A Cautionary Tale When Working with Potentially Dangerous Professional Equipment

Imagine this: A worker is asked to place a drain cleaning machine in a ditch full of water. Despite the frayed extension cord lying across the wet ground, the worker, wearing rubber boots, tries to use the drain cleaning machine and reports getting shocked. When the supervisor, in street shoes, steps into the ditch and turns on the machine, he is electrocuted.

In another scenario, a maintenance supervisor has two workers in a hole guiding the cable while a young boy operates the foot pedal from above. When the cable hits an obstruction and starts bucking, the boy fails to stop the machine, leading to a kinked cable and one worker losing two fingers.

These tragic incidents highlight the importance of following safety precautions. Here’s a comprehensive list of safety measures to ensure safe operation when handling drain cleaning equipment.

Prioritize Common Sense – Drain Cleaning Tools Can Be Dangerous

Drain cleaning tools can be dangerous. As with any job, there are risks associated with going about day-to-day operations. After all, you’re operating machinery, and things can always go wrong, sometimes when you least expect it. The best way to ensure no one gets hurt is to always apply common sense when operating machinery.

First, check for any damaged power cords, pulled-out strain reliefs, broken switches, or missing ground prongs. To protect both the drain cleaning equipment and the power cord, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) integrated into the power cord. Also, double-check that the machine is plugged into a properly grounded outlet and verify its safety with a UL/CSA-approved tester.

Use Appropriate Drain Cleaning Equipment

Drain cleaning machines should be equipped with a pneumatic foot pedal or an air bubble system to prevent electricity from running directly to the machine. If the provided power cord is too short, always use a heavy-duty, three-wire extension cord that is in good condition to avoid power loss and overheating.

Ensure Safe Operation

For optimal safety, always wear leather gloves when handling a drain machine’s cable, as cloth or rubber gloves can become entangled in the machine. Position drum-style and sectional machines within two feet of the drain to minimize cable whipping.

If this isn’t possible, run the cable through a pipe. Never force the cable through blockages; instead, let the cutter handle the work to avoid damage and injury. Additionally, never touch a spinning cable—use a cable feeding tool, if necessary, as manual force can lead to severe injuries. Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from debris.

Follow Best Practices

To ensure safe operation, it’s essential that only one person operates the machine, managing both the foot pedal and the cable. Additionally, always confirm that the machine is equipped with a belt guard and thoroughly read all provided instructions. Make sure to adhere to maintenance procedures and promptly replace any worn or missing safety decals to maintain the machine’s optimal performance.

Remember: Safety Is Key with Professional Equipment

No machine is safer than the operator who uses it. It is crucial for you and your team to be thoroughly knowledgeable about proper safety procedures. Much like driving a car, operating drain cleaning equipment requires caution, adherence to safety protocols and common sense. By maintaining a cautious approach and following established safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure a safer work environment.

For more information, contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200 or go to www.drainbrain.com.