Lesson 4 - Safety. Water System Safety. How do Accidents Occur? Page 94 - Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems.

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1 Lesson 4 - Safety DISCLAIMER: This lesson provides basic guidance on safety concerns associated with small public drinking water systems. It makes general reference to state and federal agencies and the safety regulations those agencies are responsible for in Kansas. Contact those agencies for specific safety concerns at your system. Water System Safety Briefly discusses the major components of a water utility safety program. How do Accidents Occur? Accidents don t just happen they are caused. Most accidents are caused by an unsafe act and/or an unsafe condition. Page 94 - Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

2 Brief Safety Discussion This is a brief discussion of safety responsibilities and concerns associated with the operation of a small public water system. For specific information regarding safety regulations and safety concerns contact the state and federal agencies listed throughout the discussion. Who is Responsible? Everyone is responsible for providing safe working conditions, including the operator and the manager. In small systems, many times they are the same person. State Regulations For occupational safety and health compliance, employers must follow the federal OSHA requirements. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 95

3 Federal Regulations Most federal safety regulations are administered by OSHA ( NIOSH ( and EPA ( gov/). These regulations pertain to private and public employees alike. Major Safety Concerns Covers safety issues that water treatment operators may be subject to when working at a small drinking water system. Handling Electrical Equipment In small public water systems, testing of electrical equipment and repairs are usually made by a licensed electrician. Anyone working around electrical systems should observe proper safety precautions and OSHA standards (OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S - Electrical. Also Review the Electrical Safety Fact Sheet by OSHA). -Wear shirts with tight-fitting sleeves. -Fasten the panel door open. -Wear safety goggles and electrical safety gloves. Page 96 - Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

4 Traffic Control When work is being performed on a street or sidewalk, it is important to control the traffic and notify the police. The following are some basic guidelines for signage and cone placement used to control the speed of traffic near and through a work area. Typical Traffic Control Setup This illustration provides basic guidelines to follow when traffic speed is less than 25 mph. Place advance warning signs ahead of work site so motorists can respond. Taper 100 feet with cones spaced 20 feet apart to guide traffic. Protect the work zone with cones and barricades. Construction Zones While setting up traffic control measures, four zones need to be considered. For more guidelines on traffic control signs or devices used for safety in construction areas refer to the OSHA standard relating to signs, signals, and barricades (Standard 29 CFR 1926 Subpart G, Sighs, Signals and Barricades). The advanced warning zone is the zone prior to the work site. Here signs such as UTILITY WORK AHEAD, LEFT LANE CLOSED and CONSTRUCTION AHEAD are used. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 97

5 Trenching & Shoring Improper support systems for trench faces or shoring can present a significant hazard to workers repairing water lines in trenches. It is important to prevent the movement of soil, underground utilities, and foundations during pipeline installations and repairs (OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, Excavations). Page 98 - Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

6 Competent Person for Trenching & Shoring When a trench is dug for construction or repair, a Competent Person with proper training be available on-site (OSHA standard 29 CFR (k)(1)). Following are common responsibilities of a competent person: -Inspect the site for potential hazards. -Test the soil to determine its classification. -Determine the proper method of preventing a cave-in (OSHA standard 29 CFR ). Each employee must be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except when excavations are made entirely in stable rock or excavations are less than 5 feet in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in. -Ensure that there are no materials lying on the surface next to the trench that can present a hazard to workers in the trench. -Ensure that proper equipment is available for workers to enter and exit the trench. A ladder must be placed within 25 feet of any person working in a trench, which is 4 feet deep or deeper. -Ensure that all traffic control signage and cones are properly set up. -Ensure that no load can fall on those working in the trench. -Make sure that back-up warning systems are in place and working on all equipment at the work site. -Make sure that the workers are protected from the accumulation of water. -Make sure that all adjacent structures are stable and do not pose a hazard to the workers. -Make sure that the removed materials are placed at least 2 feet behind the trench wall. -Ensure that adequate safety measures are taken to prevent people from falling into the excavation. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 99

