We have all seen those monster-size trucks with what appears to be a container rotating on it. Most of us also have seen these trucks at construction sites, disgorging concrete to be used on the site. So, how hard is it to be a concrete pump operator?
According to Concrete Construction, the job is complicated and requires much training.
“First, a new operator has to learn how to use the machine correctly and safely. Manufacturers want operators to make their equipment look good, even essential. Pump operators must combine the skills of a large truck driver with the fine touch of a computer game whiz. “Operators have to be experts at operating three very different devices: the truck, the boom, and the pump,” says Bob Weatherton of the Concrete Pump Store, Claremont, Calif. “It takes a lot of training.”
Who Trains Pump Operators?
Most training is on-the-job and offered by employers. But, the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) has created programs and educational materials that allow concrete pump companies to train on safety and efficiency for pump truck operators and includes the ACPA’s pump operator certification program.
Manufacturers of concrete pumpers offer training for new operators, and one technical school, Autry Technology Center in Enid, Oklahoma has an online program led by an instructor. The program has up to five students and runs for 3 to 4 months. According to Concrete Construction, it is the only higher education concrete pump operator program currently running in the United States.
What is Included in Certification Training?
There is much more involved in being a concrete pump operator than driving a load to a job site and unload. Following are the responsibilities of a concrete pumper driver.
- Commercial driving (leading to a CDL)
- Diesel engines
- Basic hydraulics
- Basic electrical systems
- Basic electronics
- Schematic reading (hydraulic and electrical)
- Basics of concrete, including mix design
- Common pump and boom parts and how they function
- General construction site safety
- Safe pump and boom operating procedures (especially setup and clean out)
- Preventative maintenance
- Emergency job site troubleshooting and repair
The ACPA offers the only nationally recognized safety certification program for concrete pump operators.
Why Hire Only Certified Concrete Pump Operators?
Concrete companies want consistently high-quality concrete for the contractors they supply as well as making sure their driver/operators follow best practices for job site safety.
According to the ACPA, an average accident incurs a minimum of $250,000 – more if the incident goes to court for resolution, so stick with certified operators for your used concrete pump trucks.
I think a professional pump operator can not only ensure the the quality of pumping concrete, but also avoid some safe problems. Good post.
It’s good to know that a certification training for concrete pump operators even teaches about diesel engines. That is something I didn’t expect to see in the list, but I guess it makes sense. I know I would feel much better to be hiring a concrete contractor that has been that extensively trained! If we ever need concrete pumped, we’ll definitely be finding out if a contractor is certified before hiring them.
A professional and certified pump operator would guarantee a better service to you because it is obvious that they are so driven towards excellence that they took this huge effort of upgrading their skills and got certified.
I like that you mentioned that you should make sure your concrete company is certified and licensed. I am going to need to hire a concrete company soon to pave my driveway. I will be sure to ask them if they are certified and licensed before I hire them.
I’m glad you talked about how professional concrete pumping companies supply only the best contractors who follow best practices in job site safety. I want whoever we hire for our concrete project to be as safe as possible so that we don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt. It will be nice to have that peace of mind during our project so that I can be away from home and not have to think about what’s going on with the concrete pumping!
For someone like me who wishes to embark on the business of delivering concrete using concrete mix trucks, the presentation is thorough and detailed to guide on correct protocols of doing this business. Thank you.
It’s good to know that there are certifications for concrete pump operators, as you talked about. My brother is going to be hiring a contractor to redo his driveway, and I think you’re right that getting someone with the right training is important. The fact that the ACPA requires three to four months of training is really comforting, as well, and really shows that they take the work seriously.
I am thankful that your article mentions that a large variety of additional services are included with certification training. I’ll be sure to send your article to my older cousin, as he is looking to hire concrete pumping services for a construction job. He wants to ensure that the services he hires are certified so that their work will be professional.