Recommendation # 1: Equipment should be used only for the purpose for which it was designed.

Discussion: The plunger pump sewer cleaner (positive displacement exhauster unit) was

designed as a combination vacuum and high pressure cleaning unit for cleaning sewer drains or

catch basins, as well as performing other cleaning operations. It was not designed to water jet

excavations such as the one for the lighting pole. Although a manufacturer’s maintenance manual

was available, no operating manual was found. If the maintenance department finds that they are

using this equipment for other purposes, they should investigate the availability of new and

appropriate equipment for those uses.

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Recommendation #2: Employers should implement a comprehensive safety training program.

Discussion: None of the municipal employees at the site had been trained in operating the pump

sewer cleaner. When the equipment was purchased in 1990, the workers were trained by the

dealer’s representative. No documentation was kept to record which employees had been present

during this training. Since that time, workers have been trained on the job by senior employees.

Workers were apparently unaware of the consequences of using equipment being operated under

such high pressure. A comprehensive training program should be initiated and attendance

documented. Training should include safe use of equipment and emphasize that equipment be

used only for purposes for which it was designed.

Since this incident, training procedures have been revised and upgraded. Records are kept of

what training has been offered and what workers participated in the training.

Recommendation # 3: Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis to identify and correct

potential hazards.

Discussion: A job hazard analysis should be conducted by employers with their employees to

identify potential hazards of the workplace. An analysis should include evaluating job sites,

types of tasks performed, equipment usage, and standard operating procedures. Because

municipal maintenance workers perform many different tasks in many types of settings, an

overall analysis should be accompanied by an overview of each work site.