What are the Safety Operations in ETP and STP?
Because of the different health dangers, maintaining ETP or STP is a difficult operation. Physically fit and intellectually aware plant managers and operators are required for this purpose.
Maintaining and operating an ETP and STP
While carrying out these activities, keep in mind the safety of others and yourself, as the operators are constantly exposed to loud noises and foul odours. Physical presence is important in this type of labour, which is generally done in an unsanitary setting. Because ETP or STP must operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they must work for eight hours in rotating shifts, often without vacations or holidays.
ETP & STP operators are exposed to extremely harmful or hazardous chemicals on a daily basis, and these chemicals may cause acute poisoning, chemical mishaps (burning, eye injury, etc.), respiratory system damage, allergy, chronic diseases, or dermatitis, among other things.
To mitigate ETP & STP operation risks, it is critical to identify hazards and take the necessary actions or procedures.
What are the risks of operating and maintaining an ETP or STP?
1: Injuries or drowning occurs when someone slips or falls into pits, ponds, tanks, or clarifiers.
2: Solvents or solutions cause falls or slips on a slick floor.
3: Suffocation, oxygen shortage, or poisoning pose a serious threat.
4: Hot water, solvents, or strong acids or bases create burns.
5: Faulty electrical equipment causes electric shock.
6: Sharp edges cause cuts and pricks.
7: During the process, combustible gases are released, resulting in fires and explosions.
8: Chemical reactions occur, which are violent due to the uncontrolled mixing of chemicals.
9: Drinking untreated wastewater might cause intoxication or bacterial illness.
10: In the presence of chlorinated solvent fumes, smoking and welding are prohibited.
How might ETP & STP operation and maintenance be made safer?
1: Safety shoes with non-slippery soles should be worn.
2: Avoid skin contact with liquids, vapours, or gases by wearing protective and chemically resistant clothes.
3: Without the supervision of a chemist or a safety specialist, do not mix chemicals.
4: Before using electrical equipment’s, make sure it's safe, or at the very least that all cables are adequately insulated.
5: Always wear goggles to protect your eyes from fumes, dust, or chemical spills.
6: When handling or transporting chemicals such as liquid or gaseous chlorine, concentrated acids or alkalis, or poisonous gases, follow all safety recommendations.
7: When exposed to dangerous gases or vapours, use a respirator or gas mask.
8: In situations where biological or chemical contamination is expected, do not drink or eat.
9: If latex sensitivity is detected, use non-latex gloves.
In the event of a chemical exposure, the following are the first steps to take:
1: Remove the person from the source of contamination if they are inhaling.
2: Remove the person from the room and into the fresh air. If in case, the person is not breathing, perform CPR. Get medical help as soon as possible, and keep the individual warm and quiet.
3: Remove the person from the source of contamination if they have been ingested. Do not force yourself to vomit. After every 2 minutes, provide 2 glasses of water. Get medical help as soon as possible, and keep the individual warm and quiet.
4: Immediately remove the person from the source of contamination and transport them to a safe drinking water source. Remove all non-affected clothing, socks, and jewellery. Seek medical assistance.
5: If the chemical came into contact with your eyes, flush them with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Assist victims by separating their eyelids from their eyes and instructing them to rotate their eyes.
6: Always disclose any defects or problems you see in an ETP or STP so that accidents can be averted and worker safety can be improved.
Facility managers and business owners must engage their employees in workplace safety initiatives. They might share injury statistics with employees to make them aware of the dangers they face on the job. They can also provide incentives for demonstrating excellent workplace safety behaviour.