alberta vac truck safety

Vac Truck Safety

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P bar Y Safety Consultants Alberta Canada

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• Vacuum trucks are vehicles that typically consist of a storage container and suction motor mounted on a truck chassis. These vehicles can be used to pump anything from residential septic tanks to contaminated soil. Vacuum trucks are sometimes classified based on whether they are designed to pump wet or dry materials, capacity, weight, and other factors. The vacuum motor can be powered by the truck engine or a dedicated gasoline or diesel motor. A vacuum truck is usually purpose-built on a heavy duty chassis, though slide-in units exist that can be installed in a truck bed or on a trailer.


Day lighting to Sewers

• Any time a substance that is loose enough to be pumped has to be removed, a vacuum truck may be used. The material can be sewage from a septic tank or sewer, contaminated soil from a jobsite, brine water from an oil well drill site, or virtually anything else. Liquids typically require different vacuum trucks than solids, since a pump designed to work with liquids may not function well with substances that are more solid in nature. The pumping tubes used with vacuum trucks are typically between one and four inches (2.5 to 10 centimeters) in diameter, though this can also vary depending on the particular job.


My pump• The pump on a vacuum truck may be operated by a power take-off

(PTO) from the vehicle's engine or a dedicated motor. A power take-off is usually a splined drive shaft that is connected to the drive train of the vehicle. When the truck is stationary, power can be cut off from the wheels and transferred to the power take-off instead. This drive shaft can then power a variety of different items, such as the pump on a vacuum truck. The PTO on a vacuum truck may use a belt to drive the pump, though hydraulics are sometimes used as well.

• If the vacuum unit is mounted on a trailer or in the bed of a pickup truck, it may not be feasible to use a PTO. In situations such as these, a small gasoline motor is often used to run the vacuum pump instead. This is sometimes called a pony motor, which is a term that can also refer to small gas motors that are used to start larger diesel engines.


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• Vacuum trucks provide an important contribution to the transportation and recovery of flammable and combustible products within the hazardous process industries. Their efficiency and versatility means they can fulfill a broad array of duties ranging from the transfer of chemicals in manufacturing production, to removing waste deposits from storage tanks or performing hazardous material recovery at the site of road & rail traffic incidents.


1250gpm

• With a vacuum tanker, basically one man can set up and supply water. The limitations of distance to the static water source are only dependent on the amount of hard suction you are able to deploy. Getting water does not depend on airtight connections, and it has been documented that two different sizes of hard suction were duct taped together and water was still able to be provided. Most fill rates average 1250gpm or better.


Applications•

Liquids, Slurries & Solids • Transportation & Disposal• Dewatering• Hazardous Materials• Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste • Hydro Excavation • Sewer Cleaning • Pits, Tanks & Sumps • Oil Skimming • Emergency Response •


• To facilitate pumping, a vacuum truck is typically equipped with some type of boom. The pump tube is fastened to this boom, which can make it easier to position it over the material that has to be suctioned out. This is often helpful when vacuuming out a septic tank in a back yard or a drill site where equipment or debris prevent the truck from approaching closely.


I have various safety features


First things First

• Have you done your JSA’s and done your pre-site Hazard Assessments


Know all the parts


Safety features to learn


So big some small all pressurized


From mud and water to dangerous goods


Know your weight limitation


Too big to heavy if full


A little class time less incidents

• Instruction, training, and supervision of vacuum truck operators• Employers are responsible for properly training, instructing, and

supervising workers. These responsibilities include the following:• Ensure that all workers attend pre-work meetings. These meetings should

cover the hazards to which workers are exposed by their work.

• Train workers how to use personal protective equipment—such as H2S personal alarms and air-supplied respirators.

• Ensure that all workers are adequately instructed in the hazards of toxic gas exposure and trained to know what to do in case of a release.

• Ensure that all workers have completed a site-specific orientation.


Follow the safety rulesFollowing are a few key points to keep in mind. It is not all you need to

know, but they are several things I stress when talking to vacuum truck operators.

• Diameter size of the hose is very important.

Vacuum operators need to understand the importance of changing from one hose size to another and the impact of their decisions. Just how much impact can a slight change in diameter make? Look at the difference between a ¼" hose and a 3/8" hose.

In seminars, I connect each hose to a mustard jar and see how quickly the contents of the jar are emptied. You might think since the 3/8" hose is half again as large as the ¼", it would vacuum the contents at a 50% faster rate. Instead, contents are removed from the jar nine times faster! The jar with the larger hose is empty almost before the other has started.


How big is that• Hose diameter is also paramount in getting the most out of your

truck.

Changing hose diameters in the middle of the job is not only inefficient it can be dangerous.

Start off with an 8" hose that the operator runs 100 feet and then change to a 4" hose. The volume at the start of the 4" hose is deafening. The truck is being asked to suction x amount of air designed to go into 8" at full throttle, though only through a 4" opening. The material flies through the hose at 4". Then when it hits the 8" section the power is reduced and material clogs up the hose. This severely impacts the air stream where the two sides meet and is destructive to your equipment.


