safetyattreatmentpla nts

Safety at Treatment Plants: 

Safety at Treatment Plants

Agenda: 

Agenda Safety Programs Types of Hazards Why people do not always use safety measures Laboratory Safety Treatment Plant Chemical Safety Electrical Safety

Agenda, cont’d.: 

Agenda, cont’d. Fire Safety Confined spaces Biological Hazards Mechanical Hazards Physical Hazards Cross Connections

Safety Program: 

Safety Program Needs to be fully supported by management Funding Time Staffing Equipment Training Program in writing Signed by top management Reviewed and modified regularly

Overview : 

Overview A successful safety program is built on sound safety education, training, and attitude which can include safety manuals, pamphlets, newsletters, videos, meetings, talks, posters and safety memos. A safety program is a necessity for every organization, the larger the organization, the easier to secure support for and recognize the importance of a formal safety program.

Overviewcont’d: 

Overview cont’d Regardless of the size of the utility, safety programs should be organized so that every operator realizes and accepts personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of fellows workers. A good safety program modified depending on size and the needs of the organization, but top management must assume responsibility for the overall safety program within the organization.

OBJECTIVES: 

OBJECTIVES Identify the types of hazards you may encounter operating a wastewater treatment plant Recognize unsafe conditions and correct them whenever they develop

OBJECTIVEScont’d: 

OBJECTIVES cont’d Organize regular safety meetings Develop the habit of always THINKING SAFETY AND WORKING SAFELY

Safety FirstAccidents cost livesFaster is not always betterExpect the unexpectedThink before you actYou can make the differenceAccidents Don’t Just HappenThey Are Caused: 

Safety First Accidents cost lives Faster is not always better Expect the unexpected Think before you act You can make the difference Accidents Don’t Just Happen They Are Caused

Why Safety: 

Why Safety Statistics Show that in the work place Injuries occur every 18 seconds Approximately 10,000 Americans die every year 33,000 people receive disabling injuries from falling on stairs 1500 people are killed each year from falls

Why Safetycont’d: 

Why Safety cont’d Statistics Show that in the work place 2,500 eye injuries occur daily Musculoskeletal disorders account for half of reported occupational illnesses

Why Safetycont’d: 

Why Safety cont’d To help keep you injury-free everyday, on the job safety is critical. Some common hazards employees face at work include: Eye, face, hearing and head injuries Burns Cuts, punctures, fractures, and abrasions Electrical shock Contact with hazardous chemicals

Why Safetycont’d: 

Why Safety cont’d Common hazards Con’t Muscle strains and sprains, back injuries Slips, trips and falls Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

Treatment Plants Can Be Hazardous to Your Health!: 

Treatment Plants Can Be Hazardous to Your Health! Chemical Hazards

Electrical Hazards: 

Electrical Hazards

Confined Spaces: 

Confined Spaces

Biological Hazards: 

Biological Hazards

Mechanical Hazards: 

Mechanical Hazards

Physical Hazards: 

Physical Hazards

Cross-Connections: 

Cross-Connections

People Are Inherently Safe: 

People Are Inherently Safe There is a theory that people are inherently safe People do not want to be injured or killed The potential for injury or death encourages people to use safe work practices.

Problems with the Inherent Safety Theory: 

Problems with the Inherent Safety Theory Some human tendencies interfere with self-protective activities Complacency – Performing a task on a regular, repeating basis can lead to the belief that there is no danger Preoccupation – thinking about problems or issues other than the task at hand instead of safety Overconfidence – believing you can be safe without protective measures

Problems with Inherent Safety Theory, cont’d.: 

Problems with Inherent Safety Theory, cont’d. Inattention – failure to concentrate on the task at hand Carelessness – being negligent or reckless Haste – Trying to complete a task more quickly often leads to forgetting or purposely bypassing safety requirements Poor Planning – Complex tasks need to be planned so safety needs can be addressed.

Regulatory Requirements: 

Regulatory Requirements OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulates most safety requirements for employers. Intent is to protect the employees. Rules can be found on their website at www.osha.gov EPA – regulates the Risk Management Program for hazardous chemicals, intent is to protect the community from releases. Their website is www.epa.gov DEP regulations include certain safety requirements for treatment plants, and cross connection regulations.

Chemical Hazards in the Laboratory: 

Chemical Hazards in the Laboratory Hazardous laboratory chemicals include: Acids, bases, carcinogens, toxicants OSHA Rule on Laboratory Safety – 29 CFR 1910.1450 Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories Requires labs to have Chemical Hygiene Plan means a written program developed and implemented by the employer which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace Requires Hazard identification – All chemicals must be properly labeled

Laboratory Safety Regulations: 

Laboratory Safety Regulations Other important OSHA rules – Hazard Communication 29 CFR 1910.1200. Requires: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to be available for every chemical used at the worksite. MSDS are informational documents on the chemical, including hazards, preventive measures, and technical data A written Hazard Communication Program Initial and regular employee training Personal Protective Equipment 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I Includes all requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injury to various body parts and respiratory protection.