7 What is a Confined Space? A confined space is defined as a space large enough for a person to bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means of entry and exits, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy (OSHA standard 29 CFR ). Identifying Confined Spaces Even a trench as shallow as three feet deep can be considered a confined space. Refer to Permit Required Confined Spaces published by OSHA to determine how to identify confined spaces and whether those confined spaces are permit required or non-permit required confined spaces. Confined Space Examples Examples of confined spaces include; tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, excavations, and pits. Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

8 Confined Space Safety When an area is identified as a confined space, safety measures must be adhered to. Some confined spaces require a permit for employee access. If employees will enter a permit-required confined space, a written program must be in place (outlined in the Permit Required Confined Spaces document published by OSHA). FOLLOW the written program for the confine space. Only allow the person or persons identified into the confined space. Test the atmosphere continuously for explosive and hazardous gases. Specific testing procedures will be in the written permit-required confined space program. When dangerous air contamination is attributable to flammable or explosive substances, lighting and electrical equipment needs to be Class 1, Division 1 rated as per the National Electrical Code and no ignition sources may be introduced into the area. Mechanical ventilation systems, where required, are set at one hundred percent of the outside air. Where possible, open additional manholes or hatches to increase air circulation. Use portable blowers to increase natural circulation if needed. After a suitable ventilation period, repeat the testing of the atmosphere. Entry may not begin until testing has demonstrated that the hazardous atmosphere has been eliminated or controlled. A minimum of three people must be available when work is to be done in a permit-required confined space. This includes; an entrant, attendant, and supervisor. Continuous communications must be maintained between the entrant and the attendant. All workers entering a confined space must use a full-body harness with attached lifeline. Secure the free end of the line outside the entry opening. The attendant should notify rescue personnel immediately if the attendant has assessed that the entrant cannot exist the confined space. The attendant can use the lifeline to attempt to rescue a disabled worker and must do so without entering the space. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 101

9 Lock-out/Tag-out While repairing equipment or installing new equipment in small water systems, all energy devices such as motors and valves that need to be shut down must be locked-out and tagged-out. This is to ensure equipment is only put back online when it is ready and when it is safe for personnel (OSHA standard 29 CFR , Control of Hazardous Energy, Lockout/Tagout). Lock-out/Tag-out Program Every water system should have a lock-out/tag-out program that includes: a written policy and procedure individual keyed locks for each person who may shut down a piece of equipment tags to identify who locked out the device and when and why it was locked out Chemical Handling The most common water treatment chemicals handled by operators include: Sodium hypochlorite Chlorine gas Aluminum Sulfate Soda ash Lime Calcium hypochlorite Sodium fluoride Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

10 Chemical Handling Sodium Hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used for disinfection. It is a clear, light-yellow liquid commonly known as bleach. Ordinary household bleach contains 5% - 6.5% available chlorine. Stronger concentrations are available and more dangerous. Sodium hypochlorite is very corrosive and should be kept away from equipment susceptible to corrosion. Storing sodium hypochlorite does not present a fire hazard. Chemical Handling Chlorine Gas Chlorine gas (Cl 2 ) is also used for disinfection. It is about 2.5 times heavier than air, has a pungent odor, and is greenish-yellow in color at very high concentrations. The gas is irritating to the nose, eyes, and lungs and can kill a person at low concentrations. Chlorine does not burn, but does support combustion. It will react violently with greases, hydrocarbons, metal filings, and other flammable materials. Chemical Handling Aluminum Sulfate Aluminum Sulfate (Al 2 (SO 4 )3.14(H 2 O)), commonly referred to as alum, is the most common coagulant used in the water treatment process. It is added to water to create floc and promote settling of unwanted suspended particles. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 103

