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Copies of the Safe Operation of Vacuum Trucks in Petroleum Service API Recommended Practice 2219 Third Edition, November 2005, are available through Global Engineering Documents at (800) 854-7179 or (303) 397-7956, or purchase them from AIS Engineering Bookstore at US (866) 900-2992, www.ais-engineering-books.com. Information about API Publications, Programs and Services is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.api.org.
Safe Work Procedures for Vacuum Truck Operations
Employers are responsible for properly training, instructing and supervising workers. These responsibilities include the following:
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1) Ensure that all workers attend pre-work meeting i.e. WHMIS and CCOHS. These meetings should cover the hazards to which workers are exposed by their work.
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2) Train workers how to use personal protective equipment, such as H2S personal alarms and air-supplied respirators.
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3) 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.
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4) Ensure that all workers have completed a site-specific orientation.
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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, supervisors should:
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1) Make sure that workers understand hazards associated with the substances to be vacuumed and the evacuation procedures in the event of a toxic gas leak.
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2) Ensure that air quality monitoring at the work site is continuous and first aid is readily available on site.
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3) Consult the manufacturer's instructions to confirm that the vacuum equipment is designed for the particular transfer operation.
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4) Ensure that all equipment including tank and vacuum trucks, and pumping equipment, is in safe working condition. Ensure that the tank interior, filter bag house and cyclone separators are clean and free of any substances that may react with the liquids to be vacuumed or transferred.
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To prevent exposure to toxic gases during transfer operations, workers should:
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1) Never transfer fluids from one truck to another unless it has been established that no chemical reaction will occur.
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2) Position trucks to minimize exposure to any discharged gases and fumes
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3) Ensure that discharge lines are long enough and large enough for safe operation.
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4) Position vent lines away from workers and workstations, including control panes, valve handles, gauges, shut-offs and hose attachment points. If possible, use a vertical exhaust stack to divert exhaust gases away form workers and ignition sources.
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5) Check air monitoring equipment during operations to confirm that venting is proceeding safely.
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6) Monitor tank-level indicators to avoid overfilling and over-pressurizing receiving tanks or creating excessive vacuum in supply tanks.
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7) 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.
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8) Maintain a log of transported fluids and any potential residue.
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9) Use gravity loading and unloading whenever possible.
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10) Use a vapour recovery system when available, to avoid venting tanks directly to the atmosphere.
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"Gases May Linger in Vacuum Trucks." Tank Transport Trader. February 2010, p 18.
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