How to ensure safety at ETP Operation and maintenance?

An ETP installation must be equipped with correct O & M protocols. Planning an inventory of maintenance requirements is the first step in preparing for O & M.This inventory is usually included in the installation's Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Manual, which is written down by the contractor who plans and constructs the installation.

Occupational safety and health (OSH) considerations are becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern operations, necessitating the identification of dangers and the implementation of corrective and preventive measures.

Hazards which are involved in O&M Operations-

1. Falls caused by water, aqueous solutions, or solvents on slick flooring.

2. Blows produced by falling heavy objects, such as chemical reagent containers.

3. Injuries or drowning occur when someone falls into ponds, pits, clarifiers, or tanks.

4. Risks associated with entering tight areas, such as suffocation owing to a lack of oxygen, poisoning (e.g., by hydrogen sulphide), and so on.

5. Burns from steam or hot vapours, hot plating bath splashes, solvents and other liquids, contact with hot surfaces (e.g., annealing ovens), etc.

6. Electric shock as a result of coming into contact with malfunctioning electrical equipment, cables, and so on.

7. Sharp tool cuts and pricks sharp edges of plated goods sharp deposits on jigs, etc.

8. Eye injuries produced by flying particles, such as those induced by rotating brush cleaning or wheel grinding.

9. Explosions and fires caused by the creation and discharge of combustible gases during the processing process (e.g., methane, hydrogen).

10. Intense chemical reactions generated by uncontrolled chemical mixing during the production of reagents for wastewater treatment (e.g., if water is mixed with strong sulphuric acid).

11. Acute poisoning induced by multiple chemicals present in the wastewaters, used as reagents (e.g., gaseous chlorine), or removed during the treatment; a particular hazard is caused by the potential release of a number of poisonous gases, such as hydrogen-cyanide (from metal plating or heat treatment wastes upon acidification), hydrogen-sulphide, and so on.

12. Acute poisoning caused by ingesting untreated wastewater without permission.

13. Phosgene poisoning, which can occur when a worker smokes in the presence of chlorinated-solvent vapours or when welding or other flames or arcs are utilized.

14. Corrosive liquids cause chemical burns. 

15. Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminths, and fungi found in raw home wastewater (mostly from humans) and agricultural wastes.

Actions which should be taken

1. Wear non-slip soled safety shoes or boots.

2. Avoid contact with corrosive and/or contaminated solids, liquids, gases, or vapours by wearing personal protective equipment and chemical-resistant clothes.

3. Do not mix chemicals without first consulting a competent scientist or safety expert.

4. Follow all safety precautions when storing, transporting, handling, or pouring chemicals.

5. Before using electrical equipment, be sure it's safe.

6. Protect your eyes by using safety goggles in any situation where you might be exposed to dust, flying particles, or liquid spills.

7. Use a respirator or gas mask if you are exposed to harmful aerosols, dusts, vapours, or gases.

8. Handle highly corrosive agents with particular caution, such as liquid or gaseous chlorine, strong acids or alkalis, and so on.

9. Follow all safety precautions while entering limited locations.

10. Avoid smoking, eating, or drinking in situations where chemical or biological contamination is a possibility.

11. If latex sensitivity has been diagnosed, use non-latex gloves.

Conclusion

Proper operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants or effluent treatment plants is critically important in securing compliance of standards. There is need to evolve guidelines/criteria for proper operation and maintenance of the effluent treatment plant as well as criteria for selection of its operator(s) in terms of their technical capabilities and experience.

What do we offer?

Netsol Water is a significant water and wastewater treatment firm in India, offering WTP, WWTP, STP, and ETP manufacture, among other services. The company creates equipment’s and is committed to providing practical solutions that help businesses flourish.