11 Chemical Handling Soda Ash Soda Ash (Na 2 CO 3 ) is used to raise the alkalinity in water to enhance the effectiveness of coagulants such as alum and ferrous sulfate. Chemical Handling Lime Lime (CaCO 3 ) is used in water to provide artificial alkalinity in the water so that coagulants will work better in the water. It is usually used with alum or ferrous sulfate. Lime is used in the form of quicklime or hydrated lime. Storage & Labeling The chemicals should be stored and labeled in accordance with material safety data sheet (MSDS) specifications as some chemicals should not be stored together (OSHA standard Hazard Communication). Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

12 Material Safety Data Sheets A material safety data sheet is a written document provided by the manufacturer and supplier of the chemical every chemical must have one. All water systems are required to have material safety data sheets readily available in case of an accident or emergency. MSDS Components Each MSDS has information concerning nine specific topics: -Chemical identification information -Hazardous ingredients and safe exposure levels -Physical data -Fire and explosion data, including flash point and how to extinguish fire -Health hazards, including first aid requirements -Reactivity data - about incompatibility and instability with other chemicals -How to handle a spill or leak -What special protective equipment is required for handling the chemical -Special precautions concerning posting, handling and clean-up of the chemical (eview the OSHA recommended format for MSDSs) Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 105

13 Hazardous Material Communication Each manufacturer of a chemical is required to place a label on the container of that chemical. The label should contain information on the following six specific areas (review the Chemical Hazard Communication publication by OSHA). -A basic warning which includes the chemical name, hazardous ingredients, and name and address of manufacturer -First aid instructions for exposure to the chemical -Instructions on how to handle fire involving the chemical -Instructions on how to handle a spill of the chemical -A listing of equipment necessary for proper handling and storage of the chemical -Cautions regarding proper disposal of the container -In addition to the label, a placard indicating special precautions is commonly included on the chemical container Typical placards are defined for chemicals which are: -Flammable -Corrosive -Oxidizer -Poison -Irritant -Explosive -Combustible Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

14 Personal Protective Equipment The following are general guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE) used while handling common water treatment chemicals. For more specific information, see the MSDS for each chemical. (Also refer to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I, Personal Protective Equipment for specific regulations and the OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Fact Sheet.) -A dust mask is used when working with alum, lime and soda ash. -A cartridge respirator should be used when working with chemicals such as calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate, and sodium fluoride. (For specifics on respiratory protection review OSHA standard 20 CFR , Respiratory Protection and the OSHA Quick Card titled Protect Yourself: Respirators. ) -Rubberized gloves are used for handling calcium and sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate, and sodium fluoride. -An SCBA, or self-contained breathing apparatus, is used when working with chlorine gas. -Chemical safety goggles are used when working with hazardous chemicals but will not be effective when exposed to chlorine gas. Cleaning Solvents Butyl rubber gloves and a cartridge respirator should be used when handling cleaning solvents such as those used to prepare PVC pipe for gluing. This solvent can enter the blood stream by passing directly through the skin or by inhalation of the fumes. Protect yourself by using the proper protective gear at all times and following the directions and MSDS that came with the solvent! Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 107

15 Lifting Injuries Working in a water system, by its nature, requires lifting. We all have a tendency to lift too much and to ignore the proper techniques of lifting. The result is a high rate of back injuries in people who perform this type of work. Questions to Ask Before Lifting Ask yourself a few basic questions before you start lifting. -What is the size of the load? -Can I safely lift this load? -Can I get help if the load is beyond my capabilities? -Is there a better way... can I use a hand truck, backhoe or other device to do this job? -Is the pathway clear? Lifting Technique Here are a few simple steps to follow when lifting a load... -First get on firm flat footing. Keep your knees apart and your toes pointed slightly out. -Bend at the knees, not at the hips. -Tighten your stomach muscles this will help to support your back. -Lift with your legs this puts less pressure on your back. -And be sure to keep the load close to your body to minimize risk of injury to your back while lifting. Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

