Comprehensive safety SOPs approved to prevent accidents during sewerage cleaning in Punjab

Ban imposed on opening manhole, going near it and entering inside without checking poisonous gases and oxygen level

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif taking notice of accidents occurring during sewerage cleaning has approved comprehensive safety SOPs for protection of sanitary workers.

Under new code of conduct ban has been imposed on opening manhole, going near it and entering inside without checking poisonous gases and oxygen level.

After approval of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif safety measures have been made mandatory for safety of sanitary workers.

Committee formed under chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo has prepared comprehensive safety SOPs, which will be strictly implemented to prevent accidents during sewerage cleaning.

According to Additional Chief Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo no sanitary worker will be allowed to work without complete protective clothing and necessary equipment. Installing safety barriers, warning boards and traffic signs at workplace has also been made mandatory, while jetting and suction machinery will only be used by trained operators.

Under new SOPs operation of removing silt from sewerage cannot be carried out without presence of sanitary supervisor. Prior approval and permit system has also been made mandatory for entry into manhole.

Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said that in emergency situation no person will be allowed to enter confined space without safety equipment. In case of any accident or emergency situation during sewerage operation immediate information to Rescue 1122 will also be mandatory.

He told that sanitary workers will be given regular training to deal with safety measures and emergency situation, while mock emergency drills will also be conducted from time to time to ensure their safety.

Aim of safety SOPs is to prevent accidents occurring during sewerage cleaning, protect lives of sanitary workers and ensure effective implementation of safety codes during work.