Public Health Services

Introduction

These services include cold and hot water supplies, water treatment plant, surface water and foul drainage, waste and refuse disposal systems, above-ground sanitary systems, soil waste and vents and water and gas fire extinguishing systems.

Principal Hazards and Risks

• Falls from height during installation, commissioning and maintenance of equipment. Falling into excavations.
• Confined spaces - during installation of equipment in manholes or tunnels, ducts etc.
• Hazardous gases - carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane accumulating in confined spaces.
• Manual handling of tanks and other public health plant which is bulky, heavy and awkwardly shaped.

Some Control Measures

• Ensure safe access and safe place of work on equipment at height.
• Work in confined spaces should be carried out by following the advice in the 'confined spaces' topic in this KnowledgeBase.
• Ensure sufficient space is provided around plant installations to allow mechanical handling devices to be used.
• Provide lifting beams, eyes and runways to assist in the lifting and transport of plant and equipment.
• Ensure the installation of ladders for deep manhole access rather than step irons.
• Ensure the provision of suitable protective clothing and equipment.