Concrete Pump Hose Whips, Killing Worker

Summary

Investigations Officer Aaron Feldman recounts a fatal hose whipping incident at a construction site involving a concrete pumper. The accident occurred when a worker was struck by a suddenly whipping hose after air trapped in the pipeline was compressed against a blockage. The script emphasizes the importance of training workers to prevent blockages, warning them about hose whipping hazards, and adhering to manufacturer guidelines for hose length to avoid such tragedies.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Hose whipping is a serious hazard that can result in fatal accidents, as demonstrated by the incident where a worker lost his life.
• 🔄 Air can become trapped inside a concrete pumper's pipeline and compress to dangerous levels, leading to a sudden release of pressure.
• ⚠️ The release of compressed air can cause the pump hose to whip violently, posing a risk to workers in the vicinity.
• 👷‍♂️ Workers should be warned about the risk of hose whipping before starting any concrete pouring operation.
• 🛠️ Training is essential to prevent blockages in pipelines and to recognize situations where air can become trapped behind a blockage.
• 🚫 The blockage in the pump was caused by air being sucked in through the end-hose when the pump was stopped with the boom tip down.
• 🔄 Restarting the pump after a blockage can be dangerous if not done correctly, as it can propel the blockage and compressed air through the pipeline.
• 🚫 The worker's death was caused by a combination of a trapped air pocket, a blockage, and the resulting hose whip after the emergency stop was activated.
• 📏 Hoses should be no longer than the manufacturer's recommended length to minimize the risk of hose whipping.
• 🔗 The use of a coupling on the discharge end of the hose can contribute to the risk of hose whipping and should be avoided.
• ✅ Ensuring workers stay clear of the end-hose until the concrete is flowing smoothly can prevent hose whipping accidents.
• 👀 The operator's quick action to hit the emergency stop button was too late to prevent the hose whip, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.

Q & A

What is the primary hazard discussed in the script?

The primary hazard discussed in the script is hose whipping, which occurs when compressed air is released from a concrete pumper's pipeline.

What caused the fatal accident described in the script?

The fatal accident was caused by the sudden release of compressed air and concrete when a blockage in the pipeline cleared, causing the hose to whip and a worker to fall and strike his head.

How can air get trapped in a concrete pumper's pipeline?

Air can get trapped in a concrete pumper's pipeline if the pump is stopped while the boom tip is in the down position, allowing concrete to drain out and air to be sucked in through the end-hose.

What was the operator's initial response when he noticed the blockage in the pipeline?

The operator's initial response to the blockage was to hit the emergency stop button, but it was too late to prevent the hose from whipping.

What is the recommended maximum length for end-hoses to minimize hose whipping?

End-hoses should be no longer than the length allowed by the manufacturer to minimize hose whipping hazards.

Why was the hose on the pumper considered a hazard in this scenario?

The hose on the pumper was considered a hazard because it was 8 feet longer than allowed and had a coupling on the end, which contributed to the hose whipping incident.

What precautionary measures are suggested to prevent hose whipping accidents?

To prevent hose whipping accidents, it is suggested to warn workers of the hazard, train them to prevent blockages, recognize situations when air can be trapped, and ensure end-hoses are within the manufacturer's length recommendations.

What should workers do if a pump needs to be restarted after the boom tip has been down?

If a pump needs to be restarted after the boom tip has been down, workers should stay clear of the end-hose until the concrete is flowing smoothly to avoid hose whipping.

How can workers be trained to recognize situations when air can get trapped behind a blockage?

Workers can be trained to recognize situations when air can get trapped behind a blockage by understanding the operational procedures of the pumper, the importance of boom tip position when stopping the pump, and the signs of a blockage.

What is the role of the concrete pump operator in preventing hose whipping incidents?

The concrete pump operator plays a crucial role in preventing hose whipping incidents by monitoring the flow of concrete, promptly responding to blockages, and ensuring that safety protocols regarding hose length and operation are followed.

What is the significance of the emergency stop button in the context of the script?

The emergency stop button is significant as it is a safety measure that the operator can use to halt the pump in case of a blockage or other emergency; however, in the described scenario, using it was not enough to prevent the hose from whipping.