Operator of Concrete Pumps equipped with a Distribution Mast Examination

Operator of Concrete Pumps equipped with a Distribution Mast Examination

The examination is 3 hours long. It contains 51 questions and each question is worth 1 point. The required passing grade is 60%. The materials for your use during the examination are provided to you. They are: a pencil, a paper sheet, a calculator, a ruler and an eraser. No other material or reference document is allowed during the examination.

Skill content on which questions may be based

Section 1 – Work organization (26%)

  • Planning the work:
    • Interpreting the work order
    • Preparing the equipment
    • Determining the route
  • Driving the pump truck:
    • Specifying the pump truck’s equipment
    • The Highway Safety Code
    • Standards and regulations for driving on a construction site
  • Evaluating the work environment:
    • Configuring the workplace
    • Identifying hazards and obstacles
    • Determining the pump truck’s location
    • Responsibilities of various persons on the construction site
  • Communications:
    • Logbook
    • Defect sheet
    • Work order
    • Communication with various persons on the construction site
    • Concrete distribution signs

Section 2 – Equipment and accessories (18%)

  • Inspecting the equipment and accessories:
    • Pre-start inspection of the vehicle
    • Inspection of the concrete pump
    • Inspection of accessories
  • Installing the equipment:
    • Positioning the equipment
    • Evaluating the work area
    • Securing the work area
    • Stabilizing the pump truck
    • Preparing the distribution line
    • Installing accessories on the distribution line
  • Storing the equipment and accessories:
    • Washing the pump
    • Cleaning accessories and hardware
    • Storing accessories

Section 3 – Concrete distribution (56%)

  • Concrete distribution:
    • Priming the pumping system
    • Lubricating the distribution line
    • Adjusting the pump flow
    • Pumping concrete
    • Handling the distribution mast
    • Moving the distribution line
    • Procedure for unblocking the distribution line
  • Clearing the construction site:
    • Bleeding the distribution line
    • Disassembling the distribution line
    • Destabilizing the pump
    • Pumping system maintenance
    • Preparing the pump truck for the road

Samples of questions for provincial qualification examination.

Suggested documentation

The suggested documents are an important tool to help you prepare for the examination. However, your best asset to write the exam successfully are the quality and diversity of the skills you have acquired during your apprenticeship.

  • CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION (CSA). Concrete pumps
    and placing booms, Mississauga, CSA, 2009, 48 p. (Standard Z151-09)
    Tel.: 514 428-2418 ou 1 800 463-6727
    Fax: 514 694-5001
    www.shop.csa.ca

  • COMMISSION DES NORMES, DE L'ÉQUITÉ, DE LA SANTÉ ET DE LA SÉCURITÉ DU TRAVAIL DU QUÉBEC (CNESST). Règlement sur les pompes à béton et les mâts de distribution : [le règlement en bref], CNESST, Montreal, 2005, 1 folded
    paper: ill. (in French only).
    Tel.: 1 866 302-2778 

  • ECKARDSTEIN, K.-E. Pumping concrete and concrete pumps: a concrete
    placing manual, HERNE, ALL.: SCHWING, 1983, 133 p.: ill. 

  • QUÉBEC (PROVINCE). An Act respecting owners, operators and drivers
    of heavy vehicles, R.S.Q., chapter P-30.3: updated to April 15th 2008,
    Sainte-Foy, Éditeur officiel du Québec, 2008, 36 p. Publications du Québec: tel.: 1 800 463-2100
    Fax: 1 800 561-3479
    www.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca

  • QUÉBEC (PROVINCE). Regulation respecting concrete pumps and
    distribution masts: R.S.Q., chapitre S-2.1, (Décret 1520-92, 1992
    published in the Gazette officielle du Québec, Part 2, p. 6340).
    Sainte-Foy, Éditeur officiel du Québec, 2008, 36 p.
    Publications du Québec: tel.: 1 800 463-2100
    Fax: 1 800 561-3479.
    www.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca