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Health and Safety at the
Water and Sewerage
Authority
The focus of Health and Safety at the Water and Sewerage Authority is to protect all our employees from illness and injury while they are engaged in executing their job functions. Our duty of care extends to all our visitors, contractors, suppliers, the public that is impacted on by our activities and those who use the products and services provided by us.

Several of the measures we employ are similar to those of other companies where employees work at offices or operate heavy machinery like tractors and backhoes. However, there are activities that are fairly unique to the water and wastewater industry and WASA must put special safety measures in place to protect persons from harm. Specialized training, proper work practices, protective devices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is the norm at WASA.

The following outlines some of our areas of concern:
CHEMICALS USED IN THE WATER INDUSTRY
One of the main chemicals used in the water treatment process is chlorine gas. This gas, while being one of the most effective disinfectants for public water supplies, is extremely dangerous to humans and other living species at high concentrations. Chlorine gas is supplied in 150 lb and one ton pressurized cylinders. In the event of accidental leakage, it is important for this situation to be arrested as early as possible to prevent widespread injury. Our well-trained operators know how to use chlorine and contain a chlorine leak.

Lime and alum are two other common chemicals used in water treatment. Lime (calcium oxide, is highly caustic and can cause blisters and severe irritation if exposed to bare skin. Alum, aluminium sulphate, is corrosive and care must be taken to avoid skin contact or inhalation. It will even damage the soles of strong shoes!

One of the most recently introduced chemicals is polyaluminium chloride (PAC). It is used to enhance flocculation and sedimentation in the water treatment process and must still be handled with extreme care.

On water treatment plants our operators and chemical mixers, those most at risk of coming into contact with chemicals, are provided with a range of PPE specially selected to suit the type the hazard they face.

In addition, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided wherever chemicals are used. These provide critical information on each chemical, its characteristics, what would be considered safe limits for exposure, guidelines for transportation, instructions on how to handle spillage and emergency measures in the event of contact.