Wastewater Operators and Bio-Hazards

Water operators are exposed daily to a myriad of hazards associated with biohazards simply due to the work performed and the nature of the occupation.

For most of us just handwashing and using a hand sanitizer, as well as keeping up with vaccinations, is usually sufficient to stay healthy. However, for those of us working with wastewater, including sewage, risk of infection and disease can increase significantly!  With that being said, we must take extra care to limit that exposure and take extra precautions to protect ourselves.

Wastewater, especially during the treatment and maintenance processes, contain aerosols with micro biologic’s and of course chemicals. As wastewater workers we run the risk of exposure to both waterborne and airborne disease organisms. As a result, those in our profession are exposed to biohazards through inhalation, orally and skin contact as well as by hand to mouth. Sounds gross but it happens when we touch things including hand railing and unknowingly making contact with our mouth as well.

Some of the exposure hazards can include but not be limited to:

• Waterborne Disease – Viruses, bacteria and parasites are commonly found in water and wastewater and might include amoebic dysentery, giardia, meningitis and others
• Aerosolized Contaminates. Include inhaled pathogens and chemicals creating major issues including injury and illnesses
• Sewer flies. These have been associated with certain types of asthma or allergies

The CDC recommends that wastewater workers consider vaccinations to protect against diseases common in our industry such as:

• Polio, those somewhat rare, can be transmitted orally can result in paralysis including the respiratory system. Fortunately, most of us have been vaccinated as children but be sure to check your medical records to be sure your protected. Talk to your doctor about your potential exposures. There is no curable treatment for polio.
• Tetanus, which is a very common pathogen is usually acquired through cuts where it enters the body. Tetanus can be fatal and causes the condition known as lockjaw. Again, be sure to discuss your vaccinations with your medical professional to ensure you are up to date.
• E. Coli can be transmitted both through food and water or contact with a sick animal. This is a dangerous condition but it’s important that we protect ourselves from accidental exposure.
• Hepatitis A is common in wastewater treatment and exposure is most often from contact with contaminated food or water causing liver damage, jaundice and worse.
• Typhoid is generally transmitted between people through contaminated food and water causing fever, weakness, rashes and abdominal pain.

Understand that this list is not exhaustive as other pathogens and parasites are common in sewage such as salmonella, encephalitis and others. Most usually can be treated but often require hospitalization and special medications. Again, getting vaccinated plays a key role in your protection.

IMPORTANCE OF PPE…..WEAR IT, EACH AND EVERY TIME!

Make sure your PPE is maintained in top condition and kept clean and sanitary.

When working around plant equipment, take the time to wipe down hoses and other parts with a sanitizer. Clean all other working surfaces, door handles, controls, keyboards and other work surfaces with an antibacterial product as well.

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY

The last thing we would want to do is bring pathogens home on our clothing and other equipment that might make our family sick. To help prevent this be sure to shower before going home with a good disinfectant soap and never wear work clothing when going home, including your shoes. Work clothing should be laundered professionally to help keep pathogens out of our vehicles and homes.

SAFE HYGIENE

We have talked about a lot of do’s and don’t in this Otter Gram but there are a number of do’s and don’t that you can practice to keep you’re and your family healthy and safe such as:

Do’s

• Washing your hands thoroughly often especially before eating, drinking and if you should smoke
• Wash your hands before and after using the restroom
• Wear the appropriate PPE
• Use barriers such as gloves between your skin and surfaces in the wastewater plant and to protect against skin damage and abrasion and cuts
• Should anything splash into your face or eyes’ immediately use an eyewash station to wash any contaminates for at last 20 minutes before seeking medical care
• Wear clean work clothes daily
• Be sure to clean/sanitize the equipment before using
• Sanitize and/change footwear before leaving work and before entering vehicles or buildings
• Only eat in designated areas and only after washing your hands completely
• Avoid inhalation of any aerosols anywhere in the plant
• Always wear respiratory protection when needed

Don’t

• Touch your face, private parts, open sores or cuts
• Smoke, chew tobacco or gum at work
• Wear work closes home or when away from the work areas
• Handle equipment without disposable protective gloves

Well, we certainly covered quite a lot in this Otter Gram! Be sure to take the time to learn all you can about working safely in this occupation. If you have any questions, don’t chance it…..ask your supervisor. Thank you!