Vac Truck Responsibilities for Transporting Hazardous Waste

Can a Vac Truck Help Manage Your “Cradle-to-Grave” Responsibilities for Transporting Hazardous Waste?

Transporting hazardous waste from Point A to Point B offers many solutions. If you handle hundreds or thousands of gallons of hazardous liquid, sludge, or slurry needing safe disposal, using a vacuum truck is highly effective.

A vacuum truck, commonly known as a “vac-truck,” features a pump and a tank. The pump actively draws liquid, sludge, or slurry into the tank for safe transportation to its final destination.

Understanding Vac-Truck Terminology

Across different regions, vacuum trucks are known by various names. For example:

• Australians refer to them as “sucker trucks” or “sewer suckers.”
• Canadians call them “hydro-vacs” or “vac trucks,” reflecting their politeness.
• In Rwanda, they’re identified as “exhauster trucks.”
• In India and South Africa, they’re known as “honey wagons.”

How Vac Trucks Work

The functionality of vacuum trucks mirrors household vacuum cleaners. A powerful pump actively removes air from the tank, creating a vacuum. A lance connected to the tank, controlled by a valve, facilitates the suction of non-solid hazardous materials. Opening the lance’s valve equalizes the tank with the surrounding atmosphere, drawing in the waste efficiently.

Types of Vac-Trucks

Several types of vac-trucks are available for different needs:

• Liquid Vac-Trucks: These common models have a large tank and lance for handling hazardous liquid waste.
• Trailer Vacs: Compact versions mounted on trailers, ideal for smaller sites with moderate waste.
• Roll-Offs: Rectangular containers on wheels, perfect for dense hazardous wastes such as soil and sludge.
• Jetters: High-powered units that use accelerated water to blast residue away effectively.

Your Responsibilities

Selecting a vac-truck company with the necessary certifications is critical. Companies must comply with OSHA, RCRA, DOT, and local, state, and federal regulations. Proper training for hazardous waste transport includes:

• Security awareness training to mitigate hazmat transportation risks.
• Function-specific training tailored to the tasks required for safe waste handling.
• Safety training for all personnel managing hazardous waste before, during, and after transportation.
• Specialized driver training for vehicle operation under varied conditions.
• Advanced security training for companies maintaining security plans.
• HAZWOPER certification for employees accessing hazardous waste sites or responding to emergencies.

Summary

The EPA mandates cradle-to-grave responsibility for hazardous waste, including transportation to its final destination. Vacuum trucks offer a dependable method for routine and emergency hazmat transport, ensuring compliance and safety.

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