The use of personal gas detection equipment while working in a wastewater facility is recommended. It is recommended that wastewater workers obtain and follow all OSHA requirements for working in confined spaces. As a result of the natural decomposition and treatment of wastewater or wastewater residues, gases are produced and or consumed. Examples of the gases produced include methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. Additionally, oxygen may be displaced or consumed by organisms thus resulting in a oxygen depleted atmosphere.
Atmospheric hazards can also come from industrial or commercial sources as well.
There are documented cases of gasoline finding its way into sewer systems. Be sure to calibrate and maintain gas detection equipment as per manufacturers recommendations. Atmospheric and explosion hazards are especially prevalent at facilities that utilize anaerobic digestion in their treatment process. There are several documented cases of treatment facilities exploding and workers being killed as a result of methane explosions at treatment facilities using anaerobic digestion. Drowning is also a serious threat at wastewater facilities.