Punjab Makes Safety Measures Mandatory for Sewerage Workers

Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has mandated stringent safety protocols for sewerage workers in response to recent accidents involving sanitary personnel. These new standard operating procedures (SOPs) enforce protective measures and restrict workers from approaching manholes without verifying the presence of toxic gases. Entry into manholes is only permitted after conducting gas level inspections.

A committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, drafted these guidelines to avert accidents during sewerage cleaning operations. Sahoo emphasized that sanitary workers would not be permitted to carry out their duties without appropriate protective clothing and gear. The rules mandate the installation of protective barricades, warning boards, and traffic signs at work sites.

Only trained personnel are allowed to operate jetting and suction machines. Additionally, a compulsory “permit-to-work” system has been introduced, necessitating advance authorization before anyone enters a manhole. These measures encompass mandatory inspections, protective equipment, hazardous gas checks, site safety, and machinery operation.