Inspecting a public works truck, and its contents, is a multistep process that can improve worker safety and help prevent accidents that could result in the loss of the vehicle.
Pre-trip vehicle inspections
For the vehicle itself, workers who will operate a vehicle for their shift can begin by reviewing critical safety items as their shift begins. This can include checking the depth of the tire treads, looking for any leaking fluids, and inspecting mirrors and windshields for damage. Brakes, horns, seatbelts and back-up alarms for vehicles should also be inspected regularly. It is valuable to establish a reporting system for drivers to note details from daily pre- and post-trip inspections.
Fire suppression
For any public works vehicle, it’s important to consider whether the vehicle is used to transport combustible or flammable materials. When they are, several Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements apply:
• The vehicle needs be equipped with a 20B:C fire extinguisher, preferably mounted in a place where workers can get to it easily in case of an emergency.
• All flammables, such as gasoline, need to be in a container, approved by Underwriter Laboratories or the SC Department of Transportation, with a self-closing lid and spark arrestor for quantities over 5 gallons. For containers with a capacity of 5 gallons or less, an approved plastic gas can is appropriate.
Vehicle fires are especially a concern for sanitation vehicles. Since 2019, the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund has handled sanitation truck claims resulting in costs of more than $3.2 million, with fires being the largest single cause of claims made to SCMIRF. Garbage itself is often the cause of these fires, so it helps to avoid leaving trucks loaded with garbage overnight, and also to turn off all lights, switches, including battery cutoff switches, and accessories.
Chemicals
All chemicals should be labeled with the contents, and a safety data sheet, or SDS, for all chemicals present on the truck should be included. For every specific chemical on the truck, make sure employees know what personal protective equipment they need to wear in accordance with the SDS requirements, and specifically the emergency procedures in the event of chemical exposure to eyes.
Tools on the truck
Any tools used for lifting — for example, a floor jack, bottleneck jack, chain and slings — should all have a load-rated capacity that is legible. All tools should be inspected prior to use for damage.
All drop cords should have the ground pin on the male end of the cord and there should be no cuts or abrasions to the outer insulation of the drop cord.
For cutting and grinding tools that have tool guards, the guards should not be disengaged or wedged open. If there is a chainsaw on the truck, the truck must also have chaps, a hardhat with full face shield, hearing protection and safety glasses for the operator. All welders should have the terminal lug boots on the welding leads on the welding machine.
All ladders should be inspected for any cracks or deformations in the fiberglass. Also, they should have the cautions and limitation stickers legible, not faded or damaged.
Remember that all trucks and equipment on the trucks need to be inspected prior to use for any damage. Employees should be trained on how to inspect the equipment, PPE and potential hazards on public works trucks.
For questions about implementing a preventative maintenance program for a sanitation department, contact the Municipal Association Risk Management Services’ loss control staff at losscontrol@masc.sc.