GRW/Drainage/TBT-GRW-007

Below Ground Drainage Connection to Live Sewers

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Connecting new drainage into live sewers involves breaking into an active sewer system carrying raw sewage under gravity or pressure.
The connection must be authorised by the sewer authority and carried out in accordance with their requirements and standards.
Live sewers contain hydrogen sulphide gas, methane, biological pathogens, and present confined space and drowning hazards.
The connection chamber or manhole is a confined space requiring atmospheric monitoring, entry permits, and rescue provisions.
Sewage flow management during the connection may require temporary pumping, over-pumping, or flow diversion arrangements.
Biological hazards from raw sewage include leptospirosis, hepatitis, and gastroenteritis — full PPE and hygiene procedures apply.
H2S gas monitoring must be continuous during all work within or adjacent to the live sewer connection point.
Cutting into a live sewer releases a sudden burst of odour and potentially gases — ventilation and monitoring must be in place before breaking in.
Workers making sewer connections must be vaccinated against hepatitis and covered for leptospirosis risk.
Decontamination procedures including boot wash and hand wash must be followed when leaving the sewer work area.

H2S exposure	Live sewers contain lethal concentrations of hydrogen sulphide — gas monitoring must be continuous before and during the connection.
Biological infection	Direct contact with raw sewage transmits serious diseases — PPE, hygiene, and vaccination protect against biological hazards.
Uncontrolled flow	Breaking into a live sewer releases the flow — management of sewage during the connection prevents flooding the work area.

Don't

Obtain authorisation from the sewer authority before making any connection.
Treat the connection chamber as a confined space with entry permits and monitoring.
Monitor H2S and methane continuously during all work near the live sewer.
Manage sewage flow with temporary pumping or diversion during the connection.
Wear full waterproof PPE, face protection, and chemical-resistant gloves throughout.
Follow decontamination procedures when leaving the sewer connection work area.
Ensure workers are vaccinated against hepatitis and aware of leptospirosis risk.
Ventilate the connection area before and during the break-in to the live sewer.
Cover all cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings before starting sewer work.
Wash hands with antibacterial soap before eating, drinking, or smoking.

DON'T make sewer connections without authorisation from the sewer authority.
DON'T enter connection chambers without confined space permits and gas monitoring.
DON'T work near live sewers without continuous H2S and methane detection.
DON'T break into a live sewer without flow management arrangements in place.
DON'T handle sewage without full waterproof PPE and face protection.
DON'T leave the sewer work area without passing through decontamination.
DON'T work on live sewers without hepatitis vaccination and leptospirosis awareness.
DON'T cut into the sewer without ventilation established at the connection point.
DON'T enter the work area with open wounds — cover them with waterproof dressings.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke without thorough antibacterial hand washing after sewer work.

See also: Below Ground Drainage Installation | Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) on WwTW

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