Vac Truck Safety Includes Job Site Control

Every heavy-duty vehicle should be carefully operated in order to ensure that safety can and will be given a top priority. When working with vacuum trucks, it is likewise true that the operation of this massive extraction machine must be carefully and skillfully handled to make every job operation as safe as it can be.

While proper training on the use of these vehicles is of high importance, it is also necessary that the entire job site be carefully monitored and controlled as well. Such action could involve anything from being sure that bystanders do not get too close to the work area to how well the vacuum truck equipment is used when in operation. Preventing accidents, injury, and any other problems including damage to the equipment is dependent upon having a level head and good control of the work site.

Practice Correct Equipment Use

It is important that everyone involved in the vacuum truck operation understand a few important yet basic aspects about the safe and correct use of this massive vehicle. The truck itself should be positioned so that there is as straight a line as possible from the vehicle to the work site with as few bends as possible. A straight line from the pump site to the truck is optimal as it allows for the least amount of friction and obstructions, thereby reducing the chance of clogs occurring in the hose line.

Use hoses that have the largest possible diameter as that will help to increase job efficiency; be sure that the end of the hose is properly clamped to the vacuum intake. All hoses being used should be of the same diameter; also be sure that a safety relief valve has been installed along the line. In taking these important steps, fewer problems getting the job done should be encountered.

Protect Operators and Bystanders

When working with vacuum trucks and even when a job seems completely safe and easy, it is vital to follow all established operational rules and guidelines especially regarding the safety of anyone else around the job site. This may require having another worker handle traffic control if working on a traveled street or simply keeping homeowners away from the job site when working in residential areas.

Set up signs or cones if necessary so that oncoming traffic is alerted that work is occurring; a second worker should be posted to watch for anyone coming near the truck or pumping area. Section off as large of an area as possible around the work site to create a buffer zone to prevent any vehicles or bystanders from getting too close, which can be a lifesaving option for both workers and the public.

Make Safety a Top Priority

Even though it may seem as if using a vacuum truck is a fairly safe job with accidents an unlikely occurrence, not focusing on the entire job operation can cause accidents and injury to both workers and others who may be in close vicinity of the work site. Following all safety procedures in regard to truck positioning, equipment set up, and other safety factors is essential and should never be taken for granted. Correct procedures while actually performing the job as to proper equipment use as well as wearing all protective gear is important to prevent injury to those performing the actual job operation. It is also essential to have a plan of action in case any problems should arise, whether with the equipment, workers, or bystanders.

The best fleet crews are those who know the job well and always stay safe during the procedure. Companies should provide refresher courses for all workers on updated safety measures, the correct use of vacuum truck equipment, and all other means of keeping every job site under excellent control!

The importance of Credit Control to your business

The lifeblood of every business is a healthy cash flow. Bad debts are sometimes a result of poor credit control and can harm business cash flow the most. A good credit control policy maintains a smooth cash flow. Credit is a two-way function. Your suppliers give credit to you and you give credit to your customers. If your customers do not pay on time, you may have difficulties paying your suppliers on time. A good credit control policy ensures that your customers pay on time, your suppliers are paid on time, your cash flow remains vibrant, bad debts are not generated, and business success is facilitated. Herein lies the importance of credit control to your business.

Key Factors of Credit Control
Know your customer. Offering credit is like lending money. As you do not lend money to total strangers, similarly, you should not give credit to unknown customers. You can make them fill credit application forms and get online credit ratings by using the services of a credit reference agency, to check the credit worthiness of your customer.
Order details. The details of the order should be correctly noted down and approved by the customer.
Invoice promptly. Delays in invoicing result in delayed payments. Keep the invoice simple to understand, containing all the relevant details. Some businesses need statements of outstanding invoice payments, hence send the statements on a weekly or a monthly basis.
Enlist the services of a factoring provider. Some finance companies offer factoring services, which can be provided on either a disclosed or confidential basis. The advantage of using a factoring service is manifold, which includes improvement of cash flow, and chasing of debts. The entire credit control exercise is provided by the finance company on your behalf and this ensures that invoices are paid on time. You are also free to concentrate on getting orders and fulfilling them, rather than spend valuable time chasing payments.
Chase payment. If you do not want to use the services of a factoring provider, then follow up with your customers by phoning them and making personal visits. Certain customers may make excuses for not paying. Keep them high on your chasing list.
Update the stop list. Inform your employees of the latest stop list to prevent further credit being given to late payers.
Send Claim Letters. After your invoice is due and not paid, send Claim Letters to build up your case, if legal action is required at a later stage.
Maintain a good relationship. A good positive relationship ensures timely payment. Before taking legal action, speak to the managing director or the finance director explaining your situation.
Take legal action. A good credit control policy is formulated to avoid legal action. However, as the last resort, opt for legal action, if every other recovery attempt fails.