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It should be common sense when operating any kind of heavy-duty machinery or vehicle that certain safety precautions should be taken such as requiring vehicle operators to take specialized training or obtain specific licenses in order to use the vehicle. In either circumstance, employees should be trained to perform routine inspections of equipment before it is used at a work site, certainly as a safety measure to protect operators and crew, the company and all clients. Mishaps can happen; however, preventable accidents are what costs a company the most money over a long period of time. It may seem as if there is little to worry about vacuum trucks when it comes to injuries or other problems, which of course is just not true. Employees should adhere to documented safety checks and keep accurate records of such examinations. These checks should cover the entire vehicle from top to bottom and include considerations both while the vehicle is stationary and while it is being operated. Safety Checks It is critical to follow safety procedures necessary for vehicle stabilization, tank and hose performance, and correct use of the equipment at a job site. Knowing how to properly connect, couple and use hoses and all vacuum controls is essential to prevent equipment failure. Although durable in general, these vehicles are not foolproof. Improper use of the machinery is the main reason for equipment failure and accidents. Operations Looking beyond visual inspections, it is important to understand how the vacuum part of this vehicle works. The type and size of hose that is used, what exact material is being vacuumed, and other variables all affect equipment performance and how efficiently it can operate under most working conditions. Using incorrect hoses can put an incredible strain on the suction motor, ultimately causing it to fail. It is vital to ensure that the proper hose size is being used and is one of the most important safety precautions. Operators should be trained to recognize how to determine and attach the correct hose for the job as well as how to detect when a vehicle is straining or backing-up which is a dangerous consequence for both the tank and hoses, as two different size hoses used at the same will cause unnecessary strain on the motor. Training Company owners and supervisors must insist upon proper training for all employees. Such safety training should include: how to perform a good visual equipment inspection; how to recognize worn or failing parts; how each piece of the equipment works; and how certain variables can negatively affect vehicle operations. Additionally, it is essential to provide hazardous materials handling and any other similar requirements that deal with vacuumed substances that are located both in and out of the tank. Following a strict company policy of training and safety procedures will not only keep employees safe and prevent expensive equipment repairs; it will prevent companies from having any OSHA violations as well. It is just not worth the risk to allow safety measures to be ignored when using vacuum trucks. It is certainly a true statement to make that safety with a vacuum truck just cannot be ignored! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Vacuum Truck Sale, go to the main website at:http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net.
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