When operating any type of heavy duty equipment, safety should always be the top priority, especially when the equipment being used is a mass extraction machine such as a vacuum truck. These vehicles are particularly useful as they are a very powerful machine that can remove almost any type of debris. It should be noted that while the ability to create very powerful suction makes an operator’s job much faster, it also makes the job much more dangerous. A small mistake in the placement of the extraction hose can cause serious work-related injuries.
Potential injuries
To get an idea of how this equipment can become potentially lethal when used improperly, here are some real-life stories of workers who encountered near-death experiences while operating this powerful vehicle:
- Member aspirated– A vacuum truck operator had already started removing debris when the hose encountered a blockage. The worker manually removed the blockage with his arm; however, he did not turn off the equipment while removing the obstruction. When the debris that was stuck was dislodged, the pressure that had built up in the hose removed the limb from the worker by the increased vacuum power before the worker could remove it.
- Toxic smoke accident– Three vacuum truck workers were drawing sewage from a well. The workers were unaware that the truck’s storage tank contained sludge that did not mix well with the water. As workers extracted the wastewater, it combined with the sludge inside the tank and caused a chemical reaction that generated toxic fumes. One of the crew members became disoriented while another passed out completely from the toxic gas. Fortunately, medical assistance could be sought before something more serious happened.
These accidents were not caused by poor design. In fact, vacuum trucks are equipped with numerous safety features designed to protect workers; however, accidents still occur due to a lack of knowledge on the part of operators regarding safety hazards in the workplace, as well as a lack of proper implementation of safety features.
Important safety guidelines
- Use Only Certified Vacuum Truck Operators – Due to the variety of liquids that vacuum trucks handle, every operator must know the correct way to handle various types of liquids in the safest way possible. Only proper training and certification can provide these workers with the knowledge they need to operate the equipment safely and in all conditions.
- Use personal protective equipment– During training, some of the important knowledge operators gain is the proper way to use personal protective equipment, such as personal alarms and supplied-air respirators. Workers should also be aware of the dangers of handling toxic fluids and the possibility of a gas explosion. It is equally important that they learn how to respond in the event of such an emergency.
- Perform a Pre-Operation Inspection – Before taking the vehicle out on the road, it is important that operators perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure that all of its components are in good working order. They must inspect every piece of equipment from top to bottom.
- Carefully check the components of the vacuum cleaner– The suction components of the vehicle should also be checked daily. Operators must ensure that: all removable components are in place; all water tanks are full; and there are no cracks or holes in the hose. The storage tank, baghouse and cyclone separators must be free of any substance that can react with the fluid to be extracted.
- Conduct site-specific targeting – Before starting work, all employees should be given specific information about the workplace, including the material to be handled. Workers should be informed about the risks involved and how the material should be handled in the safest way. Employees should also be informed of what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Keep track of fluids transported – Operators must always complete a record for each vehicle regarding all fluids that were transported and it must always be available. Keeping a log should help prevent chemical reactions from occurring by raising awareness of previously transported fluids.
Operating a vacuum truck can be potentially dangerous, especially when handling various types of fluids on a regular basis. There is always the possibility of being exposed to toxic chemicals. These hazards can be avoided if workers have received proper training on all safety guidelines when operating a vacuum truck and are aware of workplace safety hazards and how to avoid them.