Sewage & Wastewater Exposure
Sewage carries germs that cause stomach illness, hepatitis and other infections, plus toxic gases and sharp objects. Plumbers, sewer and treatment plant workers, restoration crews and homeowners cleaning up backups all face risk. Good hygiene, the right gloves and boots and a few vaccinations make a major difference.
- Plumbers & Drain Cleaners
- Sewer & Treatment Plant Workers
- Restoration Crews
- Flood Cleanup Volunteers
- Homeowners
What is in sewage
- Bacteria: E. coli, salmonella, shigella, leptospira (leptospirosis) and others that cause diarrhea, fever and infections.
- Viruses: hepatitis A, norovirus and rotavirus.
- Parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.
- Gases: hydrogen sulfide, methane, carbon dioxide and ammonia, which can poison or displace oxygen. See Hydrogen Sulfide and Confined Spaces.
- Sharps and debris: needles, glass and sharp metal. See Sharps on Jobsites.
- Chemicals from industry and household products, and mold after water damage. See Mold.
How exposure happens
- Swallowing through contaminated hands, food, drinks or cigarettes.
- Splashes to the eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cuts and breaks in the skin allowing germs in.
- Breathing aerosols and spray from pressure washing or jetting.
- Contaminated clothing and tools carried home. See Take-Home Contamination.
Protecting yourself
- Wear waterproof gloves, rubber boots, coveralls or rain suits, and eye protection or a face shield. Use a respirator if sprays, mists or gases are present. See Chemical-Protective Clothing and Respiratory Protection.
- Cover cuts and sores with waterproof bandages and gloves. Don't work with open wounds in sewage if you can avoid it.
- Wash hands with soap and clean water, or use sanitizer when water isn't available, before eating, drinking, smoking or touching your face. Keep food and drink away from the work area.
- Provide washing facilities and change clothes before going home. Bag and wash contaminated clothes separately in hot water.
- Get vaccinations: hepatitis A and B and tetanus are commonly recommended for sewage workers. Ask your doctor or employer.
- Disinfect tools, equipment and surfaces after work, and clean up thoroughly. Follow safe disposal rules for contaminated materials.
- Follow confined space procedures before entering manholes, wet wells and tanks. Test the air and ventilate. Never enter alone.
If you are exposed
- Eyes or mouth: rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes. See Eyewash & Showers.
- Skin: wash with soap and water. Clean cuts well and cover them.
- Swallowed sewage or illness: see a doctor about vomiting, diarrhea, fever, yellow skin or flu-like symptoms, and tell them about your exposure.
- Report the exposure and incident to your supervisor. See Chemical Exposure First Aid.
Homeowners and floods
- Treat flood water and sewage backup as contaminated. Wear boots, gloves and eye protection, keep children and pets away and ventilate.
- Throw away porous items (carpet, drywall, mattresses) soaked by sewage and disinfect hard surfaces. For large backups, hire professionals. See Disaster Cleanup Safety and Hurricanes & Floods.
Sewage exposure checklist
- I wear waterproof gloves, boots, eye protection and a respirator if needed
- I cover cuts and wash hands before eating or touching my face
- I have hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus vaccinations as advised
- I change clothes and wash contaminated gear separately
- I test the air and follow confined space rules before entering sewers
Standards & references
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