At BS Power, we believe that prioritising safety is essential when operating concrete mixers. The methods used to mix concrete have changed over the centuries. Today, most construction sites make use of a concrete mixer. These mixers have become essential in the building and construction industry due to the convenience of onsite mixing. This allows mixing concrete on site, eliminating the need for transportation.

 

The convenience of the concrete mixer does not come without risk. Safety protocol should be prioritised when using any machinery. By following safety procedures, users can decrease the risk of injury. In this article, we will cover essential information on the concrete mixer, including protective gear, safety checks and operating procedures.

 

BS Power specialises in concrete mixers and high-performance equipment. Their experience and knowledge of construction products allow them to provide the very best service and equipment for professional users.

 

 

What is a Concrete Mixer

 

Concrete is a material largely used in construction and building. This composite is known for its strength and durability, making it useful for the construction of bridges, roads and more. Concrete is a mix of aggregates with cement and water. Aggregates used in concrete mixtures are usually a combination of gravel, stones and sand.

 

The material is a popular material for construction projects due to its relatively low cost to produce. A variety of concretes are used in the construction world, each with slightly different applications. Reinforced concrete and lightweight concrete are used for different purposes in building projects.

 

A concrete mixer is a piece of construction equipment which mixes the cement, aggregates and water to produce concrete. These mixers consist of a drum which spins, allowing the mixture to tumble and blend into a uniform and evenly distributed mixture.

 

Understanding the Equipment

 

Mixers are powerful pieces of equipment which greatly reduce the labour and time needed to produce a workable concrete mixture. In comparison to humans, these machines are consistent and allow for an evenly distributed mix. A uniform mix is essential when pouring and using concrete. Concrete which is not mixed correctly can crack once dried. Manual mixing of concrete is strenuous and time-consuming.

 

There are different types of mixers for different application purposes or projects. These mixers include drum mixers, which consist of a drum that is either stationary or tilts for pouring. Some drum mixers have a function which allows for reverse rotation, used during the discharging of the concrete. Drum mixers should only be operated when users are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). His equipment includes safety glasses, masks, and protective footwear.

 

Pan mixers consist of a rotating pan which mixes and distributes materials evenly for a uniform mixture. These mixers are mostly used in larger-scale projects as they produce a continuous flow of concrete mixture. Pan mixers include gates and chutes, which guide the concrete mix to a specific point of access. Safety locks should be applied to isolate these chutes when cleaning. These mixers should be inspected regularly to ensure they are fitted properly.

 

Volumetric mixers are very large in scale and are usually attached to the back of a truck, allowing for easier transportation. Safety considerations will vary depending on the type of mixer used.  Volumetric mixers pose a high risk of injury, and proper training is required to operate such large mixtures.

 

A concrete mixer will always come with a user Manual and safety labels for the education of the user. Mixers and their functionalities may differ, and therefore, it is essential to read and understand the manual of your specific model. Understanding the mixer allows the user to take safety precautions, reduce the risk of injury and explain important maintenance.

 

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 

Personal protective equipment is necessary to ensure users are protected when operating machinery. The appropriate gear will protect users in case of accidents which pose severe health and safety risks. Let’s look at the different safety equipment needed.

 

Gloves are used to protect the user’s hands while working with an alkaline substance like concrete, preventing burns. The protection of alkaline-resistant gloves over time acts as a preventative measure to scarring, burns and other injuries. Safety goggles are necessary to protect the user’s eyes from dust and debris.

 

Consistent use of eye protection can prevent eye damage, infections or even blindness.

 

Dust masks allow users to breathe without inhaling harmful particles. Safety boots protect the user’s feet from heavy stones or anything that might potentially fall on the user’s feet. Steel-toed boots are widely used on worksites to prevent injury or possible loss of toes due to falling stones or objects.

 

Earplugs or ear protection headsets are useful in protecting the user’s ears and hearing while working with loud and noisy machinery over extended periods. Continual use of protective gear can prevent hearing loss in the long run. Coveralls or high-visibility clothing protect users’ skin from coming into contact with the concrete mixture. These clothes usually have long sleeves and full-length trousers to cover as much skin as possible.

 

Pre-Operation Safety Checks

 

There are a few safety checks which can prevent injury during the use of a concrete mixer. Before the mixer is used, it should be inspected for any damage or wear. Damage to a mixer’s frame or stand can cause the machine to be unbalanced or wobbly, increasing the risk of tipping and serious injury.

 

Wear on the drum of the mixer, like rust, can cause holes and leakage. Maintenance on mixers is as important to safety as safety wear to users. Users should inspect guards and safety features which can be applied in emergencies. Power connections in electric mixers should be secured to prevent electrocution. Fuel levels for diesel and petrol mixers should be assessed for replacement.