Laboratory Chemical Safety: 

Laboratory Chemical Safety Keep an MSDS on file for every chemical Make sure all chemicals are labeled, especially mixtures or dilutions prepared by technicians Ensure all employees are properly trained in chemical use and testing procedure, and have read the MSDS before using the chemicals Use appropriate PPE at all times while using chemicals

Laboratory Chemical Safety, cont’d: 

Laboratory Chemical Safety, cont’d Follow analysis procedure exactly Clean up chemical spills immediately with the proper spill clean-up kit Use a fume hood when necessary Immediately discard any cracked or chipped labware Dispose of unused or expired chemicals properly (per MSDS) Know what action to take if you are improperly exposed to a chemical (fumes, spills, splashes)

Laboratory Chemical Storage: 

Laboratory Chemical Storage Store chemicals in appropriately designed cabinets Store chemicals according to compatibility, NOT alphabetically. Most chemical labels are color coded to aid in storage determination

General Lab Safety Rules: 

General Lab Safety Rules No smoking No eating No drinking No horseplay No application of cosmetics, lip gloss, etc. Never use labware to store food or drink Never use lab equipment to cook or process food Do not store food/drink in laboratory refrigerator

This is not a pizza warmer…: 

This is not a pizza warmer…

Important Laboratory Safety Equipment: 

Important Laboratory Safety Equipment Fume Hood Safety Shower Eyewash Fire Extinguisher Fire Blanket Spill Cleanup Kit First Aid Kit

Hazardous Chemicals for Treatment: 

Hazardous Chemicals for Treatment Typical process chemicals used at plants Chlorine Sulfur Dioxide Sodium Hypochlorite HTH Polymer Lime Aluminum sulfate Gasoline Diesel

Important Regulatory Requirements: 

Important Regulatory Requirements Hazard Communication – OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 applies to large quantity chemicals also. Risk Management Program (RMP) - EPA Rule 40 CFR 68 - required for large quantity chemical storage and use Comprehensive plan addressing all issues relating to safety issues. Designed to protect the public from releases of hazardous chemicals Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) – OSHA Rule 29 CFR 1910.119 - designed to protect employees from harm due to chemical releases

General Requirements of RMP/PSM: 

General Requirements of RMP/PSM Goal is to prevent or minimize consequences of catastrophic releases of highly hazardous chemicals, fires and explosions Major requirements include Employee Participation, Process Safety Information, Hazards Analysis, Written Operating Procedures, Training Program, Contractor Program, Pre-Startup Safety Review, Mechanical Integrity, Hot Work Permits, Management of Change, Incident Investigation, Emergency Planning and response, Compliance Safety Audits

Chlorine : 

Chlorine Chlorine is a pale green gas 2.5 times heavier than air One part of liquid chlorine expands to gas at a factor of 460 times Odor can be detected between 0.08 and 0.3 ppm. 10 ppm is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)

Sulfur Dioxide : 

Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur Dioxide is a colorless gas, almost 3 times heavier than air It has a strong pungent odor, detected at 0.5 ppm 100 ppm is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health

Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide Safety: 

Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide Safety When changing cylinders always: Ensure proper training Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus Take out the old lead washer from the connection and install a new lead washer Have a second person available to call for help if necessary Have a repair kit available for emergency responders Check for leaks with ammonia vapor prior to opening valve all the way. If there is a leak, a white cloud will form. Turn valve off immediately and tighten connection. Check for leak again.

Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide Safety, cont’d : 

Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide Safety, cont’d When accepting cylinder deliveries: Ensure driver shows photo ID Ensure proper training Make sure hoist and cable is properly rated and in good repair Have driver position truck properly to avoid twisting cable or having to “swing” container Have someone available to call for help if necessary On a regular basis Check for leaks and repair or call emergency responders if needed Inspect all equipment and ensure it is in good condition

Chlorine or Sulfur Dioxide Spill Response: 

Chlorine or Sulfur Dioxide Spill Response If leak is small, for instance at the connection, repair. Don’t work alone – have someone standing by to call for assistance Wear all PPE, including SCBA If leak is large or too difficult to repair call emergency responders

Exposure to Chlorine or Sulfur Dioxide: 

Exposure to Chlorine or Sulfur Dioxide These chemicals can cause injuries ranging from burns to the skin or eyes to death. Severe respiratory damage can occur if inhaled, which can lead to pulmonary edema and death

Sodium Hypochlorite: 

