Flushing (Unit # 417)

FLUSHING (Unit 417)

Purpose:

The City of Powell River maintains the wastewater collection system through the safe operation of Unit 417. This combination flusher\hydro vac truck is a mobile unit which responds to a variety of tasks within the City including emergency repairs to City infrastructure.

HAZARDS:

• Moving parts • Contamination from biohazards • High pressure water • Flying debris • Working in or around excavations and • Working around traffic and confined spaces mobile equipment

PPE:

• Hardhat (when required) • PVC gloves • Hi Vis vest or coveralls • Eye protection • Safety boots • Hearing protection (when required)

**Tetanus and Hepatitis shots recommended.

Pre-Setup:

· Set up safe work zone.

· Use traffic control when required.

· Park truck to allow safe and easy operation of hose reels.

Procedure:

· Engage truck into pump mode. **Ensure truck is in fourth gear before stepping out of vehicle.

· Safely remove manhole cover and assess entry into channel for flushing hose and nozzle.

· Position and lock hose reel accordingly and lower tiger tail, hose and nozzle into channel using hose reel controls on front control panel.

· With truck at idle, charge rodder using pressure control dial on control panel.

· Advance hose through pipe at desired pressure to destination. Co-worker can advise with use of hand signals or radio.

· Slowly retrieve rodder through pipe back to manhole or pipe opening.

· When black leader hose is visible, rodder is almost back to start. Release hose control lever and turn pressure dial to off position.

Flushing Open-Ended Pipe and Culverts:

· Ensure co-worker is positioned at upstream end of pipe to prevent rodder from coming out of pipe.

· Feed out enough hose slack to allow operators to manually insert nozzle into pipe opening if required.

Post Setup:

· Ensure rodder is turned off at end of flushing run.

· Retrieve rodding hose out of pipe or manhole using hose reel controls, replace manhole cover.

· Wrap hose on reel while retrieving hose.

· Stow away nozzle and skid at bottom of hose reel. Engage truck back to road mode.

· Tear down safe work zone.

Summary:

· It is important to always be aware that hands, hair, loose clothing can get caught in hose reel while moving.

· Eye protection shall be worn at all times.

· Requires two fully trained operators at all times.

· Be aware of operating pressure at all times.

· Nozzle may be under high pressure and could cause extreme damage or harm if it escapes from pipe.

· Always have one person at control panel to shut down in case of emergency.

· Be aware of flying debris.

· Ensure debris hopper door is closed before starting shift.

· Ensure debris hopper is cleaned and door is open at end of each shift.

· Be aware of “pinch points”

· Most levers, handles, and tools on #417 may be contaminated. Never open door handles with gloves on and always wash hands before eating.

· When flushing, it is advisable to wear a particulate mask when mists from sewer manholes are extreme