 6 meters away from cables. If the voltage of the cables is more that 350kv, the concrete pump must be at least 50 feet or 15.24 meters away from the cables (American Concrete Pumping Association, 2010).

Always know exactly how the concrete pump’s emergency stop works in the case of something going wrong.

When operating a concrete pump near high voltage cables, a spotter must be used to help the operator to move the boom around the cables without incident. The spotter must warn the operator if the boom is too close to the cables (6 meters). If another construction worker or the site’s contractor say that it is safe to go closer, it is always safer not to do that. Always keep your safe distance.

If you are not sure if cables are live, you must always assume that that they are. Only a qualified high voltage cable professional can confirm that cables are shut off.

WHAT TO DO when the boom touches high voltage cables:

When it is not safe to set up your concrete pump near high voltage cables, DO NOT set up the concrete pump and DO NOT continue with the job. Contact your supervisor and be advised on what to do. You do not want to be the person being electrocuted when something goes wrong.