Sodium Hypochlorite May utilities are retrofitting to use hypochlorite solutions instead of chlorine to avoid the RMP/PSM requirements. Hypochlorite solutions still have safety concerns and requirements Off-gassing due to decomposition Large quantities of corrosive chemical on site

Sodium Hypochlorite Safety: 

Sodium Hypochlorite Safety Use extreme caution while filling containers, and ensure that hypochlorite is the chemical being added: Chlorine gas release with violent reaction if solution comes into contact with any acidic compound Formation of explosive compounds, chlorinated organics, violent release of chlorine gas if any contact with organic chemicals (fuels, oils, insecticides, solvents) Release of oxygen gas, rupture of system if contact with metals. Use appropriate personal protective equipment

HTH: 

HTH Its appearance can make it seem harmless—it isn’t Violent reactions with organics, acidic compounds, etc. similar to sodium hypochlorite Wear PPE! This is a corrosive chemical, not detergent Keep properly stored, in closed containers away from heat and incompatible materials

Polymer: 

Polymer Polymers are used for sludge conditioning, dewatering and settling aids. Are not typically hazardous, but cause extremely slippery conditions if spilled Wear PPE, especially eye protection, as viscous polymers do not flush out easily

Gasoline and Diesel: 

Gasoline and Diesel Most large amounts at plants are fuel storage for emergency generators or other equipment No smoking in proximity! Use PPE during filling operations Check storage tanks and containment regularly Check any spill alarm systems on a regular basis

Electrical Hazards: 

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Shock: 

Electrical Shock Keep your mind on the potential hazard at all times Always lockout and tagout any electrical equipment being serviced Don’t use metal ladders Never override any electrical safety device

Electrical Shockcont’d: 

Electrical Shock cont’d Inspect extension cords for abrasion and insulation failure Use only grounded or insulated electrical equipment (Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approved) Take care not to inadvertently ground yourself when in contact with electrical equipment or wiring

Electrical Shock: 

Electrical Shock Basic Lockout/ Tagout Procedures Notify all affected employees Shut down equipment by normal stopping procedure Operate switch, valve or other energy isolating device(s) Install lock out and/or tag out on isolating device

Electrical Shockcont’d: 

Electrical Shock cont’d Check energy source to make sure to make certain the equipment will not operate Work may begin When work is complete, tools removed and guards have been reinstalled remove all lockout or tagout devices restore energy

Electrical Shockcont’d: 

Electrical Shock cont’d Emergency Procedures Survey the scene and see if it is safe to enter Free victim from a live power source by shutting off power at disconnect Send for help Check for breathing and pulse begin CPR if needed

Fires: 

Fires Fire prevention plan Regulate the use, storage and disposal of all combustible materials/substances Develop written response procedures Provide required service on all fire detection equipment

Firescont’d: 

Fires cont’d Fire prevention plan Immediately repair remove or replace any defective wiring Provide periodic cleanup of weeds or other vegetation in and around the plant Maintain clear access to fire prevention equipment at all times

Fire Prevention: 

Fire Prevention Ingredients necessary for a fire Fuel Heat Oxygen

Fire Prevention: 

Fire Prevention Fire control methods Cooling Smothering Isolation

Fire Prevention: 

Fire Prevention Type of fires Class A fire Wood ,cloth paper Class B fire Flammable liquids Class C fire Electrical equipment Class D fire Combustible metals

Fire Prevention: 

Fire Prevention Fire prevention practices Good housekeeping Obey no smoking signs Keep fire doors, exits, stairs and firefighting equipment clear of obstructions Learn how to operate the extinguishers before an emergency arises

Fire Preventioncont’d: 

Fire Prevention cont’d Fire prevention practices Report any fire hazards you see, especially electrical hazards which are the source of many fires Put oil and paint soaked rags in a covered metal container Keep all combustible materials away from sources of ignition.

Fire Response: 

Fire Response In case of fire Dial 9-1-1 or notify fire department immediately If fire is small, extinguisher is nearby and if comfortable doing so, use fire extinguisher to put fire out Ensure you have been trained on how to use extinguisher If fire is large or spreading rapidly evacuate and await fire department response

Confined Spaces: 

Confined Spaces

Confined Spaces: 

Confined Spaces A confined space may be defined as any space which: (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; (2) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and (3) is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Confined Spaces: 

Confined Spaces Tanks vessels silos storage bins hoppers vaults

Confined Spaces: 

Confined Spaces Confined space entry permit Qualified person Gas detection and oxygen deficiency instruments Respiratory protective equipment Attendant and backup person Safety belt with attached line

Oxygen Deficiency: 

Oxygen Deficiency Low oxygen levels Hydrogen sulfide Gasoline vapor Carbon dioxide chlorine

Toxic or Suffocating Gases or Vapors: 

