When operating any type of heavy equipment, safety should always be the top priority, especially when the equipment being used is a massive removal machine such as a vacuum truck. These vehicles are particularly useful as they are a very powerful machine that can clear 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 error in the placement of the extraction hose can cause serious work injuries.

potential injuries

To get an idea of ​​how this equipment can become potentially lethal when used incorrectly, here are some real-life stories from workers who experienced near-death experiences operating this powerful vehicle:

• aspirated extremity– The operator of a vacuum truck had already started to remove debris when the hose became clogged. The worker manually removed the blockage with his arm; however, he did not turn off the equipment while he removed the obstruction. When the debris that was stuck came loose, the pressure that had built up in the hose removed the worker’s limb from the increased vacuum power before the worker was able to remove it.
• toxic smoke mishap– Three vacuum truck operators were removing sewage from a well. The workers were unaware that the truck’s storage tank contained sludge that did not mix well with water. When the workers removed the residual water, it combined with the sludge inside the tank and caused a chemical reaction that generated toxic gases. One of the crew members became disoriented while another passed out completely due to the toxic gas. Fortunately, one was able to seek medical assistance 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 operators’ lack of knowledge of workplace safety hazards, as well as failure to properly implement safety features.

Important Safety Guidelines

• Use only certified vacuum truck operators – Due to the variety of liquids vacuum trucks handle, each operator must know the proper 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 equipment safely and in all conditions.
• Wear personal protective equipment– During training, some of the important knowledge that operators acquire is the correct way to use personal protective equipment, such as personal alarms and supplied air respirators. Workers must also learn the dangers involved in handling toxic fluids and the possibility of a gas explosion. Equally important, they need to learn how to respond if such an emergency arises.
• Perform a pre-operation inspection – Before taking the vehicle on the road, it is important that operators perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle to ensure that all 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 must 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 punctures in the hose. The storage tank, the filter house and the cyclone separators must be free of any substance that could react with the fluid to be extracted.
• Conduct a site-specific orientation – Before work begins, all employees must first receive specific information about the workplace, including the material to be handled. Workers must be informed about the risks involved and how the material should be handled in the safest way. Employees must also be briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Maintain a Record of Transported Fluids – Operators must always complete a record for each vehicle regarding all fluids that were transported and it must always be available. Keeping a record should help prevent chemical reactions from occurring by raising awareness of any 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 been properly trained on all safety guidelines when operating a vacuum truck and are aware of workplace safety hazards and how to avoid them!