First aid training manual launched for desludging workers

CHENNAI: As sanitation workers continue to battle a range of issues from hazardous working conditions to stigma, Tamil Nadu Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) launched a first aid training manual for desludging workers on Tuesday.

“De-sludging operators, who transport and dispose of faecal sludge from septic tanks face several risks. TNUSSP conducted a Needs Assessment Study and identified several measures to improve their occupational safety. As a first step in that direction, they have launched the manual,” said Kavita Wankhade, head-practice (government and services), Indian Institute for Human Settlement.

Karuppaiyah, who owns a septic tank cleaning service, said: “Some constructions are old, and there’s gas build up. So we must use bare hands to open lids which result in mishaps. Plus, we deal with insect bites,” he rued.

Though the sanitation sector has received much-needed attention in the last decade, workers remain invisible.

“There are 16 laws and 2 acts on occupational safety, but none targets sanitation. De-sludging workers are at a higher risk among all sanitation workers,” said Niladri Chakraborti, City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS), IIHS.