Vacuum truck crews and workers face a high risk of exposure during the process of cleaning up hazardous materials from a particular location. Exposure to toxic gases is very high. When a vacuum cargo tank is already filled with sludge and other waste from another well and then is later mixed with hydrochloric acid from a subsequent well, a chemical reaction inside the tank could occur. This truck could also potentially discharge toxic gases resulting in workers experiencing undesirable reactions up to and including death.

There is also a great potential for toxic gas exposure during the clean-up of hazardous materials when it is transported to a disposal site. Workers face a high level of exposure to toxic fumes and without the appropriate equipment for protection, might experience dizziness, unconsciousness and even death during an operation caused by high chemical content gases.

One of the most common toxic gases that may result from vacuum truck operation is hydrogen sulfide and higher levels of hydrochloric acid fumes that are potentially lethal for the vehicle workers. Procedures must be implemented accordingly to ensure safety during vacuum truck operations.

Safety Precautions

The following are safety precautions that should be explained in detail to workers and ensure that these items are clearly understood before engaging in a hazardous chemical removal operation:

• For materials with high level risks, make sure that crews and workers clearly understand their risk of exposure to toxic gases during the operation. Furthermore, workers should be provided with adequate training about personal protective equipment such as air-supplied respirators, etc.

• In the event of gas leaks, the place for evacuation should be clearly indicated ahead of time as well as explain the rescue procedure that would be implemented accordingly. Also, ensure that first aid is readily available on site in cases of toxic gas exposure.

• Make sure that there will be continuous monitoring of air quality at the work site especially in the discharge area of the truck’s venting hose.

• Confirm from the manufacturer’s instructions if the design of your vacuum truck is capable of transferring such hazardous materials. You may call or visit the manufacturer’s website for your inquiries about the safety of this vehicle.

• Routine checks should be made to ensure that the vacuum truck equipment is working properly and in safe condition. This check would include the tank, the pumping equipment and the truck as a whole. The interior tank, filter bag-house and cyclone separators should be completely clean and should be free from any substances that may cause chemical reactions with the materials to be vacuumed.

Preventive Measures

On the other hand, during the transfer of materials, there are certain preventive measures that can be taken to avoid exposure to toxic fumes.

• Facilitate only the transfer of the material when it is confirmed to be chemical-reaction free. At the site, the vacuum truck should be properly positioned to minimize everyone’s exposure to any discharged hazardous materials.

• Vent lines should be positioned away from the workers, the vacuum truck’s operation and workstations and ensure that there are no ignition sources in any near proximity.

• There should be a careful monitoring check of the ventilation during the operation for safety. There should be a consistent monitoring of the tank level indicators, tank pressure and temperature gauges to avoid over-pressurization and to detect early-stage chemical reaction inside the vacuum tank.

• Lastly, it is important to maintain a log of hazardous materials being transported.

Safety should come first in particular when working with hazardous materials. Prevention should be given high priority in order to protect your workers’ lives from harm that could be caused by simple negligence. Failing to properly train for and monitor the removal of hazardous material by vacuum truck is too great of a risk to take, both for workers and for their company.