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One of my guys dropped the only key to our skid steer down the porta potty. Wait for service day or call now?

Tyler R.asked 1 viewDelivery, Placement & ServicingService visitHolding tankVacuum truckConstruction site

Kind of embarrassing but here we are. One of my laborers had the key clipped to his belt loop, went in the unit this morning, and it slid right off and into the tank. It's the only key we have on site for the skid steer and the spare is two hours away with the owner.

The unit is a standard single on a commercial pad job, about 14 guys, and it gets pumped once a week. Service day is Friday and today is Tuesday, so the tank is pretty full already.

Couple of the guys want to rig a magnet on a string and go fishing. I told them to hold off until I asked somewhere. Is that a terrible idea? Will the driver actually dig through the tank for something like this if I call for an extra visit, or do they just pump it and whatever is down there is gone? And should we tape the door shut until then?

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Luis A.Bozeman, MT

Call the rental company now for an emergency service. Do not fish for the key yourself.

A vacuum truck operator will not dig through the waste in the holding tank. The service procedure involves lowering a hose to pump the contents into the truck. Your key will be pumped out with the waste and lost. An emergency call is your only chance. The operator can pump the unit early, and you can ask if they will direct the pumped waste into a drum or other container so you can sift for the key after the waste is treated. This is a special request, not a standard service, and the rental company may charge an extra trip fee for the unscheduled visit.

Fishing with a magnet is a terrible idea. The tank contains deodorizer chemicals. You risk exposure to waste and chemicals, and you could damage the unit. OSHA rules require you to provide a toilet for your crew. With 14 guys, you meet the OSHA 1926.51 minimum of one toilet for 20 or fewer workers. Taping the door shut is not an option. You must keep it available or get a replacement unit delivered with the emergency service.

The cost for the extra service will be higher than your regular service visit due to the unscheduled trip and driver time. Explain the situation clearly when you call.

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