Water trucks are an efficient hauling solution commonly used in a wide array of industries. While operating such a vehicle may appear simple, it is essential to be aware of certain safety concerns associated with water trucks and learn how to mitigate them.

If you are searching for water trucks or water truck tanks for sale, you should first learn how to operate the vehicle safely and use it for the intended purpose without creating physical or environmental hazards. Keep reading to discover the most important water truck safety tips.

What are the safety hazards associated with water trucks?

Workers operating a water truck may face a number of safety hazards. Here are some possible risks to look out for:

Fall injuries

When accessing the water truck tank for loading or unloading, workers usually need to climb onto the tank, which may put them at risk from falling or slipping. These risks can be mitigated with proper safety equipment, such as cages or enclosures, or using flat top tanks that reduce the likelihood of falls and slips.

Tripping injuries

Workers and drivers may also trip and fall over various types of equipment, such as loading hoses. Even a simple trip may result in strains, sprains, back injuries, or broken bones. This is why it is important to follow adequate safety procedures and exercise caution when working with any kind of specialized vehicle, including the water truck.

Mud and puddles

Dust control is one of the most common uses of water trucks. While these vehicles are exceptionally effective for reducing dust, they may create mud and puddles if used improperly. In order to minimize slipping hazards, the workers should know how to properly adjust and use the spray nozzles and avoid overspraying.

Overloading

Modern water trucks can hold as much as 10,000 gallons of water, or even more in the case of some off-road models. Nevertheless, it is crucial to stay within the loading recommendations for the vehicle, since overloading a water truck can result in accidents caused by losing control of the vehicle, mechanical failures, premature wear and tear, and increased operating expenses due to increased downtime and maintenance.

How do you operate a water truck safely?

In order to avoid worksite accidents, water truck operators should follow industry best practices and the operating procedures of the specific company they work for. Some general water truck safety tips include:

• Avoid oversaturating the ground area around the truck with water to avoid slips and falls. This risk can be minimized by turning on individual sprays and programming output intervals.
  

  

• Warm up the truck before use in order to make sure that the air pressure is sufficient for the brakes to function properly.
• Adjust the water truck speed carefully when accelerating/decelerating, changing lanes, or cornering in order to reduce water surges and avoid upsetting the water truck’s center of gravity.
• Make sure that the water truck is properly winterized to protect its components from freezing and prevent traffic accidents. Curry Supply water tanks and systems are equipped with low point drains that allow for water removal to prevent freezing during the colder climates.

Looking for water truck tanks for sale? Contact Curry Supply today

At Curry Supply, we manufacture high-quality custom and ready-made trucks designed with safety and efficiency in mind. Our offer includes service vehicles for a vast variety of industries, from construction and mining to fire prevention and farming.

Whether you are looking for a water truck tank that meets the highest industry standards or wish to equip your vehicle with custom features, don’t hesitate to depend on our experienced team. With years of experience in the industry, we are able to design and manufacture specialized trucks for nearly any application. Contact us today and learn why Curry Supply is an industry leader.