Last month I wrote about some of the hazards for service providers from bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. There are numerous additional work-related hazards to be aware of and we sometimes don’t think about them until a problem arises. This is why the CIDWT (Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment) Operation and Maintenance manual and accompanying educational materials devote so much effort to cover safety issues.

Back injuries due to constant heavy lifting are a common problem for septic service technicians. Whether you are servicing or inspecting a system, the work involves opening and lifting. I often hear service providers talk about how they injured backs or shoulders. Being a soil scientist, I am aware of the high incidence of hernias in our ranks. These issues can be mitigated somewhat through proper lifting techniques.

LIFT SMART

Proper lifting techniques include establishing solid footing and balance on a level surface (not always possible), keeping the back straight, gripping objects firmly and using the legs – not the back – to provide lift. Do not lift more than can be handled comfortably and never carry a load that is too big to see around. For service providers, this advice is all well and good, but often the lids or covers are several inches to feet below the surface. This puts the technician in an awkward position, increasing the likelihood of strains and more serious injuries.

A support belt should be worn. Using pry bars and hooks can help. It may also be necessary to set up a tripod to lift the covers. Removing pumps from tanks for servicing is another area where lifting problems can occur. If the pumps have not been installed with quick-disconnects, float trees and chains or ropes to ease lifting, retrieval can be difficult.

If the job involves boring into a drainfield trench or the surrounding soil, precautions are much the same: A support belt should be worn, establish solid and squarely balanced footing on a level surface, keep the back straight and shoulders square; do not twist or bend. Use the arms, not the back, to turn the auger, flex the knees and use legs and arms to lift the auger out of the ground; lift with palms up and elbows bent.

In heavier textured clay soils, taking a much smaller auger bite helps. It takes longer to get the boring down to depth but it saves on back problems and helps prevent hernias. Trust me, I have learned through personal experience that using improper lifting technique can provide a painful and lasting reminder of the mistake.

Whenever it’s possible, take advantage of mechanical equipment to avoid heavy lifting. In this line of work, though, lifting is always going to be involved, putting the technician at risk.

BITES AND POKES

Two other safety concerns not often discussed are insect and snake bites and poisonous vegetation. Insect and snake hazards vary by region. Often these animals find the dark and moist areas in and around risers and riser lids to be ideal habitat. A good rule is to never place a hand where you can’t clearly see any dangers. Remove spider webs and use a probe or hook to startle and clear out any snakes that may be in hiding.

In my own experience, I had an encounter with a colony of wasps. They were not in any of the system components but had a nest under some thick brush I was clearing away with a machete. I did not know that I was in them until the first stings. I quickly made a beeline (no pun intended) for the truck, swatting and killing along the way. I also always carry wasp spray, which was effective in knocking them down. It was still a very painful experience. Fortunately, I am not allergic to wasp stings. If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings, carry the appropriate antivenin compounds or shots in your first aid kit along with appropriate salves and pain and itching medications.

In the upper Midwest where I live, the most common problematic vegetation encountered is poison ivy. There are other poisonous plants, such as poison oak. Learn to recognize these plants in your area and avoid them if possible. If your clothing comes in contact with the plants, make sure not to touch the clothing. Oils and residue from the plants can stick to clothing and cause problems for you or others long after the contact.

In the southwest part of the country, be aware of cactus and other thorny plants that can lead to painful experiences if you become intimate with them. A few years ago, I had a run-in with a jumping cholla that was not pleasant. I was busy talking and backed into the cactus because I was not paying attention.

USE COMMON SENSE

A lot of good safety practices involve common sense and thinking ahead to anticipate problems. In this line of work, days off due to being inattentive or being unsafe can create health problems and affect the bottom line, so be safe! From time to time in the coming year, I will highlight other common safety issues.