CDC Releases Interim Guidance For Municipal Workers

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released interim guidance for all managers and workers handling untreated sewage that might contain the Ebola virus. The document addresses safety precautions, basic hygiene practices and recommendations for personal protective equipment, which should be used when handling untreated sewage from hospitals, medical facilities and other facilities treating confirmed Ebola patients.

According to the document, some workers might contact untreated sewage before it enters a wastewater treatment plant, and therefore are at a very low risk of exposure to the Ebola virus. These workers include:

  • Plumbers in hospitals that are currently treating an Ebola patient
  • Sewer maintenance workers working on the active sewer lines serving the hospital with an Ebola patient
  • Construction workers who repair or replace active sewer lines serving the hospital with an Ebola patient

The following PPE is recommended for workers handling untreated sewage:

  • Goggles or face shield: to protect eyes from splashes of untreated sewage
  • Face mask (e.g., surgical mask): to protect nose and mouth from splashes of human waste. If undertaking cleaning processes that generate aerosols, a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator should be used.
  • Impermeable or fluid-resistant coveralls: to keep untreated sewage off clothing
  • Waterproof gloves (such as heavy-duty rubber outer gloves with nitrile inner gloves) to prevent exposure of hands to untreated sewage
  • Rubber boots: to prevent exposure of feet to untreated sewage.

Basic hygiene practices include:

  • Wash skin with soap and water immediately after handling sewage, or any materials that have been in contact with sewage.
  • Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling sewage, or any materials that have been in contact with sewage.
  • Wash hands with soap and water before eating or drinking after handling sewage.
  • Remove soiled work clothes and do not take home to launder. Launder clothing at work or use a uniform service.
  • Eat in designated areas away from untreated sewage.
  • Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage, or any materials that have been in contact with human waste or sewage.
  • Cover open sores, cuts, and wounds with clean, dry bandages.

To read the entire document, please visit the CDC website.



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