Amid a rising number of fatalities related to septic tank and sewage line accidents, the Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) has initiated a groundbreaking training program on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cleaning sewers and septic tanks. The move comes in response to the alarming statistics revealing 228 deaths in such accidents over the past five years.
Deputy Director of the FSCD of Dhaka Division, Md Saleh Uddin, emphasized the significance of this new training initiative, noting that while they traditionally focused on fire safety training, the recent surge in deaths during septic tank cleaning necessitated specialized training for construction workers.
The inaugural training session took place at a 16-storey under-construction building in Gulshan-2, where 75 construction workers participated in the program. The training included practical demonstrations, video tutorials, and discussions on the risks and precautions associated with working inside septic tanks.
Participants were educated on essential safety measures, such as ventilating septic tanks using smoke ejectors and air ventilators, and the importance of allowing septic tanks to aerate for 24 hours before cleaning to ensure the escape of accumulated gases and the entry of oxygen.
The initiative to provide SOP training on septic tank cleaning precautions was prompted by a recent tragedy in Munshiganj district where three construction workers lost their lives during a cleaning operation. Following this incident, the FSCD director general mandated the implementation of comprehensive training programs across Dhaka and adjacent districts like Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, and Gazipur.
The training will be gradually extended to cover workers involved in cleaning septic tanks and sewers nationwide, aiming to enhance safety standards and minimize fatalities in the construction industry. By equipping workers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the FSCD endeavors to create a safer working environment and prevent avoidable accidents in the future.
This proactive approach underscores the crucial role of training and education in safeguarding workers’ lives and promoting occupational safety in high-risk environments. The FSCD’s commitment to enhancing safety protocols reflects a broader industry trend towards prioritizing employee well-being and reducing workplace hazards through comprehensive training initiatives.
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