16 First Aid Practices This is a brief review of common first aid practices for accidents likely to occur in the water works industry. Prior to doing anything else call 911 to get assistance from emergency medical personnel. They will need time to get to your facility so calling them immediately is very important. Always review the MSDSs that come with chemicals from the supplier so you are aware of the proper first aid procedures to use with each type of chemical. Check out the American Red Cross website at for guidance on physical types of injuries ( Also review the OSHA Best Practice Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program. For skin exposed to sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite solution, or chlorine gas: Flush the area for 15 minutes with clean fresh water. If burning persists, see a doctor. For sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite solution or chlorine gas entering the eye: Flush the eye for 15 minutes with clean, warm, fresh water. If problem persists, see a doctor. In case of an electric shock, the symptoms are unconsciousness and pale, blushed skin that is clammy and mottled in appearance. If the victim is not breathing, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, give CPR (only from a trained person). Elevate feet and keep warm. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 109

17 First Aid Practices For breathing disorder due to exposure to chlorine gas: Remove the person from the contaminated area and treat for shock. If the victim is not breathing give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the heart has stopped, give CPR. For shock due to injury, illness, or poison: In this case, the symptoms will be a pale, mottled face, cold sweat, fast breathing and weak pulse. Keep the person warm, lying down, with feet raised. Do not give fluids or food. In case of frost bite, the symptoms will be skin flushed, and then changing to white or grayish yellow. Blisters may appear. Skin may turn cold and numb. Victim will experience pain. Do not rub the area. Quickly warm by immersing in tepid water (68 F to 77 F). In case of burns, the symptoms include redness and pain. Moderate burns will blister. A severe burn shows tissue destruction. Use ice for small burns. Use cold water (not ice) for big burns. Wash the affected area with cold water and soap. Apply sterile dressing, but no ointment. Do not remove clothing stuck to a burn. Seek medical help if there is extensive blistering or skin is white, dry, and painless. Fire Safety There are four classifications of fire based on the type of material involved in the fire. Always review the MSDS that come with chemicals from the supplier so you are aware of the proper fire extinguishing methods to use with each type of chemical. Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

18 Fire Safety -CLASS A Class A fire is caused by ordinary combustibles or fibrous material such as wood, paper, cloth, paper and some plastics. How to Extinguish? Extinguish Class A fire with pressurized water, foam or multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers. Do no use carbon dioxide or ordinary dry chemical extinguishers on Class A fire. Fire Safety -CLASS B Class B fire is caused by flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane. How to Extinguish? Extinguish Class B fires by removing oxygen, by preventing vapors from reaching ignition sources, or by inhibiting the chemical chain reaction. Use foam, carbon dioxide, ordinary dry chemicals, multipurpose dry chemical and halon extinguishers. Fire Safety -CLASS C Class C fire is caused by energized electrical equipment such as motors, motor controls, switches, panel boxes and power tools. How to Extinguish? Extinguish Class C fire by using carbon dioxide, ordinary dry chemical, multipurpose dry chemicals and halon fire extinguishers. Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems - Page 111

19 Fire Safety -CLASS D Class D fire is caused by certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These metals burn at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen to support combustion. They may react violently with water or other chemicals and must be handled with care. How to Extinguish? Extinguish Class D fire by using dry powder extinguishers made specially for this type of fire. Protection From Disease & Contamination People are one of the most significant carriers of diseases. There are several precautions that an operator can take to maintain a level of protection from diseases such as hepatitis and gastroenteritis. For information on diseases go to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website ( -When possible use rubberized gloves to handle any contaminated material. -Never smoke while working in a contaminated area. -Never eat food in a contaminated area. -Always keep your hands away from your face. -Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, especially after handling a contaminant or using the restroom. -And for added safety for you and your family, shower and change clothes before going home if possible. Page Kansas Basics Course: for small public drinking water systems

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