New CPMA Safety Standards to Take Effect September 16, 2003
The concrete pumping industry is poised to enter a new era of standardized safety regulations for North American concrete pumps and systems. The Concrete Pump Manufacturers Association (CPMA), a non-profit organization comprised of concrete pump and systems manufacturers, publishes a list of safety standards to take effect on September 16, 2003.
"The purpose of the standards," said Al Kastelic, Secretary of the CPMA, "is to prevent accidents due to unsafe products and practices."
The CPMA originated as a regulatory arm of the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA), but broke off and incorporated as a separate entity in 1999. Responding to a lack of consistency in safe concrete pumping products and procedures, the CPMA formed "to formalize the guidelines for the design, manufacturer, testing, safe use, inspection and maintenance of concrete pumps for the North American market." Leaders from the top pump and systems companies chair the Board of Directors and comprise the CPMA membership.
Pumps and pumping systems that comply with the standards will be clearly marked as such. Compliance is a requirement for CPMA membership, and participating members urge pumpers and contractors to request pumps and systems in compliance when making purchasing decisions. Third-party auditing to ensure compliance will commence in 2003.
