CCTV Drainage Survey Safety

CCTV drainage surveys use remote-controlled cameras to inspect the internal condition of buried pipes and drains.
The survey requires access through manholes, which are classified as confined spaces under the regulations.
Hydrogen sulphide and methane gas may be present in drainage systems, creating toxic and explosive atmospheres.
Lifting heavy manhole covers manually causes back injuries; mechanical lifters should be used where possible.
Working in highways requires traffic management to protect the survey team from passing vehicles.
The camera tractor and cable create trip hazards between the manhole and the survey van.
Biological hazards from sewage contact require appropriate PPE including gloves and hand hygiene.
The survey van and equipment are usually parked at the roadside, creating vehicle and pedestrian risks.
Power supply for the camera system uses generators or vehicle inverters requiring electrical safety measures.
CDM 2015, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, and NRSWA apply to CCTV drainage survey operations.

Gas exposure	Opening manholes releases trapped hydrogen sulphide and methane, causing unconsciousness and explosion risk.
Manual handling	Lifting cast iron manhole covers weighing 40-100kg without aids causes chronic back injuries in survey teams.
Traffic strike	Survey teams working from manholes in live carriageways are struck by vehicles without adequate traffic management.

Do

Don't

Test the atmosphere at every manhole before removing the cover or entering.
Use mechanical manhole cover lifters to avoid manual handling of heavy covers.
Set up traffic management before accessing manholes in or near live carriageways.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and wash hands after any contact with drainage water.
Position the survey van safely with warning beacons and Chapter 8 signing.
Cover cable runs between the van and manhole to prevent trip hazards.
Ventilate the manhole before lowering equipment if gas readings are elevated.
Hold a valid NRSWA card if working within the public highway.
Brief the team on gas hazards, traffic risks, and the emergency procedure.
Secure open manholes with barriers and covers when not actively being accessed.

DON'T open manholes without testing the atmosphere for gas first.
DON'T manually lift heavy manhole covers when mechanical lifters are available.
DON'T work from manholes in live roads without traffic management in place.
DON'T enter the manhole to retrieve a stuck camera; use the cable to recover it.
DON'T leave open manholes unattended without barriers and warning signs.
DON'T touch your face or eat without washing hands after drainage contact.
DON'T park the survey van where it obstructs traffic or pedestrian routes.
DON'T trail cables across footways without cable covers and warning signs.
DON'T ignore elevated gas readings; ventilate the manhole before proceeding.
DON'T work in sewers or drainage without hepatitis B vaccination.

See also: Below Ground Drainage Installation | Working Near Sewers and Drains

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