Water & Sewer Utility Workers

Water and sewer crews repair main breaks, install pipe, exercise valves and clean sewers in all weather, often at night and in the street. Their work combines deep trenches, confined spaces, heavy equipment, traffic and exposure to wastewater, which makes it one of the more dangerous utility jobs.

• Utilities
• Construction
• Municipal

Excavations and trenching

• Most injuries and deaths come from cave-ins. Trenches 5 feet or deeper need a protective system (sloping, shoring or a trench box), and a competent person must inspect them daily. See Trenching Basics and Protective Systems.
• Emergency repairs tempt crews to skip protection. A main break floods the trench, softens the soil and makes it more likely to collapse. See Dewatering.
• Locate buried utilities first, and hand dig or vacuum excavate near them. See Call 811 and Utility Strikes.
• Keep spoil back, provide a ladder or ramp within 25 feet, and protect the edge. See Access, Egress & Spoils.

Manholes, vaults and sewers

• Manholes, wet wells, valve vaults and large sewers are usually confined spaces. Test the air, ventilate, use a permit, an attendant and a rescue plan. See Manholes & Underground Vaults and Confined Spaces.
• Sewers can contain hydrogen sulfide, methane, low oxygen and other gases. See Hydrogen Sulfide and Gas Detectors.
• Rainfall upstream can send a sudden surge of water through a sewer. Check the weather, and never enter if storms are expected.
• Never go in after a collapsed coworker without rescue gear.

Traffic and work zones

Many repairs happen in a travel lane. Use traffic control, advance warning signs, cones and arrow boards, high-visibility clothing and a spotter for equipment. See Work Zones, Traffic Control Crews and High-Visibility Clothing.

Pipe, valves and equipment

• Pipe sections are heavy. Use slings, pipe hooks or vacuum lifters rated for the load, and never stand under a suspended pipe. See Rigging Basics.
• Use spotters when backhoes and excavators work near people. See Backing & Spotters.
• Valve exercising machines and keys can kick back. Use proper stance and keep hands away from pinch points.
• Vacuum trucks, jetters and sewer cleaning machines have high-pressure hoses. Don’t put hands or feet near the nozzle. See Pressure Washers.
• Use lifting aids and proper technique to avoid strains. See Lifting & Ergonomics.

Main breaks and live mains

• A broken main can undermine pavement, wash out soil and create voids. Cordon off the area, and watch for sinkholes.
• Flowing water in a trench is dangerous. Control it before sending someone in.
• Energized equipment, such as pumps and electrical controls, must be locked out. See Lockout/Tagout.
• Tapping a live main uses special machines and procedures. Follow the manufacturer’s steps, and keep people clear of fittings under pressure.
• Be aware of nearby power lines and gas lines. See Overhead Power Lines.

Chlorine and chemicals

• Water treatment and disinfection use chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and other chemicals. Know the SDS, wear proper PPE and never mix incompatible chemicals. See Chlorine and Safety Data Sheets.
• Super-chlorinated water from disinfecting pipes needs safe handling and disposal.

Old pipe: asbestos, lead and more

• Older water mains may be asbestos-cement (AC) pipe. Cutting or breaking it can release fibers. Use wet methods and hand tools or a method that avoids dust, wear respiratory protection if required, and follow the asbestos rules for your area. See Asbestos and Asbestos Laws.
• Old service lines may be lead, and old joints may contain lead. See Lead in Drinking Water.
• Cutting pipe with abrasive saws creates silica dust. See Silica.

Germs and hygiene

• Wastewater can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites, such as hepatitis A, leptospirosis and E. coli. See Sewage & Wastewater Exposure.
• Wear waterproof gloves, boots, eye protection and coveralls. Cover cuts, and don’t eat, drink or smoke until you’ve washed. Keep up your vaccinations, such as tetanus and hepatitis A, as advised.
• Wash hands, change clothes and keep work clothes out of the house.

Before opening a trench or manhole

• 811 ticket and utilities located; trench protection ready
• Traffic control and warning signs set up
• Air tested, ventilation running and rescue plan ready for confined spaces
• Pipe lifting gear rated; spotter assigned
• Lockout complete; chemicals and SDS on hand
• Gloves, boots, eye protection and hygiene supplies ready

Last updated: October 4, 2026