Change out• Hose diameter is also paramount in getting the most out of your

truck.

Changing hose diameters in the middle of the job is not only inefficient it can be dangerous.

Start off with an 8" hose that the operator runs 100 feet and then change to a 4" hose. The volume at the start of the 4" hose is deafening. The truck is being asked to suction x amount of air designed to go into 8" at full throttle, though only through a 4" opening. The material flies through the hose at 4". Then when it hits the 8" section the power is reduced and material clogs up the hose. This severely impacts the air stream where the two sides meet and is destructive to your equipment.


Follow those safety phrases


Always think H2S

• During vacuum truck operations, workers are at risk of being exposed to toxic gases. The potential for releasing toxic gases exists whenever vacuum trucks suck up liquid waste to be transported to disposal sites. For example, the waste water from oil and gas wells might contain highly toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Low levels of exposure to H2S can result in symptoms such as eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, and vomiting. At high levels of exposure, workers not wearing the appropriate protective equipment will pass out. Too much of the gas can kill a worker in seconds.

•


• H2S is only one of the toxic gases that may result from vacuum truck operations. Any mixing of liquid waste with other waste products can result in unpredictable chemical reactions that produce other gases just as dangerous as H2S. For example, the hydrochloric acid used at oil and gas sites may react with the waste products already in a tank to release hydrochloric acid fumes. Workers may be exposed to potentially lethal levels of hydrochloric acid fumes if they aren't wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

•


Safe work procedures for vacuum truck operations

• Safe work procedures for vacuum truck operations must address the potential for chemical reactions and the potential release of toxic gas or fumes. They must also take into account the variety of fluids or substances that vacuum trucks typically carry.

• Before starting any vacuum truck operations—• Make sure that workers understand the following:

– the hazards associated with the liquids or substances to be vacuumed or transferred– the evacuation and rescue procedures in the event of a toxic gas leak

• Ensure that air quality monitoring at the work site is continuous at such locations as the discharge area of the vacuum truck venting hose.

• Ensure that first aid is readily available on site in the event of exposure to toxic gas.• Consult the manufacturer's instructions to confirm that the vacuum equipment is designed

for the particular transfer operation.• Ensure that all equipment—including tank and vacuum trucks, and pumping equipment—is

in safe working condition. Ensure that the tank interior, filter baghouse, and cyclone separators are clean and free of any substances that may react with the liquids to be vacuumed or transferred.


Emergency Shut Down

• Emergency Shut Down: All DOT certified vacuum trucks and hydrovac units are equipped with 2 emergency shut down devices (ESD):

• A large labeled push button ESD switch on the driver’s side of the unit. Activation of this ESD will close all the valves to the vacuum tank releasing vacuum pressure from any hoses or fittings connected to vacuum tank. For the hydrovac units, the ESD closes the boom hose valve thus removing vacuum from dig tube suction line.

• All diesel vacuum truck and hydrovac units are equipped with a manual shut off (kill) switch located in the cab plus an RPM limiting shut off (positive air shut-off).


Points to Remember:

• The tank is a confined space! An operator may be handling hazardous materials. If he enters the tank to make a repair, he might be overcome by fumes. There is only one way in and one way out of the tank, so it is a confined space in the truest sense. Don’t enter a tank without the appropriate procedures, backup & PPE.

• Always ground the truck! Grounding is important for any product an operator uses. You might be sucking contaminated muds or hydrocarbons and static electricity could trigger an explosion. Air movers should never be used on anything being removed with a temperature flash point of 140oF or less. This has been accepted as an industry standard.

• Driving Safety is always extremely important! Drivers need to be alert when driving any vehicle, especially a vac truck. A loaded vac truck takes longer to stop and get up to highway speed than other vehicles. Be aware of others in the plant as it can be congested. Never back up your vac truck without having constant visual contact with your spotter as they direct you, or get out of the cab and look over the situation before backing up.


• To prevent exposure to toxic gases during transfer operations—

• Never transfer fluids from one truck to another unless it has been established that no chemical reaction will occur.

• Position trucks to minimize exposure to any discharged gases and fumes.

• Ensure that discharge lines are long enough and large enough for safe operation.

• Position vent lines away from workers and workstations, including control panels, valve handles, gauges, shut-offs, and hose attachment points. If possible, use a vertical exhaust stack to divert exhaust gases away from workers and ignition sources.

• Check air monitoring equipment during operations to confirm that venting is proceeding safely.


Monitor the following:

– tank level indicators to avoid overfilling– tank pressure gauges to avoid over-pressurizing receiving tanks or creating

excessive vacuum in supply tanks– tank temperature gauges to help identify possible chemical reactions

• Minimize the air introduced into the system when pressure loading or unloading. Submerge the suction line in liquid, or reduce the vacuum pump speed when skimming or nearing the end of a load.

• Maintain a log of transported fluids and any potential residue.• Use gravity loading and unloading whenever possible.• Use a vapour recovery system—when available—to avoid venting tanks directly to

the atmosphere.


