Govt. Circular Dt. 3rd May, 2024 – Department of Urban Development – Sub- Guidelines for Precautions to be taken while cleaning Septic Tanks
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Guidelines for Precautions to be taken while working in enclosed Spaces e.g. Septic Tanks, Underground Sewers etc.
Government of Maharashtra
Department of Urban Development
Government Circular No:- Swa.MaAa-2018/CN-764326/NaVi-34
Hutatma Raj Guru Chowk, Madam Cama Marg,
Mantralaya, Mumbai-400 032
Dated 3rd May, 2024
Reference:-
1] Government Resolution in the Department of Urban Development, bearing No:-SwaMaAa-2018/Pra.Kra.108/NaVi-34, Dated 5th March, 2018.
2] Government Circular in the Department of Urban Development, bearing No:-SwaMaAa-2022/Pra.Kra.178/NaVi-34, Dated 19th December, 2022.
3] Government Resolution in the Department of Urban Development, bearing No:-Baithak-2020/Pra.Kra.4/NaVi-34, Dated 30th January, 2020.
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CIRCULAR
Since incidents of deaths of workers while working in enclosed spaces, such as underground drains (sewer lines), septic tanks etc. are often reported from within the limits of Urban Local Self-Government Bodies, on the directions of the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi, instructions came to be issued to all Urban Local Self-Government Bodies in the State, vide the above referred Government Resolution at Serial No. 1 regarding precautions to be taken while working in enclosed spaces, such as septic tanks, underground sewers etc. in order that such unfortunate incidents do not occur again. Under Government Resolution at Reference No. 2, Guidelines have been issued regarding cleaning of septic tanks and sewage lines, entirely by mechanised means. Furthermore, Emergency Response Sanitation Units – (ERSU) have been established in all Urban Local Self-Government Bodies, vide Reference No.3 above, in order to avert the incidents of deaths of scavenging workers after stepping down into manholes for work. However, it has been noticed that such types of mishaps are still occurring in the Urban Local Self-Government Bodies in the State. Hence, the following elaborate instructions are again given to all Urban Local Self-Government Bodies in the State:-
1] Cleaning of enclosed spaces should be carried out by mechanised means or machines on priority basis and only in unavoidable circumstances, cleaning by workers should be resorted to.
2] Before carrying out such cleaning of enclosed spaces by workers, the depth of such enclosed spaces should be measured. Moreover, after gathering elaborate details of the concerned enclosed spaces, appropriate safety measures should be adopted to avert such mishaps.
3] Training should be imparted to the workers for working in enclosed spaces and on the successful completion of such training the concerned workers should be issued certificates. Furthermore, only the workers who have obtained such certificates should be permitted to work in enclosed spaces, such as septic tanks, underground sewers etc., in unavoidable circumstances.
4] Before undertaking work in the enclosed spaces, it would be incumbent to carry out an inspection to ascertain that the air therein is free from toxic and inflammable gases, dust etc and that there is no shortage of oxygenated air in such place.
5] To ascertain adequacy of proper and fresh air the facility of mechanical ventilation should be provided. Since, direct use of oxygen in the enclosed spaces adds to the risk of fire and explosion, oxygen gas should not be directly used in such places for rendering such air fit for use.
6] Before permitting workers to enter the enclosed spaces or to undertake work in such places, the Site Manager would be required to issue a Safety Permit certifying that all safety precautions have been taken.
7] It would be incumbent to provide trained workers to take positions outside the enclosed spaces. The trained workers would be required to stand guard in their outside positions until the workers who have entered the enclosed spaces come out or until they are relieved by other trained workers.
8] Before entering enclosed spaces every worker should put on safety costumes, safety goggles etc. Furthermore, he should be equipped with an appropriate breathing apparatus and a safety harness containing a rope of adequate strength tied to a safety belt for pulling out the worker in case of an emergency.
9] If a worker working in the enclosed spaces feels restless, he should be pulled out immediately.
10] For gathering actual experience of the rescue work, mock drills should be organised at regular intervals and it should be satisfied that the concerned workers are well equipped with the knowledge pertaining to the procedure regarding rescue work.
11] The responsibility of paying compensation to the deceased or injured workers, as per the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, 1923, as well as on the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court/National Human Rights Commission, should rest upon the concerned contractor and the Principal Employer.
12] It has been noticed that some private bodies/persons are appointing workers or private agencies for cleaning enclosed spaces, such as septic tanks, underground sewers etc. in many places within the limits of Urban Local Self-Government Bodies. In such cases, it is incumbent that the workers appointed to undertake work should be wholly trained and such Agencies and their workers should be registered with the concerned Urban Local Self-Government Bodies, each year.
13] While undertaking work in the enclosed spaces, such as septic tanks, underground sewers, all the aforesaid instructions should be scrupulously followed. Apart from the aforesaid Guidelines, such other necessary safety measures as warranted by local circumstances, should be undertaken to avert probable tragedies.
This Circular has been made available on the website of the Government of Maharashtra viz. www.maharashtra.gov.in and its Code Number is 202405031446065925. This Circular is attested and issued under Digital Signature.
By the order and in the name of the Governor of Maharashtra,
AJIT SAHEBRAO PALWE – Digital Signature
[Ajit S. Palwe]
Under Secretary, Government of Maharashtra
Copy:-
1] The Secretary to the Hon’ble Governor, Raj Bhawan, Malbar Hill, Mumbai,
2] The Additional Chief Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mantralaya, Mumbai,
3] Hon’ble Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Mantralaya, Mumbai,
4] The Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai,
5] Divisional Commissioners, All,
6] The Commissioner-cum-Director, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Worli, Mumbai,
7] District Collectors, All,
8] Commissioners, Municipal Corporations, (All),
9] The State Mission Director, Swachha Maharashtra Mission (Urban), Mumbai,
10] Chief Officers, Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats (All),
11] Select File (UD-34).
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[Text Translated by Adv. Prakash Manohar Chalke
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