MCU16/0012 Attach B Engineering report & SMP

    2. Health and Safety

Cleaning of Enviropod filters and Stormfilters is a specialist activity. Material collected can be harmful if not
handled correctly. Sediments may contain heavy metals and carcinogenic substances as well as harmful
objects such as broken glass and syringes. It is essential that Occupational Safety and Health guidelines are
followed at all times, and that the following steps are carried out to ensure safe and successful maintenance
operations.

In additional to the hazards associated with the cleaning handling of material in the filter bags, there also
hazards associated with traffic at the work site, the removal of the grate, pedestrians and other non-worker
personnel, and general work place hazards associated with working outdoors.

The procedures indicated in the Operations section of this manual are recommend as the safest and most
efficient manner in conducting the maintenance of Enviropod Units (Section 3), however contractors and
cleaning staff may vary the procedure in response to the site conditions, varying work practices or general
preferences in the cleaning techniques. Please note that procedures outlined in this manual are not
exhaustive, and that any changes should still comply with general safe work practices.

2.1 Personnel Health and Safety
All contractors and staff shall comply with all current Health and Safety Legislation and take all practicable
steps to:
 Comply with all applicable laws, regulations and standards.
 Ensure that all employees, contractors and visitors are informed of and understand their obligations in
     respect of current Health and Safety Legislation.
 Ensure that employees understand and accept their responsibility to practice and promote a safe and
     healthy work environment.

All relevant precautions must be taken to prevent contact with sediment and litter when maintaining filters.
The following personal protective equipment (PPE) safety equipment should be worn:
 Puncture resistant gloves.
 Steel capped safety boots.
 Fluorescent safety vest.
 Overalls or similar skin protection.
 Safety apron. (if necessary)*
 Eye protection. (if necessary)*

*Higher personal safety conditions may be required when maintaining units that may contain more hazardous
material, for example pits where syringes have be observed or pits located in areas associated with such
activities.


2.2 Traffic Control
All stormwater collection pits are typically situated either in/on roads and car parks or adjacent to roads in the
footpath or swales. Traffic control requirements at each of these locations is typically the same, with most of
the state and local road authorities requiring the same controls implemented whether the work is to be
conducted on the road or on the road reserve.

As traffic requirements vary based on the road usage and the specific road configuration, traffic control plans
should be prepared for each site. Given that maintenance is typically a quick process, the contractor should
liaise with the relevant road authority to determine the specific road safety requirements for each location to
ensure that on site workers can conduct the cleaning operations safely and efficiently, while complying with all
laws and regulations.

NSW RTA working on roads safety manual indicates the signage requirements, placement of barricades or
witches hats and the positioning of traffic control personnel. In addition to standard safety requirements IES



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