Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Laboratory personnel are required to perform analyses on a vari-
ety of wastewater and biosolids (sludge) samples. Although the risk
of infection from wastewater samples is not as high in the laboratory
environment as in the collection systems where direct exposure to raw
wastewater is high (in sewers, pumping stations, and interceptor pipe-
lines), infectious agents that are commonly found in laboratory samples
are nonetheless a biological hazard.
1.13.10 slips, Trips, falls, and safe lifting Practice
Slips, trips, and falls are common mishaps in wastewater treat-
ment facilities. Many workplace activities involve carrying loads and
other material handling activities. These material handling activities
are major contributors to slips, trips, falls, and back injuries in the
workplace. Additionally, the use of ladders or scaffolds can put workers
at risk for fall-related injuries. When chemicals are introduced into the
work activity, the occurrence of slips, trips, and falls seems to escalate.
As a case in point, consider chemical polymers. Polymers are used in
wastewater treatment for varying purposes. One use of polymer is for
biosolid (sludge) conditioning. When polymer becomes wet, it produces
a severe walking surface hazard because of its slippery nature. Polymer
is only one of several chemicals used in wastewater treatment facili-
ties that can create slippery walkways and stairs. The point is that all
spills must be cleaned up immediately. Workers must be trained to react
whenever they spill chemicals or observe a spill. Even minor spills can
be hazardous.
In practicing good housekeeping in the workplace, maintaining
clean floors is step one. Providing well-lighted work areas is another
step. Additionally, clutter in aisles or stairs is a major contributing fac-
tor to trips and falls in the workplace. Hazards due to loose footing on
stairs, steps, and floors must be eliminated. The plant safety person
plays a major role in the prevention of slips, trips, and falls in the work-
place. The safety person's routine plant audit should focus on this vital
area. Moreover, plant safety meetings should always stress the impor-
tance of keeping the work area clean.
Ranking right up there in frequency of occurrence of finger and
hand injuries are injuries to the back. Back injuries present a constant
dilemma to the plant safety person. How can they be prevented? What
steps are necessary to prevent them? Back injury prevention begins with
the safety plant official gaining insight into mishaps caused by material
handling. This insight is gained through consideration of several factors.
For example, a determination should be made as to whether or not it is
practical to provide workers with material handling aids that will make
lifting safer. Lifting aids would include insisting that workers lift the
properly sized containers and that workers use lifting trucks when nec-
essary, as well as by providing workers with lifting tools such as hooks.
Another aid to safe lifting that should be looked at is whether or not it
is practical to provide conveyers or other mechanical devices for moving
packages. As a last resort, the safety person should decide if personal
protective equipment such as gloves might help prevent injuries.
