Mobile concrete placing boom outrigger failure

An outrigger on a mobile concrete placing boom failed when it sheared at the leg box. Nobody was injured as a result of the incident, but the potential for tragic consequences was very real.

An investigation is ongoing and the cause at this stage is unknown. However, there are a number of general measures that can be followed to ensure the structural integrity of mobile concrete placing booms, including the following.

• Operating the unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Conducting major inspections at the required intervals in accordance with the criteria set out by the manufacturer and the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019.
• Conducting annual inspections in accordance with the criteria set out by the manufacturer.
• Completing pre-operational inspections prior to each use of the unit.
• Carrying out routine maintenance inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Performing servicing and repairs also as set out by the manufacturer.

Further information

Read the Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019 (PDF, 1.04 MB).