Job Safety Analysis: Vacuum Truck Operations

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect truck, hoses, and work area Equipment failure, hose damage, traffic hazards, unstable ground Conduct pre trip inspection, check hoses and fittings, position truck on stable surface, use traffic control if roadside
Position and secure truck Vehicle movement, struck by traffic, rollaway Set parking brake, deploy wheel chocks, activate warning lights, maintain safe distance from traffic
Set up cones and warning devices Worker exposure to traffic, poor visibility Wear high visibility PPE, place cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines, use spotter if needed
Connect vacuum hoses and fittings Pinch points, hose whipping, chemical exposure Inspect hose connections, secure fittings properly, keep hands clear of pinch points, wear gloves and eye protection
Start vacuum system Excessive noise, flying debris, mechanical failure Ensure all guards are in place, maintain safe distance from intake, wear hearing protection
Perform vacuum operation Exposure to sewage, hazardous materials, confined space atmospheres, struck by hose movement Maintain communication with crew, avoid standing directly over openings, monitor hose movement, use respiratory protection if needed
Clean catch basins, sewers, or tanks Biological hazards, slips, falls, splash exposure Use waterproof PPE, avoid direct contact with waste, maintain secure footing, wash exposed skin immediately
Monitor tank fill level Overfilling, spills, pressure buildup Observe tank gauges, stop filling before reaching capacity, follow manufacturer operating limits
Disconnect hoses and shut down system Hose whipping, spills, residual pressure Bleed off pressure before disconnecting, drain hoses carefully, cap fittings when complete
Transport and unload material Spills, environmental contamination, vehicle hazards Secure tank lids and valves, drive cautiously, dispose of material at approved facility
Clean and store equipment Biological contamination, slips, chemical exposure Wash hoses and tools, disinfect equipment if needed, clean spills promptly, store hoses securely

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • High visibility vest or Class 3 roadway garment
  • Steel toe boots
  • Chemical resistant gloves when handling waste or debris
  • Hearing protection
  • Respiratory protection when exposure to dust, fumes, sewage, or hazardous materials is possible
  • Waterproof boots and rain gear when working with liquids or sludge

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect truck, hoses, and work area Equipment failure, hose damage, traffic hazards, unstable ground Conduct pre trip inspection, check hoses and fittings, position truck on stable surface, use traffic control if roadside
Position and secure truck Vehicle movement, struck by traffic, rollaway Set parking brake, deploy wheel chocks, activate warning lights, maintain safe distance from traffic
Set up cones and warning devices Worker exposure to traffic, poor visibility Wear high visibility PPE, place cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines, use spotter if needed
Connect vacuum hoses and fittings Pinch points, hose whipping, chemical exposure Inspect hose connections, secure fittings properly, keep hands clear of pinch points, wear gloves and eye protection
Start vacuum system Excessive noise, flying debris, mechanical failure Ensure all guards are in place, maintain safe distance from intake, wear hearing protection
Perform vacuum operation Exposure to sewage, hazardous materials, confined space atmospheres, struck by hose movement Maintain communication with crew, avoid standing directly over openings, monitor hose movement, use respiratory protection if needed
Clean catch basins, sewers, or tanks Biological hazards, slips, falls, splash exposure Use waterproof PPE, avoid direct contact with waste, maintain secure footing, wash exposed skin immediately
Monitor tank fill level Overfilling, spills, pressure buildup Observe tank gauges, stop filling before reaching capacity, follow manufacturer operating limits
Disconnect hoses and shut down system Hose whipping, spills, residual pressure Bleed off pressure before disconnecting, drain hoses carefully, cap fittings when complete
Transport and unload material Spills, environmental contamination, vehicle hazards Secure tank lids and valves, drive cautiously, dispose of material at approved facility
Clean and store equipment Biological contamination, slips, chemical exposure Wash hoses and tools, disinfect equipment if needed, clean spills promptly, store hoses securely
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment