Personnel, duties and safety precautions for the shotcrete gunning crew.
The crew should consist of:
• nozzleman
• Blowpipe operator (nozzle man’s apprentice)
• Gunman (operates the mechanical feeder or gun*)
• Mixer operator
• Foreman
• Several laborers to assist with such jobs as hose moving, scaffolding and mixing
Functions
Following are the primary duties of a shotcrete gunning crew:
Nozzleman
Ensures that the nozzle is in first-class working order, the liner is secure and unworn, the water jets are
clear and unblocked, the hoses are clear of scale and correctly laid, and the hose connections are
properly made.
Ensures that the surface to receive the shotcrete is clean, free of dust, laitance and grease (with the
exception of formwork coated with form oil).
Ensures that the mix stream is applied in a regular flow at the correct, uniform pressure required.
Regulates the water control to ensure adequate compaction of the shotcrete, low rebound percentage and
absence of sag.
Holds the nozzle in such a way that the shotcrete impinges as directly onto the surface as conditions permit,
thus ensuring adequate compaction and low re- bound percentage.
Nozzleman’s signals Protective clothing.
Gunman
• Ensures that the gun is in first-class working order.
• Regulates the supply of mix from the gun according to the nozzleman’s requirements for pressure and volume.
Ensures that the mix supply does not pulsate or in any way become irregular.
Ensures, by carefully checking the connections that no air losses occur in the hoses or the gun.
Directs the mixer operator as to his requirements and rejects any premixed material that has been left to stand
for longer than two hours (one hour if the sand was wet) or any other mix he considers unsatisfactory.
Blows out all material hoses after work stops and empties the gun if the stoppage is for more than one hour.
Mixer Operator
Ensures that the mixer is clean and in first-class mechanical condition it must be cleaned daily.
• Mixes the cement and sand in the required proportions for at least one minute, whether a drum- or a pan-type
mixer is used.
• Rejects any unsound cement and any inferior sand (badly graded or with a moisture content greater than 10
percent).
• Ensures, by careful screening, that no large pieces of aggregate, cement bag paper or any other debris that could
block the hose are allowed to enter the gun from the mixer or the premixed material stockpile.
Ensures that the cement is stored near at hand, at least 6 inches (3) above ground level and under cover.
Ensures that the sand is stockpiled under cover in such a manner that it can drain freely.
Blowpipe operator
Assists the nozzleman in other ways; for instance, by shifting hoses, cutting out voids, troweling the shotcrete
face, clearing rebound from the area, watching out for trouble (leaks, blocks, loose screeds, for example) and
acting as a messenger/signalman.
Foreman
• The foreman bears responsibility for the successful completion of the job and acts as coordinator and director.
Safety precautions
Protective equipment / Resources
• Safety Helmet / Hard Hat
• High Visibility Vest
• Safety Shoes/Boots
• Waterproof gloves
• Safety Goggles
• Respirator / Dust mask
• Hearing protection such as Ear plug / Ear muff
• Two way radio
Execute all activities with due regard to Environment, Safety and Health of all employees and third parties.
An effective thorough safety program is in place
Employees are thoroughly trained in the provisions of safety plan
Wear proper and/or appropriate personal protective equipment such as but not limited to Safety Helmet,
High visible Vest, Safety shoes, Hearing Protection, safety goggles, loose- fitting waterproof gloves, full body
harness for working at height e.t.c.
All pressurized lines should pass all safety checks before usage
Shotcrete spray from the nozzle is potentially hazardous if not handled cautiously.
Work area must be well lit and ventilated
Safety clamp all material hoses and airlines
The nozzle should not be casually put down until all pressure is off line.
Review Material Safety data Sheet (MSDS) for all materials use.
