Product Overview

This Concrete Pumping (Boom Pumping) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed safety management document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for concrete boom pumping operations on Australian worksites. It provides a comprehensive, task-by-task approach to boom pump setup, operation, and pack-up to support WHS compliance and the safe management of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate boom pump size and configuration for site conditions and concrete pour requirements
• Planning and coordination of concrete pumping works with principal contractors, site supervisors, and other trades
• Pre-start inspections of boom pump, outriggers, hoses, lines, guards, emergency stops, and safety devices
• Establishing exclusion zones around the pump, boom operating area, and delivery hose to protect workers and the public
• Safe positioning and stabilisation of the concrete pump, including deployment and packing of outriggers on firm, level ground
• Management of overhead and underground services, including electrical powerlines, utilities, and restricted zones
• Safe operation of the boom, including slew, raise, lower, and extend functions to minimise the risk of collision or overturning
• Control of concrete delivery pressure, hose handling, and blow-back to prevent hose whip and uncontrolled movement
• Communication protocols between the pump operator, line hands, spotters, and concrete agitator drivers
• Management of concrete blockages, line bursts, and emergency shutdown procedures
• Controls for working in proximity to edges, penetrations, and formwork during concrete placement
• Manual handling risk controls for hoses, reducers, clamps, and other concrete pumping components
• Environmental controls for concrete spills, washout, and waste disposal to prevent site contamination
• Lock-out, tag-out and isolation procedures during maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the boom pump
• Incident response, first aid arrangements, and reporting requirements for concrete pumping operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for concrete pumping contractors, boom pump operators, line hands, builders, civil and commercial construction companies, and site supervisors responsible for managing concrete boom pumping activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including concrete pumping operations
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for controlling fall risks around edges, formwork, and elevated work areas during concrete placement
• Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace – Risk controls for working near overhead and underground electrical services
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Duties and controls for the safe use of mobile plant such as concrete boom pumps
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on minimising musculoskeletal risks when handling hoses, clamps, and equipment
• AS 2550.15 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Concrete placing equipment – Requirements for the safe use and operation of concrete placing equipment including boom pumps
• AS 1418.15 Cranes, hoists and winches – Concrete placing equipment – Design and operational safety requirements for concrete placing plant
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – Electrical safety principles relevant to temporary site power and plant
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017