6
1 Health & Safety Precautions
This manual contains basic information on the installation, operation and maintenance of the Tricel
Puraflo wastewater treatment system. For this reason, it is essential that these instructions are
carefully read and understood before installation or commissioning by both the installation crew as
well as those responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system. This manual should be
readily available at the location of the system. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that the
wastewater treatment system is operated and maintained correctly and in a safe manner at all times.
As safety and security are of vital importance, the following aspects are critical:
1.1
General
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Ensure that all the information contained in this manual is adhered to at all times.
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Treated wastewater is not suitable for human consumption. It is unhealthy for humans, pets, and
wildlife to drink or come in contact with surface or ground water contaminated with sewage.
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It is important that locks are fitted to the lid to prevent accidental access.
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Never enter a tank, unless qualified to do so.
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Naked flames shall not be used in the vicinity of the tank due to the danger of combustion.
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The manhole covers shall never be left off an unattended tank. Always lock the covers of the
plant when work is completed.
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Sewage and sewage effluent can carry micro-organisms and gases harmful to human health.
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Any person carrying out work on the wastewater treatment system must be appropriately
trained.
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Suitable protective clothing; including waterproof/abrasion-resistant gloves, overalls, safety
footwear, eye, ear and respiratory protection, goggles (face visors are particularly effective
against splashes) should be worn at all times. All protective clothing must be in good condition
and be fit for its intended purpose.
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Always remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment after working with
wastewater treatment plants. Wash hands and face prior to eating, drinking or smoking.
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Wastewater treatment plants contain very low levels of oxygen. Hydrogen sulphide, methane,
carbon dioxide and other life-threatening gases are also present. Tanks have manholes
covers to provide access to the tank only in times of cleaning and inspecting the tank from
outside. The manhole covers must always be in place and secure.
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Keep vehicles and other heavy equipment away from the wastewater treatment plant and
percolation area.
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Erect a safety barrier around open manholes to prevent anyone from accidently falling down
the manholes.
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Keep children away from the septic system when it is being worked on.
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Do not smoke near wastewater treatment plants. Combustible gases could be present and cause
an explosion.
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Contact a plumber or other qualified person if you smell 'sewer gases'. They can identify the
source and correct it immediately.
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The sewage treatment process uses many beneficial microorganisms, like bacteria, in the
treatment process. However, the plant also contains harmful bacteria, viruses and disease-
organisms. Liquid and solid contents of the septic system are capable of causing infectious
diseases.
