Vacuum Trucks Need Safe Operating Procedures!

Almost every job or vocation has its corresponding risks. More often, the risk related to the task is very noticeable such as using heavy machinery and chemicals in the vacuum pumping industry. Whatever the job, workers are exposed to different hazards and potential injuries. Therefore, when using vacuum trucks to run a business, it is imperative to have safe operating procedures to be sure that all workers are knowledgeable about the hazards related to the job as well as how to prevent or avoid any harm while doing any work-related tasks.

Necessity

Safe operating procedures are very vital for any business. For vacuum truck operations, it is important to be able to identify, avoid, and act accordingly in the event of exposure to methane and other noxious gases. These procedures have brief descriptions or written guidelines describing the risk associated with each task, identification of involved hazards, and applicable control measures to perform the job correctly. In addition, any written instructions provide educational tools to demonstrate how to do the job systematically with an optimum degree of safety and efficiency. This is not mandatory but is a prerequisite to avoid work site accidents and injuries. This is simply instructions on how to do the job correctly.

Procedures

For vacuum truck operations, safety procedures cover tasks that could potentially harm workers and put them at risk. This includes exposure to toxic gas emissions and chemical reactions while using the necessary equipment.

Prior to Operation


* Hazard Identification - All workers should understand the hazards associated with vacuuming the materials being handled.

* Rescue Information - On-site rescue procedures must be completely understood and are able to be properly applied in case of noxious gas leakage.

* Monitoring A continuous on-site air quality monitoring system should be established especially close to the venting hose.

* First Aid - First aid should be readily available in case personnel are exposure to toxic gases. Respirators must be easily accessible by rescuers.

* Vehicle and Materials - Consult the manufacturer's manual about the right usage of the vehicle as well as learning about the properties of any material to be pumped and transported.

* Functional Truck - Make sure that the vacuum truck is fully functional.

During Operation


* Material Transfer - Transferring of any material from one truck to another is highly prohibited unless it has been confirmed that no chemical reaction could take place.

* Proper Parking The vehicle should be parked correctly to lessen the degree of exposure; discharge pipes should be long and large enough to facilitate safe pumping.

* Exhaust Direction - Vent lines and their components must be positioned away from personnel or the job site. Otherwise, utilize a vertical exhaust pipe to redirect toxic fumes.

* Air Quality Monitor and inspect the air quality monitoring system to ensure that venting is working properly.

When vacuum trucks carry hazardous material, there is a high risk of exposure to toxic fumes. The inhalation of such gases can cause nausea, vomiting, asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, and even death in a short period of exposure. Because of this, every vacuum truck business needs to have its own safe operating procedures to avoid unwanted serious injuries and deadly accidents!