Punjab Makes Safety SOPs Mandatory for Sanitary Workers During Sewerage Cleaning, With CM Maryam Nawaz’s Approval
The new rules ban entering manholes without checking for toxic gases and require protective gear, barricades, trained machine operators and a permit-to-work system.
Punjab makes safety SOPs mandatory for sanitary workers, including gas checks before entering manholes, protective equipment, barricades and a permit-to-work system.
The Punjab government has made comprehensive safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) mandatory for sanitary workers, with the approval of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to prevent accidents during sewerage cleaning operations. A committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo formulated the protective measures.
Key Rules Under the New SOPs
Gas checks: Opening manholes and approaching them without checking for toxic gases is strictly banned, and entering a manhole without inspecting poisonous gas levels is prohibited.
Protective gear: Sanitary workers will not be allowed to work without proper protective clothing and equipment.
Site safety: Setting up protective barricades, warning boards and traffic signs is mandatory.
Trained operators: Jetting and suction machines may only be operated by trained personnel.
Permit-to-work: Entering a manhole requires advance permission, and a formal permit-to-work system has been made compulsory.
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