Download Viruses Sewage Wastewater Exposures

Viruses - Sewage & Wastewater Exposures
Annual Notice (Payroll Stuffer 2/2006)
Sewage and wastewater contains viruses, disease-bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The organisms can thrive, or even continue
to multiply, in wastewater. Most exposures are transmitted to humans by swallowing, but some can enter through intact skin
or damaged skin (cuts, etc.). Viruses can be absorb into the body by breathing in contaminated water droplets or aerosols,
swallowing contaminated water, eating or smoking with contaminated hands, or through skin contact.
Two viruses in particular that we would like to address are Hepatitis A & B.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver. The virus is found in the stool of infected people. It is
transmitted by the fecal-oral (hand-to-mouth) route. The infectious agent can be swallowed if hands are not washed before
eating, smoking, or drinking.
The average time between exposure to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the development of symptoms is about 28 days.
Hepatitis A causes fever, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and jaundice. Symptoms commonly last for about 4 weeks, but in
20% of people who get the disease, the symptoms may return and continue on and off for up to 15 months. There is no
specific treatment for hepatitis A once it is contracted.
Prevention: There is a vaccine to protect against hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Two doses are needed 6 to 12 months
apart to ensure long-term protection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus that is transmitted through contaminated body fluids. These fluids include blood, semen,
saliva, and vaginal secretions. Workers can be infected on the job when infected fluids enter the bloodstream, either by
exposure on the mucous membranes (nose or mouth), or through a puncture wound. Hepatitis B infection can have a range
of illnesses and cause liver damage. Although some people never feel sick, other people become very ill and may die.
Prevention: For employees that are likely to be exposed to blood or sharp objects such as syringes and needles, there is a
vaccination available.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
For work around sewage or wastewater, engineering controls and work practices are the best ways to protect workers from
exposures to disease. When engineering controls are not possible, use personal protective equipment (PPE). For some jobs
and around some hazards, respiratory protection may be required.
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Frequent, routine hand washing is the most important safeguard in preventing infection by agents present in sewage.
Protective clothing (i.e., work clothes, coveralls, boots, and when appropriate, gloves and plastic face shields) is
recommended. Such work clothes should not be worn home or outside the immediate work environment.
OSHA requires that the employer provide:
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Training and education about the hazards of wastewater and sewage
A place onsite with clean water for washing your hands
A place to wash and clean-up after work
The appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, a face shield, water-resistant suit, or respirator depending on the job
Clean areas set aside for eating and smoking
Cleaning facilities or services for clothing and equipment. (If clothing is badly soiled, change out of it. Keep
equipment clean to limit your exposures to the disease-causing agents).
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Viruses - Sewage & Wastewater Exposures -
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Individuals should take the following precautions:
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Most important: Wash your hands well with clean water and soap before you eat or smoke and after work.
Do not touch your nose, mouth, eyes, or ears with your hands, unless you have just washed. Most of the time, people
get diseases when they have germs on their hands and they touch their mouth, nose or eyes.
Keep your fingernails short; use a stiff soapy brush to clean under your nails.
Wear waterproof gloves when you clean pumps or screens and when you handle wastewater, sludge, or grit.
Always wear gloves when your hands are chapped or burned or you have a rash or a cut.
Change out of your work cloth and shower before your leave work.
Report any injury or illness you think you got from work immediately.
If you do get sick, be sure to tell your doctor you have had exposure to raw sewage or wastewater. That information
will help the doctor know what to look for.
Ghilotti Construction Company recommends to all employees that they discuss the possible benefits of Hepatitis
A & B vaccinations with their treating physician.
If any employee believes that he/she is exposed to sewage or wastewater, please let your supervisor know immediately to
ensure that the proper safety precautions are in place.
Following are references for additional information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Publication:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/index.htm
California Public Health Publications:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/cm/pdf/cm9802pp.pdf
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/cm/pdf/havfin.pdf