Wellbeing: Working with biohazards

Plumbing and heating engineers will come across a range of workplace hazards throughout their careers. Biohazards are particularly dangerous and can be fatal without the appropriate safety precautions.

Risk factors

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), sites where groundwork, refurbishment or demolition work is taking place are more likely to be affected. Common risk factors for exposure to biological hazards that could cause disease include:

• Bird droppings: inhaling dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird faeces can lead to several diseases, including psittacosis (a flu-like illness that can lead to pneumonia).
• Discarded needles: needlestick injuries can lead to exposure to blood-borne viruses including hepatitis B&C and HIV.
• Rat urine: rat urine, or water contaminated with it, can cause leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) if it enters the body via a cut or gets into the nose, mouth or eyes.
• Sewage or animal faeces: exposure to either can mean the risk of infection from E. coli, a bacterium that can cause stomach problems or more serious illness.
• Stagnant water in water systems: could contain Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease if contaminated droplets are inhaled.

Minimising risks

If biological hazards are suspected, a risk assessment will be necessary to ensure the correct work methods and equipment are used. The HSE suggests the following to prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous substances:

• Find out what the health hazards are
• Decide how to prevent harm to health with a risk assessment
• Provide control measures and make sure they are used
• Keep all control measures in good working order
• Provide information, instruction and training for workers and others
• Provide monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases
• Plan for emergencies

Occupational hygiene

From protective clothing to good hygiene, it’s important that engineers follow the correct protocols to stay safe. Good hygiene practices should include:

• Washing hands and forearms before eating, drinking, smoking, using the telephone, taking medication, applying makeup, inserting contact lenses etc.
• Covering existing cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings and/or gloves before starting work. If cuts and grazes occur during work, wash immediately with soap and running water and apply a waterproof dressing.
• Taking rest and meal breaks away from the main work area.
• Avoiding hand-mouth or hand-eye contact when in contaminated areas – for example, workers should not put pens or pencils in the mouth.
• Disposing of all contaminated waste safely.
• The HSE advises having dedicated areas for storing clean and contaminated equipment, separate from eating areas.

Personal protective equipment

Following a risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be necessary. It’s important to choose the right type to minimise exposure:

• Eyes: safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, face shields and visors.
• Lungs: respiratory protective equipment (RPE) includes respirators which filter contaminants from workplace air. These can be simple filtering facepieces and respirators or power-assisted respirators.

Legislation

By law, all sites must have adequate welfare and washing facilities, irrespective of whether biological hazards are present. Facilities must include:

• A sink large enough to wash hands, face and forearms.
• Hot, cold or warm (preferably running) water, soap (or other cleaning products) and towels (or other means of drying).
• When dealing with sewage, nail brushes and disposable paper towels should be provided in addition to the usual facilities. If heavy contamination is expected, showers will be necessary.

USEFUL LINKS

For more information about dealing with biohazards:

• A guide for employees: Working with sewage – the health hazards
• A guide for employers: Working with sewage – the health hazards
• How to carry out a COSHH risk assessment