I'm new and I'm just looking for a few suggestions when it comes to loading tanks

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by cherrybone, Sep 11, 2014.

  1. cherrybone

    cherrybone Bobtail Member

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    Apr 21, 2012
    Plainfield, NJ
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    I'm currently in training at quality carriers. I believe that I'll be dedicated on sulphuric acid and costic soda. So far I like the challenge but everyday I'm with someone different. Each trainer I'm with tells me different ways to do things. I would like to know the safest and best way to load and off load a tanker with air or pump. I would also like to know step by step the best way to depressurize a tanker. I'm paying close attention but I'm getting to much info because of the different people I'm with. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have a family at home and getting home to them safely is very important to me. Thanks.
     
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  3. bigcove

    bigcove Light Load Member

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    I can not answer your question directly because I am a fuel hauler, but I was in a similar situation as I was being trained. I would strongly suggest writing down the order of things when it comes to loading and unloading, even if you need to write it down fresh each day because of different trainers and their individual way of doing things. You will develop your own sense of order on both sides of the equation and also write your own "Standard Operating Procedure," although I am sure there is already some established operating procedure as there is with fuel hauling that is standard whether inside your company or standard no matter the company.

    Also, as you train with each of your trainers, remind them that this is new to you and ask why they do it one way as opposed to how "another trainer" does it. If they get huffy about you asking questions, then remind them that they were new at some point and was going through the same learning curve you are. If that doesn't work, then I would suggest talking to your terminal manager or dispatch or whoever you answer to about providing you with one trainer until you can establish your own routine. Never, ever be afraid to ask these trainers questions. Many times they have a routine established to the point that they forget these processes are new for you and behave very impatiently when you don't have a process committed to memory after seeing it one time. I don't know that that is the case, but I have seen it more than once as I see new drivers getting trained at a loading facility.

    If these ideas are of no help, at least you didn't pay for any of them.:biggrin_25523:
     
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Hi cherrybone, well, I give you a lot of credit. I got a job hauling hazardous materials once, fuel, propane, anhydrous ammonia( nasty stuff), worked there 2 days, heard some of the horror stories, couldn't sleep at night thinking about it, had a family, told them, sorry, and went back to reefer and van or dump. Good luck with that.
     
  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I've been running a tank for nearly 6 years now (QC+Dana) and I have never had to do anything when loading acids except put the placards on. Only been a few times loading anything that I had to do anything more than pop open the dome lid the secure it later. As far as unloading, listen to your trainer there at QC. They will tell you right. Don't take shortcuts and make sure you wear needed PPE. Yes, I know it's hot and sticky but I'm not getting none of that stuff on me. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it. Ask someone or call someone. A little common sense goes a long way.
     
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  6. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    Levittown, PA
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    Doing sulfuric in NJ means a 4-bolt flange connection.

    When it blows MT, always stand to one side and loosen the BOTTOM bolt on the opposite side & tug the hose toward you.

    When the gasket lets loose any acid remaining will drain out and away from you instead of shooting up at your face.


    ALWAYS USE YOUR FULL PPE.

    Any acid/caustic burns I've seen were caused by no or incomplete PPE.

    PPE does not make you superman; it exists solely to get your butt out of a jam and to the safety shower intact.

    It can't do it's job if it is sitting in your duffle bag.

    Despite everyone saying otherwise; the safest way to air off a product is to start w/ all the valves open. It really doesn't take much longer when using a 312/412 w/ a standpipe.

    My best advise to you is develope a 'method' and don't take shortcuts. Do it the SAME way every time. Hopefully the trainer sticks with you long enough for it to sink in.

    If you are airing off and the customer closes his valve you need to be aware that you need to let your hose de-pressurize back into the tank.

    It doesn't take much for a pressurized kam-loc to pop open, just move one ear a little and BANG!
     
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  7. realsupatrucka

    realsupatrucka Road Train Member

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    houston tx
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    Your ppe will save your life. .I promise it will...if that acid get on you it will burn bad...that caustic too...make sure you check out your equipment before opening those valves...because once its under pressure and u have a leak thats not good...
     
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  8. Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Some great advice above. See why tankers are the best? Don't haul acids and such. But had similar training for fuel. 4 trainers. 4 different but same ways of doing same thing. All are top hands. Watch and ask questions. They will be glad to help. Pick and choose what you like from each ones routine to make your own. I had one that I do things totally different. But he was/is wiz on stream lining paperwork before and after delivery. That's what I took from him. Get a good safe routine and stick to it. Most mistakes I have seen are from those who get in a hurry. No place for that with dangerous liquids. They can get away from you in an instant. Pay attention!!!!! Had a large spill the other night. Guy was in his cab on PeopleNet. Why? Trying to save time and get extra load. Had he been where he was supposed to be and was trained to be he would have hit one of 3 cutoffs and had a couple of easily cleaned up gallons of fuel on ground. Keep your equipment in shape and stick with your training. You will always be good.
     
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  9. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    CC, TX
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    Cherrybone: Ask your terminal manager for a copy of the policies & procedures manual.

    Wear rubber gloves, a rubber apron, and goggles and/or a splash shield on your hard hat.

    Check with the safety man first, but it might be a good idea to have an acid (such as vinegar) and a base (such as ammonia or baking soda) on hand to neutralize any small amount of product that gets on your PPE, clothing, or skin.
     
  10. KSGunny

    KSGunny Light Load Member

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    Jul 3, 2014
    el paso tx
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    cherrybone, after 10 + yrs pulling tanks i can tell you that all the advice above is correct... most important is to not let them cut you loose from training before you fully understand how to do the job... second is to make a written list of the order to hook and unhook.. once you get comfortable doing the job do it the same way every time... if you get distracted while hooking or unhooking (someone comes up and interrupts you ) go back to the beginning and check your self .... assumption is the mother of all ****ups... the last piece of advice is to remember you are in charge of your safety ... someone try's to have you do it in unsafe manner refuse and call dispatch.... good luck... tanking is probably the most challenging there is at times...
     
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  11. #10

    #10 Bobtail Member

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    May 6, 2014
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    Some good advise in this thread.

    I will add, learn your trailer and how to work all the controls and valves.

    Always wear goggles and a face shield, never relay on safety glasses.

    Connect your hoses and open the valves to check for leaks, before putting air into the tank. Some drivers will tell you to put air into the tank first thing to build pressure and save some time. It is crazy to try and save a few minutes, by shortcutting the safety procedures.

    Don't get in a hurry and don't let operators or anyone else pressure you into getting into a hurry.

    Always know where the eyewash station is and always check to make sure it's working.

    Basic air off procedure that I use.

    1. Check hoses and gaskets

    2. put buckets in place

    3. open cap on trailer, use bleeder to de pressurize if possible.

    4. Connect hose to trailer, tie with straps

    5. connect hose to customer, tie with straps.

    6. open customer valve.

    7. open external valve then internal valve on trailer

    8. check for leaks

    9. add air to tank. (you may want to close external valve at this time if air supply is weak and pressure is slow to build, if so open the external valve slowly when pressure is at desired level. approx 20 to 25 psi

    10. When tank is empty, check to make sure hose is light and no product is in the line and wait for pressure to drop to 10 psi or below.

    11. Shut off air supply. You can open air bleed on trailer at this time.

    12. close internal, external and then customer valve.

    13. depressurize hose by opening bleeder valve.

    14 disconnect hose at trailer and walk hose to containment to drain any residue.

    15. disconnect from customer.
     
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