Roll-Off Boxes, Vacuum, Sludge & Dewatering Safety Tips

Avoiding accidents and injury when working with roll-off boxes requires training; all personnel should be aware of potential safety issues. Here is a list to consider when conducting safety training.

When loading a box onto a roll-off trailer, the operator must pay close attention to assure the container is aligned with the rails.

Drivers must secure the roll-off box to the J-hooks on the roll-off transporter.

Drivers should know of the combined weight of the material and the roll-off box to avoid overloading.

Wet or sludgy material can slosh out of a tarp-top roll-off during loading. Watch the fill level of the box while on level ground.

Before opening the gate to unload material, the operator should ensure that the safety chain is fastened to the retention hook on side of the roll-off box

When dumping material from a metal-lidded sludge box, relieve the potential vacuum by opening one or both of the lids enough to let air into the box.

Exercise caution when opening a vacuum box. Pressure may have built up due to daytime heating.

Gaskets on roll-off gates should be inspected for debris each time boxes are resealed. Never lubricate the gasket.

Multiple moving parts create pinch points. Survey the design of the roll-off box and pay special attention to training new operators

Operators must assure that no personnel are behind the box when it is being off-loaded. Observers should stand to either side.