Hi guys I have had an enquiry from one of our safety reps regarding working with sewage. Basically, I have received a long email stating that the Plumbers do not feel that they should be carrying out tasks such a roding of pipes. Their main concern being raw sewage. Could anyone tell me what the requirements are for working with substances of this type? I have had a look into it and can see the basics such as a Risk Assessment for the basic task, not for working with the working with sewage (as there is so many different types). Provision of welfare facilities, first aid kit etc etc.... What I am more interested in, is the provision of cards which outline precautions to take to prevent infection from leptospirosis and, inoculation against associated diseases with sewage. Any information will be well received and much appreciated. Many thanks;

Ian is right- the key issue is hygiene. Your guys will need a) appropriate PPE, which will need either to be disposable or you will need some system for cleaning it- they should not be taking it home to clean it them selves b) Access to hygiene kits, wipes hand washes, etc if it really nasty even a mobile shower, if they regularly get covered in it c) Health monitoring- if they go down with stomach upsets etc. - they will need to tell the doctor or hospital that this could be down to the job. d) Vaccination might be a good idea, although I reckon Hepatitis A rather than Hepatitis B. Of course you can’t make then have a Hep A jab. But the key is hygiene.

health cards are a good idea but not mandatory (in the legal sense) but if your risk assessment suggests that they are needed then that makes them mandatory!

And consider rubber gloves/wellies/face shields etc

And beware giardiasis which has been claimed to be linked to some sewage exposures. And note that treatment plant operatives have been reported to develop immunities following prolonged exposure to sewage aerosols. These may erode during absences (holidays or sick leave) so when the worker returns to the job, they develop 'flu like' symptoms - which last a few days before clearing up. No specific diagnosis that I am aware of... There were a large number of academic papers available - but there seems (seemed - its ten years since I worked in the industry regularly) to be little consolidated, consistent, industry-agreed advice out there.

Hi http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg197.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg198.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/infection.pdf then go see an OCC Health nurse or just send them down their local GP inform them they need vaccinations foe working with sewage. they may get all or some of following: Dip Tet Poilo confirm after 3 months of completion last 5-10yrs Typhoid Hep A initial dose booster 6-12months 20yrs after booster Hep B gen four doses with confirm blood results Possible Rotavirus vaccine (Noravirus or winter bug) cheers

Thank you all so much, all excellent information.

And, if you read the (excellent) guidance as linked to by Sonia1967 above from the joint studies conducted by the Water UK Occupational Health and Safety Group and the Health and Safety Executive you'll find that routine vaccination is no longer recommended (apart from polio and tetanus - which is routine for the general population anyway). Here is a specific report that I've used as my bible on this matter. www.sbwwi.co.uk/cms/Img/...posure-to-sewage-ogn.pdf

All of which takes us right back to where we started....hygiene!