Working with vacuum trucks requires training and certification. This equipment is powerful enough that it should not be dismissed as being hazard-free. Safety must always be a part of the daily operations of this vehicle and not ignored as not being applicable to the functioning of this powerful extraction machine.

It was recently reported in the news about an incident that happened involving the operator of a vacuum truck. The operator’s arm was vacuumed into a six-inch valve. It happened when he was cleaning debris from the valve and the vacuum system was still working; when the blockage was cleared, the power of the extraction device pulled the operator’s arm into the valve. The operator almost lost his arm as a result of this careless action.

There was another report of three vacuum truck crew members that were exposed to toxic gas released from the tank. The operator pumped waste water from a well, the water mixed with old sludge at the bottom of the tank and caused a chemical reaction inside the tank. This exposure caused one worker to become disoriented and another worker passed out from the toxic gas. Both crew members were fortunately all right and did not suffer any lingering effects from this incident.

Safety Importance

Upholding best practices when operating vacuum trucks can definitely mitigate any risks in the operation process. Workers who do not take necessary precautions and adhere to best safety practices expose the equipment to severe damage and all employees to possible injury.

Worker’s Safety Responsibility

Employers, operators and crews should do their part to advocate safety as a part of all operations. One complacent worker with safety procedures can place all workers at risk. Employees who are either under-trained or non-compliant with vacuum truck safety procedures are creating a hazard to the vehicle, other employees, and the business as well.

Employer’s Safety Responsibility

Generally employers have a greater accountability for their employees’ safety. This responsibility includes proper training, clear instructions, and adequate supervision. These can be shown through the following actions:

• Pre-Work Meetings – It should be required and enforced that all employees attend pre-work meetings. No worker should be allowed to work on-site without familiarization about the nature of each project. The meeting should clearly show any potential hazards that exist.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – It should be mandatory to train and demonstrate to workers how to use personal protective equipment such as personal alarms, hydrogen sulfide exposure, as well as air-supplied respirators.

• Toxic Material Exposure – It is imperative when hauling toxic materials that all workers should receive adequate information about the potential hazard including specific education on what to do in case of exposure to chemicals.

• Specific Site Information – It is important to be sure that each specific work site is covered in detail with all employees who will be assigned to that task.

Operating a vacuum truck does not initially appear to be a difficult task; however, it is always most important to understand any potential risks in the operation of this vehicle and its equipment. It is a very important consideration and must be taken seriously; safety is no joking matter!