Safe working procedures

Material Handling Knowledge & Related Safety Awareness

NCS Fluid Handling Systems management and operational leaders care about our technicians' health and safety, and all skilled service technicians are trained in the proper safe operating procedure (SOP) when working around water handling systems and untested water sources. Whether NCS is performing bypass, well point dewatering, or is obtaining a water sample for analysis, Pre-Hydro test or Post-Hydro test, this proper handling procedure is an operational safe working requirement by NCS Fluid Handling Systems and all service technicians are trained and adhere to this requirement. Many handling procedures are mandated by provincial governing bodies and by clients under their own SOPs to protect the health and safety of technicians working on their sites handling untested ground water, ponds or river sources. Wearing protective gloves is just one of these safety practices that the skilled NCS technicians are aware of through operational training.

In addition, since water samples are a critical part of the water management plan and temporary diversion license, these procedures also ensure the most accurate results of water samples. Each lab may have their own set of sampling SOP, but NCS training provides technicians authorized for this duty some common best practices for water sample collections.

These best practices include;

• Bottle type if not supplied
• Proper preservation techniques
• Holding times
• Sampling techniques
• Preferred sampling points
• Documentation, submittal and tracking

Best practices prior to taking samples include ensuring the proper bottles are in place, all field specific equipment is available, preservative methods available and understood (something as simple as ice and clean cooler), and PPE. There is nothing worse than being unprepared when it comes to proper handling and safety procedures, so plan beforehand. One simple rule is it is likely best to obtain collection bottles from the same lab performing the analysis.