Line pump safety basics
Line pumps are smaller than boom pumps, but they run at high pressure through pipe and hose laid on the ground, so the main hazards are line failures, hose whip, trip and crush risks and unguarded moving parts. These are general basics and do not replace the manufacturer's manual, site rules or local regulations.
Small machine, same pressure
A line pump might look modest next to a truck-mounted boom, but the concrete in its line can be under very high pressure. A failed coupling, a worn hose or a blockage can release that energy suddenly.
Because lines are often laid by hand and run through tight sites, there are also manual-handling and trip hazards that boom pumps do not have.
Setting up the pump
Position the trailer pump on firm, level ground with its stabilisers down and wheels chocked as the manual requires. Keep it clear of edges, excavations and soft ground, and make sure the truck can reach the hopper without people standing in its path.
Check that guards are fitted, including the grate over the hopper, and that nobody can reach the moving parts.
Laying the line
Use pipe, hose and clamps rated for at least the pressure the pump can develop, and check the pressure rating of every part. Inspect each section for wear, dents, cracks and wall thinning, especially at bends.
Fit the correct gasket in each joint, close the clamp fully and secure the latch. Support the line so that it is not strained, and avoid sharp changes of direction. Keep the line away from walkways and, where it crosses a route, protect it with ramps or covers.
Anchor or restrain the end of the line so that a surge cannot swing it around.
Priming and starting
Prime the line as the site's method requires, and have a plan for the slurry. Start slowly, watch the pressure gauge and listen for any change in the pump.
Keep people away from the line while pumping starts, particularly around joints and the outlet. Whoever is holding the end hose should be in a stable position, with a clear escape route, and should not stand in line with the outlet.
During the pour
Keep the hopper topped up so air does not enter the system. If the pump begins to labour, the pressure rises or the output drops, stop and find out why rather than pushing on.
Watch the joints for leaks. A weeping coupling is a warning that something is failing.
Clearing blockages
Blockages are the most dangerous moments in line pumping. Stop the pump, relieve the pressure and use reverse pumping if the machine allows it. Only once the pressure has been released should anyone open a coupling, and then they should do it slowly with their body out of line with the joint and the rest of the crew clear.
Never try to clear a plug by hammering or tightening a coupling under pressure.
Cleanout and pack-up
A cleanout pushes a sponge through the line using water or air, and it needs its own safety plan. Use the correct method for the machine and the line, make sure the end of the line is secured and directed to a wash-out pit, and keep people clear of the discharge point.
After cleanout, disassemble the line carefully, store it and inspect it for damage. Clean the hopper and secure the pump before it is moved.
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Updated 2026-10-16. General information only; always follow your machine manufacturer's manual, site rules and local regulations.