Dirty activities require clean thoughts

The novel Antibac pen prompted a much wider discussion amongst OrganicWaste staff about the hygiene standards expected from those who work with sewage in the water industry.

As much of the material is good old fashioned common sense it is just as valid for those who visit our treatment centres and there is no harm in occasionally reminding ourselves of the importance of this everyday activity.

 

• Thoroughly wash hands, and if necessary contaminated forearms, and face on finishing work and before:
  • taking a break, particularly when food, drink or cigarettes will be handled
  • changing work activity - from 'hands on' work to say doing some paper work.
• Remove dirty clothing before entering any clean areas such as 'mess' rooms.
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a waterproof dressing to protect them from contamination.
• Dressings should be changed if they become damaged, penetrated and at the end of the working day.
• Avoid putting hands, or gloves to the face particularly near the mouth especially if you want to rub your eye(s) or nose.
• When doing work that you know will be hard on the hands apply a barrier cream.
• If hands become dry use a hand conditioning cream. If you have any evidence of dermatitis or similar skin conditions seek medical advice.
• Always wear the appropriate PPE for the job and on completion of the task remove any contaminated clothing clean it and dry it or dispose of it as appropriate.
• Anyone who swallows or is totally immersed in waste water, whether crude sewage, final effluent, or sewage sludge must be referred immediately to their doctor or a hospital A & E unit.
• Anyone who becomes unwell having worked with waste water, sludge etc, must seek medical attention and inform the doctor of the nature of their work.

Organic Waste news - Autumn 2010