30 Aug Wastewater Treatment Workers

Wastewater Treatment Workers

Wastewater treatment workers operate and maintain systems that treat sewage, stormwater, and other wastewater before it is discharged or reused. Treatment facilities contain tanks, pumps, piping, mechanical equipment, chemicals, and biological contaminants that can expose workers to numerous hazards. Recognizing these hazards and following established procedures are essential for safe wastewater treatment operations.

Guide for Discussion

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Wet floors, walkways, stairs, and platforms are common around wastewater treatment operations.

• Clean or squeegee standing water promptly.
• Repair leaks and drainage problems when identified.
• Keep walkways, stairs, and work areas clear of hoses, tools, and debris.
• Mark or barricade slippery areas until they can be corrected.
• Use slip-resistant walking surfaces where appropriate.
• Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles.
• Maintain adequate lighting around tanks, equipment, stairs, and walkways.

Confined Spaces and Hazardous Atmospheres

Tanks, pits, wet wells, manholes, vaults, sewers, and other areas may qualify as permit-required confined spaces. Potential atmospheric hazards include oxygen deficiency, hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and other toxic or flammable gases.

• Never enter a confined space unless authorized and trained to do so.
• Follow the company’s confined-space entry procedures.
• Test the atmosphere before entry and monitor it as required during entry.
• Use required ventilation and PPE.
• Maintain required communication between entrants and attendants.
• Ensure appropriate rescue procedures and equipment are available before entry.
• Immediately leave the space if an alarm sounds or unsafe conditions develop.

Never attempt an unauthorized confined-space rescue.

Open Tanks and Drowning Hazards

Treatment tanks, clarifiers, channels, and other open water sources may present fall, engulfment, and drowning hazards.

• Maintain required guardrails and barriers around open tanks and channels.
• Do not climb over or remove guards without authorization and appropriate protection.
• Barricade openings created when covers or grates are removed.
• Maintain appropriate rescue equipment near areas where drowning hazards exist.
• Use required fall protection when exposed to unprotected fall hazards.
• Never work alone where site procedures require another employee for monitoring or emergency response.

Machinery and Equipment

Pumps, screens, conveyors, belt presses, mixers, and other treatment equipment can expose workers to caught-in, caught-between, pinch-point, and crushing hazards.

• Keep machine guards and protective devices in place.
• Never reach into operating machinery.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, and tools away from moving components.
• Report missing or damaged guards immediately.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures before servicing, cleaning, clearing jams, or performing maintenance where unexpected startup or release of stored energy could cause injury.

Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

• Keep electrical equipment and connections protected from water.
• Do not use damaged cords, plugs, tools, or electrical equipment.
• Use required ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection.
• Keep electrical panels accessible and properly closed.
• Report damaged electrical equipment immediately.
• Only qualified employees may perform electrical work for which specialized training is required.

Chemical and Biological Exposure

Wastewater treatment may involve disinfectants, treatment chemicals, sewage, microorganisms, and other hazardous substances.

• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) before working with hazardous chemicals.
• Follow chemical-handling, storage, and emergency procedures.
• Wear gloves, eye and face protection, protective clothing, and respiratory protection when required.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands or gloves.
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or leaving the work area.
• Do not eat or drink in contaminated work areas.
• Clean or change contaminated clothing before leaving work when necessary to prevent carrying contaminants home.
• Immediately report chemical spills, exposures, or unusual symptoms.

Fatigue and Environmental Conditions

Wastewater treatment facilities may operate continuously, requiring shift work, emergency response, and outdoor work.

Workers should remain aware of fatigue and obtain adequate rest between shifts. When working outdoors, protect yourself from heat, cold, severe weather, and ultraviolet exposure. Drink adequate water during hot conditions and wear appropriate clothing and sun protection.

Remember

Wastewater treatment combines water, machinery, electricity, chemicals, biological contaminants, confined spaces, and potentially hazardous atmospheres. Never become complacent because a task is routine. Follow established procedures, use required PPE, and immediately report unsafe conditions.