Septic systems treat the wastewater and sewage that flows from buildings, and must be cleaned periodically to ensure they continue to function safely. Solids and sludge must be pumped out of a septic tank to ensure that it does not overflow, and blockages in field lines might also need to be cleared. Although septic system cleaning poses some risk to the people who clean them, these dangers can be mitigated through awareness and preparation.
Poisonous Gas
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous gas created during the bacterial digestion of organic matter. Septic tanks become filled with the gas, which smells like rotten eggs or raw sewage. The septic tank must be opened for cleaning, exposing the person cleaning it to the gas. If a person inhales hydrogen sulfide in small amounts, it can irritate the respiratory system, cause the eyes to water and the nose to run, and induce coughing in an attempt to clear the gas from the lungs. Taking even a few breaths of a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide can result in shock, asphyxiation and death.
To protect yourself while cleaning a septic system, wear respiratory protection when opening the tank's manhole or risers and do not place your face directly over an open manhole or riser.
Flammable Gas
Methane gas is also a by-product of the bacterial digestion process, according to Purdue University. Methane is an odorless gas that is highly explosive and present in septic tanks. Never open a septic tank's manhole or risers while smoking, and keep all open flames away from an open septic tank.
Raw Sewage
Raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria, fecal matter and viruses, according to Delaware Health and Social Services. The septic system process is designed to reduce the number of harmful organisms, but exposure to raw sewage in a septic tank or untreated sewage in damaged field lines or drain pipes can lead to infections. Exposure occurs via hand to mouth contact or through open wounds, and can result in diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dehydration and cramps. To protect yourself, wear gloves while working near raw sewage and wash your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking. Ensure cuts and open wounds are protected with a waterproof covering.
Falls
Falls through a manhole opening are another danger of cleaning out a septic tank. A child could fall into a septic tank through the manhole, and an adult might step into the open manhole and injure a limb. Never leave an open manhole unattended and ensure that people working in the area are aware that a manhole cover has been removed. If the cover must remain off the manhole for a period of time, use cones or sawhorse barricades to block the hole or stretch safety netting across the hole to prevent falls.
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