The water treatment process is designed to minimize hazards and disinfect water, but the process itself may entail hazards that personnel should be aware of. Indeed, workers in a water processing plant are exposed to hazards every day that can jeopardize their health, wellbeing, and safety. Personnel in this industry should be aware of these hazards in order to take preventative measures. Insurance agents who offer water treatment insurance should be aware of the hazards in water treatment plants, too, in order to understand the liabilities that their clients often face.
Entry Into Confined Spaces
One of the most common risks that water treatment personnel deal with is the need to enter a confined space. There are many parts of a water processing plant, in fact, that satisfy the criteria defined by OSHA to qualify as a permit required confined space. These criteria include the presence of an atmospheric hazard, material that may engulf a person who enters, and inwardly-converging walls or downward-sloping floors. A water processing plant’s collection system, treatment tanks, and distribution system are typically considered a permit required confined spaces, and entry into these spaces poses an immediate hazard to personnel.
Exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a byproduct of decaying matter, and it is present throughout the water processing system. Workers who enter into the aforementioned confined spaces are often at risk of overexposure to this gas. It is particularly dangerous because it is heavier than air and causes irritation to the respiratory system and eyes. Extended exposure may causes dizziness, convulsions, headaches, and loss of consciousness. High levels of exposure will usually cause death.
Exposure to Methane Gas
Methane gas is yet another environmental hazard that water processing plan personnel should be wary of. Methane is produced as by the process of sludge digestion as settled solids are decomposed and pathogens are destroyed. Though it is a natural byproduct of this process, it is still a hazard to workers who are continuously exposed to it. This is because it is highly explosive and its presence dramatically increases the likelihood of a fire or explosion that could injure plant workers. In less severe cases, a worker may suffer burns from such an explosion, but in more severe cases, the accident could be fatal.
Injury From Slipping and Falling
It’s unsurprising that another major hazard of water processing plants is the potential for slip and fall injuries. Indeed, this is a common hazard amongst all workplaces, but the ubiquitous presence of water means it’s likely even more common at water processing plants. Personnel should always wear skid-proof shoes and any wet floors should be dried as soon as possible to prevent potential slips. Plant managers should follow all procedures for identifying hazards and eliminating slip risks.
About Watercolor Management
Watercolor Management has insured the water industry for over 30 years. Our policies include unlimited defense cost coverage in the event of a lawsuit against you. Call us at (855) 929-0824 or email info@watercolormanagement.com for a quick quote for your Water Business Professional, Products/Completed operations, Pollution and General Liability Insurance.