 

Safe Operating Procedures

 

Safety operating procedures are important to the users of concrete mixers. Distributing materials evenly while following basic safety procedures, like using the appropriate tool and avoiding overloading, can prevent injury. Regular cleaning of the drum to prevent concrete from accumulating around the inside of the drum is also essential.

 

Users should follow the operational manual provided by the manufacturer. Users need to understand the capacity of the mixer to avoid overfilling the drum. Users should keep a safe distance while the machine is running and keep their hands and tools away from the drum while in operation.

 

Any mixers should be placed on a secure surface to ensure the stability of the machine while it is running. Mixers placed on uneven surfaces can lead to the possible tipping of the mixer or drum while it’s running. Tipping of a mixer in operation can lead to damage to the surroundings and serious injury to the user. Users should consider the surface hardness where the mixer is placed. Concrete mixers should be maintained regularly.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance Safety

 

A Concrete mixer should only be cleaned when the machine is shut off and disconnected from its power source. Unplugging the machine before cleaning will prevent the machine from powering up accidentally or malfunctioning while it is being cleaned.

 

Appropriate tools like shovels, trowels and power drills with attachments should be used when handling or transferring the concrete.

 

 When working with a drum mixer, users should refrain from using their hands within the drum and rather use the appropriate tools. After the mixer has been used, the remaining concrete residue and rinsing agents should be disposed of safely.

 

Concrete residue can be appropriately disposed of at designated areas for our concrete trucks and chutes. After the washout has taken place, the concrete should solidify in the designated area before being removed. Washing out of mixers should not take place near storm drains and sewers to prevent the slurry from solidifying and causing blockages.

 

Training and Supervision

 

Users who are trained in the operations of mixers are knowledgeable in the mixing ratios needed to produce concrete of a workable consistency. They will be aware of the strength of the concrete needed for the project. Professionals are capable of problem-solving and handling unexpected situations during the process of mixing concrete.

 

Supervisors are responsible for personnel when using mixers on-site. Their responsibilities include safety control and management. Supervisors should ensure that the appropriate tools and protective gear are available and worn during operations. Supervisors may also have the responsibility of procuring materials needed for the site project, as well as administration duties.

 

Supervisors and managers should always encourage a safe work environment for personnel. Establishing a culture based on work safety will prevent accidents and injuries. This can be accomplished through health and safety training. Bringing awareness to the construction site should be encouraged and communicated clearly. Emergency planning is necessary for construction sites.

 

Personnel should know the procedures to follow in case of injury or emergencies. Emergency planning can include prepared first aid kits, fire extinguishers and being in contact with emergency services. Regular site inspections should take place to ensure procedures are followed.

 

Maintaining a clean and safe environment is not just necessary for the safety of the workers, but also for the safety and cleanliness of the surrounding environment. Supervisors should partake in risk assessment on-site as a preventative measure and part of the emergency planning.

 

BS Power Concrete Mixers

 

BS Power offers a wide range of different concrete mixers for the DIY hobbyist and commercial equipment for professional use. The 350L concrete mixer with Baumax engine weighs 220kg with a closed engine cabin for safety. This intro-level yet powerful mixer has a drum volume of 350L and drum speed of 25RPM, making it best suited for rental companies or contractors in need of a durable mixer.

 

Owner builders and rental companies will benefit from the 400L concrete mixer with Honda Engine due to their drum volume and high-speed towable wheels. This mixer boasts a Honda GP160 5.5 HP engine and operates at a mix cycle of 2.5 minutes. Saving time and increasing productivity within construction projects.

 

Contractors working on larger projects in need of a portable concrete mixer with large capacity should consider the 500L Concrete Mixer with Honda Engine. This Ultra-durable mixer with a 3mm drum bottom operates with a drum rotation of 24rpm. This allows large volumes of materials to be mixed into concrete. This powerful machine has solid rubber wheels with bearings contributing to its mobility.

 

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level mixer for smaller projects around the house or professional commercial equipment, BS Power’s selection of concrete mixers will get the job done.

 

 

BS Power: Equipment For Success

 

The operation of a concrete mixer requires supervision and professional training. The combination of training and following the manufacturer’s guidelines can minimise risk during operations. Users should maintain their mixers according to the machine’s user manual and instructions.

 

Whether users are acquiring a concrete mixer for small projects or a larger commercial operation, safety management is key. Supervisor’s responsibilities include worksite safety and risk management. Using equipment with the appropriate tools ensures safety and prevents injury. BS Power’s range of durable and powerful mixers offers users everything they need for productive and convenient concrete mixing.