Limb Safety:

• Your hands allow you to perform a variety of tasks that makes you a skilled and valuable worker. Just imagine the difficulty life itself would be if you lost an arm or leg. The first step to “hand & arm” safety is preventing hand/arm injuries, be aware of the hazards! Hand/arm accidents are usually caused by boredom, inattentiveness or distractions in the workplace and by not thinking of what can go wrong before it goes wrong. Always remember to be alert and extra cautious when working with or in the area that have the following hazards; Pinch Points, Hot Spots, Rotating Machines, Automated Machinery, Loose Clothing.

• • Vacuums are hazardous: Operators need to realize that vacuums (like

pressure) can be very hazardous to life & limb.


MTC – Vac truck operator struck by hose coupling - A vac truck worker was attempting to detach a stuck hose from his vac truck. He was holding the hose approximately 2 feet from the coupling and pulling the hose to one side. When the hose came free, it flipped upwards striking the operator in the face. The worker stopped work to see the onsite medic. The worker lost one tooth and chipped another.

Preliminary Learning Points Proper handling of hoses was discussed at the

start up meeting with all contractors.

Operator was pulling on the hose without recognizing the line-of-fire hazard.

Operator was in rush to complete the job.

The temperature was –35 C.

Service companies were not included in the rig safety meetings. This was rectified immediately after the incident.

Coupling detached

and flipped


Smooth no roughage

• Smooth bore hoses almost always work better.

An advanced drainage system hose is very rough inside, almost like a corrugated material. An operator can get by with a drainage system hose on a short job, but on a longer and tougher job a smooth bore hose is necessary.

Safety is an issue as equal or more important than vacuum truck operation. Unfortunately, I see many of the same mistakes and same problems today as six or seven years ago, especially with new operators.


Always wear your PPE


The tank is a confined space.•

An operator may be handling toxic chemicals. If he enters the tank to make a repair, he might be overcome by fumes. There is only one way in and one way out when dealing with a confined space. Don't enter a tank when there are chemicals inside.

• An inline "T" and vacuum release can help ensure safety.

There are three release areas available with a truck, including a remote release or a manual release near the truck itself and an inline "T."

The larger the diameter of the hose, the bigger the force you have. If a 27" hose gets stuck to your body it can be fatal. An inline "T" is the mechanical device placed in the hose that kills the vacuum in the hose.

Nearly every injury in our industry occurs because those devices aren't working or aren't operative. If all 3 are working, you won't have injuries.


Ground Prevent Static

• Always ground the truck.

This is important for any product an operator uses. You might be sucking grain dust or something that might trigger a dust explosion. In fact, an air mover should never be used on anything being removed with a temperature flash point of 140 degrees or less. That is an industry standard.

• Wet and dry material should never be mixed.

In most cases, an operator does not know the chemical reaction if wet and dry materials are mixed.


Time to Time to for Safetyfor Safety


This vacuum truck was off-This vacuum truck was off-loading oily waste.loading oily waste.

Discharge blocked. The Discharge blocked. The helper removed the hose helper removed the hose and tried to unblock with and tried to unblock with stick through the valve. stick through the valve. Pressure pump was kept Pressure pump was kept running.running.


Suddenly the rear closure slammed Suddenly the rear closure slammed open with enormous force. The open with enormous force. The helper, who stood behind it, was helper, who stood behind it, was thrown 13 m away. He died on the thrown 13 m away. He died on the spot.spot.

It is not yet clear why the It is not yet clear why the closure/door failed:closure/door failed:

- Faulty Relief Valve? - Faulty Relief Valve? - Faulty pump pressure - Faulty pump pressure switch? switch? - Internal explosion? - Internal explosion? (no earthing was used) (no earthing was used) - Bolt failure (8x 2”dia)? - Bolt failure (8x 2”dia)?

Press Gauge


Clean Inspect and Be Safety Aware


1st failed bolt

blockage

2nd failed bolt

3rd failed boltPressure release valve

Failed weld - should have

been one machined piece

Poor design, manufacture and

welding of bolt and pin

`

Operator was standing here just before blast


• Vacuum trucks are powerful enough to give an operator a false sense of security. They are so forgiving performance-wise, even when not used properly. But ultimate performance relates to how careful an operator is. Knowledge of your truck and common safety measures will aid performance.


Is YOUR Safety important ??Is YOUR Safety important ?? to you ?to you ? YESYESto you family ?to you family ? YESYESto your company ?to your company ? YESYES

to PDO ?to PDO ? YESYES

Then follow these very basic steps:Then follow these very basic steps: - Identify hazards, look for them, be aware of them: always - Identify hazards, look for them, be aware of them: always - Protect yourself from these hazards, control them: always- Protect yourself from these hazards, control them: always- If you can not control them, if it is not safe: - If you can not control them, if it is not safe: STOPSTOP

Discuss in your team:Discuss in your team: your hazards, your controls.your hazards, your controls.



You are never to hot or to big to follow the safety rules on or off the road