Environmental and Site-Specific Considerations
Environmental factors
Wind, rain, heat, lightning, dust and visibility all affect boom operation. Wind is the most critical: the boom presents a large sail area, and gusting can cause loss of control or exceed the rated wind speed. Stop when wind exceeds the manufacturer's limit or when gusts make control uncertain. Lightning risk requires stopping and stowing the boom. Heat affects concrete set and worker fatigue; cold affects hydraulics and concrete flow.
Site-specific factors
Every site has unique constraints: overhead and underground services, neighbouring structures, public access, traffic management, confined spaces, and environmental protection (spills, washout, noise, dust). Concrete washout must be contained and disposed of lawfully - never into stormwater. Spills of concrete or slurry must be cleaned up and reported. Site traffic management must separate boom operations from pedestrians and vehicles.
Traps in exam questions
Questions often test whether washout into a drain is acceptable - never. Another trap is assuming the site's general SWMS covers boom-specific hazards; it must address the boom's actual setup and operation. Also, wind limits are manufacturer-specific - do not use a generic figure.
Rule of thumb
"Check the sky, the ground, and the neighbours before you start." If any environmental factor is outside limits, stop and reassess.