Toxic or Suffocating Gases or Vapors Toxic or suffocating gases may come from industrial waste discharge, process chemicals, or from the decomposition of domestic wastewater

Radiological Hazards: 

Radiological Hazards Radioactive isotopes Hospitals research labs industries

Explosive Gas Mixtures: 

Explosive Gas Mixtures Methane Natural gas Hydrogen Gasoline vapors Upper explosive limits (UEL) Lower explosive limit (LEL) Combustible gas detector

Biological Hazards: 

Biological Hazards OSHA – Bloodborne Pathogen rule does not really apply to treatment plant personnel, but some of the concepts are good to follow. Numerous biological hazards live in raw wastewater and wastewater sludges. Plant personnel need to protect themselves from exposures to bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

Pathogens: 

Pathogens Pathogens that may be present in sewage include: Hepatitis Tuberculosis Dysentery Tetanus Polio HIV Salmonella Cholera

Universal Precautions: 

Universal Precautions Universal precautions is the method of protection noted in the Bloodborne Pathogen rule. Since the exact composition of wastewater or sludge is unknown, it should be handled as if it were known to contain a pathogen that could cause serious illness or death.

Protection from Biological Hazards: 

Protection from Biological Hazards Personal protective equipment – gloves, boots, eye protection, appropriate clothing as needed. Protect yourself from sewer splashes, especially to the face. Keep hands away from face. No smoking, eating, drinking, applying lip balm or cosmetics while working with sewage. Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking or applying cosmetics.

Protection from Biological Hazards cont’d.: 

Protection from Biological Hazards cont’d. Never store food or drinks in refrigerators containing sewage samples. Never use plant laboratory equipment to heat food or drinks. Never use labware or sample containers to hold food or drinks. Do not eat, drink or smoke or apply cosmetics in the wastewater laboratory.

Innoculations: 

Innoculations Recommended innoculations to keep current: Tetanus Hepatitis B 3-part innoculation with confirmation test

Mechanical Hazards: 

Mechanical Hazards Injuries can occur while working with and around pumps, motors, blowers, generators, power tools, and other mechanical equipment. Hearing impairment can occur due to working around loud machinery. Limbs, fingers or toes can be injured or severed if caught in moving equipment. Injuries can happen when equipment fails and falls apart. Power tools can cause injuries if improperly used.

Personal Protective Equipment : 

Personal Protective Equipment Wear hearing protection around loud motors or equipment Wear eye protection when using power tools or around equipment that could send particles flying Wear steel toe boots when working with heavy parts or equipment that could fall or be dropped Determine what personal protective equipment is needed prior to beginning work and ensure it is available.

Lockout/Tagout: 

Lockout/Tagout Similar to requirements for working with electricity. Advise personnel that equipment will be out of service. Turn equipment off and lock out and tag out equipment before beginning work. Ensure all work is complete and personnel are out of harm’s way prior to placing equipment back in service.

Other Protective Measures for Working with Mechanical Equipment: 

Other Protective Measures for Working with Mechanical Equipment Get proper training before operating equipment or power tools. Always ensure guards are properly installed on equipment where needed. Turn off and lock out equipment that is not functioning normally. Keep hair and clothing out of moving equipment or power tools. Tie long hair back or up Avoid wearing clothing that could get caught in equipment—ties, scarves, etc.

Physical Hazards: 

Physical Hazards Treatment plants abound with hazards that can lead to trips, falls, musculoskeletal injuries. Fall protection All stairs and catwalks need to have handrails. Climb stairs one at a time Handrails and grating should be in good condition and properly secured. Walking the wall should not be permitted. Ladders should be properly secured, on level ground, and in good condition.

Back Injuries: 

Back Injuries Back injuries are common work related injuries. Can occur from lifting improperly or lifting too heavy an item. Use leg strength for lifting and ask for help if needed. Can occur from pulling items, such as heavy hoses. Can occur from turning stiff valves or opening/closing heavy gates.

Housekeeping Issues: 

Housekeeping Issues Many slips, trips, falls and injuries are a result of poor housekeeping. Clean up any spills immediately. Keep stairs, aisles and walkways clear of materials. Have a designated place for tools, parts and supplies and keep them there. Provide proper containers for wastes.

Cross Connections: 

Cross Connections A cross connection is an improper connection between the potable water system with any non-potable water. Most water systems are protected from contamination by backflow preventers at the property line. However, within the sewer plant cross connections may occur where plant personnel are not protected.

Cross Connection Protection: 

Cross Connection Protection Inspect all water supply piping to ensure there are no cross connections. Never put a hose connected to the potable water system into a sewer or sludge tank. Never drink from hoses or outside water connections at the plant. Properly mark all reuse water piping. Ensure any trucks (such as jet trucks) that fill up from the water system have proper backflow prevention.