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IDOT Blog – Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Inaugural sewer cleaning training a success
An October 2024 training session on storm sewer cleaning sponsored by IDOT’s Technology Transfer Center was a hit among attendees, who came from far and wide to the department’s Harry R. Hanley Building in Springfield to learn more about storm sewer safety, daily production rates, and equipment use and maintenance.
“We had outstanding turnout for the inaugural Introduction to sewer cleaning training, with 50 attendees from 15 different local public agencies, along with representatives from IDOT,” said Technology Transfer Program Manager Barry Kent. “Attendees offered their appreciation to IDOT for hosting this day of safety, with the hands-on portion of the nozzle demonstration, high-pressure hose assembly and the sewer vacuum truck tutorial noted as the highlight of the all-day event.”
The classroom session, composed of an introduction from Jake Dougherty of Brown Equipment Co., and training from Rusty Nezat of Nezat Training and Consulting, kicked off with an emphasis on communication and interpersonal skills before getting into the nitty-gritty of sewer cleaning. This included production enhancement and cost reduction, use and maintenance of high-pressure sewer hoses and selection of nozzles for high-pressure water systems and capacity cleaning.
Safety was a constant touchpoint.
“Sewer vacuum trucks are important tools that transportation agencies use to make roads safe,” said Local Policy and Technology Engineer Tim Peters. “They help workers clean storm sewers and drainage structures, keeping roads clear for motorists. However, they present unique safety hazards to their operators. IDOT’s T2/Local Technical Assistance Program hosted the training class to help make sure operators are using these trucks safely and effectively.”
Nezat noted that workers must know their equipment and keep a close eye out for damage to hoses, including exposed reinforcement, kinking or collapsing, blistering of the outer cover, fitting movement and fittings cutting into the hose. All of these issues are a danger to users, who, when they spot a problem, are urged to stop use, assess and make corrections as needed to ensure their safety.
Nezat also made a special point of covering pneumatic plug safety, noting that people are gravely injured and killed each year using plugs that explode due to over-pressurization. He brought awareness to guidelines and emphasized that pressure both inside and behind the plug should never be exceeded.
Once outside in the Hanley parking lot, participants took part in demonstrations at three sections. The first featured live demonstrations and training of proper jet hose repair using a hydraulic machine, with attendees gaining hands-on experience.
The second highlighted general sewer cleaning safety, including use of personal protective equipment, cones and lighting, manhole edge protectors, nozzle extensions, rollers and “tiger tails” – special covers that protect hose contact points during use. These items may be used in various ways to protect and maintain the hose and increase user safety.
The third station covered general nozzle uses, including cleaning, root cutting, blockage clearing, and treatment of culverts and large debris. Attendees were treated to a unique visual of how different nozzles express water through a clear section of tubing simulating sewer pipe.
Following the successful training session, Kent said planning has begun to host this training in the Chicago area this spring.
