Picture This: Concrete Pumping Truck Dangers

This picture was taken by a reddit user. He stopped to take the picture because the crane appeared to be too close to the power lines. It is possible the lines have been isolated, however the gentlemen taking the picture said he was told the line was live. Regardless, it’s a good reminder to watch your distances when working around power lines.

Since this is a concrete pumping truck, they should be following the American Concrete Pumping Association guidelines for working around electrical wires. They state: if electrical wires are within 20 feet of the area to be poured (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv); a dedicated spotter will be employed. His only job is to monitor the movement of the boom and warn the operator if the boom approaches closer than 20 feet (50 feet when the voltage exceeds 350kv) to the wires. It’s worth noting – the most common cause of fatal accidents involving concrete pumps is electrocution.

Other potential hazards seen in this image include unstable/soft ground (see the tire depressions from the truck) which could affect the stability of the equipment. If the outriggers aren’t properly supported with outrigger pads the weight of the equipment could easily cause it to sink in the soft soil and cause instability or even tipping.