As the US economy recovers and new construction rises, the use of compaction rammers is becoming more common.
Rammers are used to compact soil before building materials are placed on top of it. They look almost like jack hammers, except they have a flat plate that impacts with the ground rather than a drill bit.
Rammers are typically held in place vertically by a construction worker. Powered by a diesel or gas engine, they can deliver up to 750 high-impact blows per minute. While that’s a lot of force to be delivered to the ground, the shoulders, neck and arms of the worker holding the tool also absorbs a lot of the shock, which can cause injury.
Use with Caution
In addition to being noisy and powerful, compaction rammers can be extremely dangerous to use because they usually bounce forward when in use. Workers must be fully trained on their use before they are allowed to use them on the job. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as noise reduction headphones, safety boots, a helmet with a face shield and safety glasses are a must.
One of the best PPE you can wear while handling a rammer is anti-vibration gloves. These help absorb some of the repetitive impact so that the worker doesn’t develop Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Rammers for Different Surfaces
One way to keep injuries to a minimum is to use the right tool for the job. Different compaction rammers are designed for specific types of soil. For example, there are rammers that are just for soft soil and others that are for use on clay or more firm soil. It’s important that the correct type of compactor is used for the soil type on the job site.
When moving a rammer into position, use several men or specialized equipment because the tools are very heavy. Guards should be maintained on all moving parts to prevent crushing injuries.
Compaction rammers work best on a flat surface. But periodically, the soil on a slope needs to be prepared for building materials. When using a rammer on a slope, make sure to work up and down, rather than from side to side. This makes it easier to direct the force of the power tool to the surface and reduces the chances of tipping or dropping the rammer.
Look Out Below!
Before using a rammer, make sure that the ground where you will be working is stable. If there is a buried vault, an abandoned mine, or some other threat to the surface integrity, the powerful force of the rammer could cause the tool — and the worker — to fall through.
Another thing to remember is that rammers get hot when left running for a long time. Overheating can cause the tool’s parts to break down or fail. If the rammer begins to get too warm, the worker should take a break. And never attempt to refuel, adjust or repair a rammer while it is still hot. Waiting a few minutes is all it takes for the rammer to cool down.
Rammers are tough tools that need to be handled with caution. Take frequent breaks, don’t allow them to get too hot, and always observe strict safety protocols to minimize employee injuries.