Hazards Associated with Sewer Systems
Sewer systems are extensive and include many different components that are considered confined spaces, including pipelines, manholes, wet wells, dry well vaults, and lift/pump stations.
Confined Spaces Deadly Spaces
Therefore, employers conducting work in sewer systems will likely have workers who will encounter confined spaces.
Sewer systems also consist of wastewater treatment plants, where confined spaces include digestion and sedimentation tanks, floating covers over tanks, sodium hypochlorite tanks, and wastewater holding tanks, among others. Many of these components may also qualify as permit-required confined spaces.
Employers must take all necessary steps to keep workers safe in confined spaces, including following the OSHA Construction Confined Spaces standard. The standard applies to both new construction within an existing sewer and alterations and/or upgrades. For example:
- Installing or upgrading a manhole.
- Altering or upgrading sewer lines.
- Making nonstructural upgrades to joints, pipes, or manholes.
- Demolition work.
- Installing new or upgraded pump equipment, cables, wires, or junction boxes
Construction work can create confined spaces, even if there are none at the start of a project. Changes to the entry/exit, the ease of exit, and air flow could produce a confined space or cause one to become confined or permit-required.
Hazards Associated with Sewer Systems
Sewer systems can present a host of confined space hazards, including:
- Atmospheric hazards (low oxygen, toxic or flammable gases).
- Chemicals in piping and from roadway runoff (may harm lungs, skin, or eyes).
- Engulfment and drowning.
- Electrocution (e.g., using electrical equipment in wet working conditions).
- Slips, trips, and falls.
- Falling objects.
- High noise levels, low visibility, limits to communication, and long distances to exits.
Personal protective equipment: Employers should assess the work site to determine what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to protect workers. Employers should provide workers with the required PPE and proper training on its use and about any related hazards before the work starts.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
11-12. What is a common confined space hazard you may find in the sewer system?
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