By Annalloyd Thomason, Vice President/General Manager, NGVi
Refuse fleets are perhaps the largest market for CNG trucks. Their operating patterns of regular routes, return-to-base fueling and high fuel use make them ideal candidates to take advantage of the operating cost advantages of CNG.
There’s another operating characteristic, however, that requires special attention for CNG refuse fleets, and that is the frequency and type of vehicle fires. In addition to the more common electrical or engine fires that occur in other fleets, refuse fleets also deal with load fires—fires that begin in the box where trash is collected to move it to a transfer station or landfill.
Load fires are relatively common in the refuse industry, and there are standard protocols drivers are instructed to deploy when a load fire occurs. These may include either packing the load to deprive the fire of oxygen or, when possible, ejecting the load onto a flat, paved surface.
As a result of this client project, we identified a four-point plan that every refuse company can deploy to minimize the risk from any CNG refuse truck fire. The four points include Driver Training, Driver Pre- and Post-Trip Inspection, Technician Training and Firefighter/First Responder Training. Let’s explore each of these further.
Implement Specialized CNG Refuse Truck Driver Training
Most refuse companies already provide training for drivers that includes what to do in case of a load fire in a standard diesel truck. However, because of the unique components of a CNG refuse truck’s fuel system, and because of the high pressures at which CNG is stored onboard these vehicles, CNG refuse truck drivers require a special training course. Without specialized training, drivers involved in vehicle accidents or fires are often automatically afraid of the high-pressure storage and tend to abandon their trucks without taking proper precautions when it is still possible to ensure their safety or the safety of the surrounding community.
One of NGVi’s major refuse clients uses driver e-learning, customized by NGVi specifically for their company, to accomplish this training for drivers. NGVi’s refuse truck driver training curriculum includes an initial course for new drivers that lasts about 45 minutes, and an abbreviated refresher course for existing drivers that lasts about 20 minutes. Best practice requires that drivers complete this training once annually, and it can be taken individually or in groups during a regular safety meeting.
Modify the Pre- and Post-Trip Inspection to Include Visible CNG Fuel System Components
Companies that operate heavy-duty trucks are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, but many refuse companies have not modified their inspection process and documentation to include the CNG components.
Driver inspection processes for CNG refuse trucks should include pre- and post-trip inspections of the methane detection systems, if installed, to ensure the system is working and that there is no gas detected. Drivers also should inspect the fuel system for physical damage or signs of fuel leaks, in addition to the fuel receptacle dust cover and the fuel receptacle itself for any damage. Drivers also should verify the O-rings are present and in good condition.
All CNG cylinder shields and/or cylinders should be inspected for damage. Damage to shields may indicate cylinder damage. Drivers also should look for loose or missing parts such as bolts, latches, hinges, valve handles, etc.
Train Every Technician to Appropriate Skill Levels for Their Jobs
More advanced technicians are usually assigned the task of conducting the required CNG fuel system inspections. These technicians not only must be able to identify the CNG fuel system components and determine their condition, but must be familiar with fuel system installation code requirements and must be trained to identify and assess damaged components, including various damage levels to CNG cylinders.
Due to the importance of their jobs in terms of mitigating serious company risk, industry best practice also calls for independent certification of CNG fuel system inspectors to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills required to conduct thorough inspections according to codes and standards that change fairly frequently.
Provide Specific CNG Refuse Truck Firefighter Training
When firefighters don’t understand the properties of natural gas or the components of the CNG fuel system and how they operate, they assume they need to fight the fire in the same manner as they would fight a gasoline or diesel fire. This assumption can be dangerous to firefighters and the community in which a fire occurs.
Firefighters need to understand the differences between natural gas and gasoline/diesel and how that affects their firefighting approach. They also need to be able to identify and understand the function of the major components of the CNG function, as well as identify the various types of CNG fuel storage cylinders. In addition, firefighters must know the proper fire response to CNG refuse truck fires and how those might differfrom other types of CNG vehicles.
In response to the needs of our refuse clients, NGVi now offers a one-day Firefighter and First Responder training course specifically targeting refuse trucks. Firefighter training hosted by refuse companies gives them an opportunity to interact with first responders in their community and build good will. It also demonstrates the willingness of the refuse company to take the lead in ensuring that CNG safety training, including training for firefighters, is provided in their area.
As with all vehicle fuels, there are hazards with CNG.The hazards are no greater than gasoline or diesel—just different. As more CNG trucks are deployed around the country, it is important that refuse fleets be proactive in mitigating risks by examining their safety practices and implementing programs and protocols that protect employees, customers and the general public. The four points we’ve outlined are a great start at that proactive effort.
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NGVi offers a complimentary basic safety evaluation for CNG refuse fleets based on a 30-minute telephone interview with key fleet, operations and risk management staff. For more information, contact Sabrina Dodd at sdodd@ngvi.com or 702-712-6748.