Training field technicians on Sewer Maintenance Protocols

Training Modules for Sewer Maintenance Protocols

1. Training Audience and Objectives:

   • The training is designed for electromechanical technicians and operation staff.
   • Objectives include acquiring basic knwoledge, carrying out mechanical and hydraulic cleaning works, and ensuring safety during sewer maintenance tasks.

2. Training content and Structure:

   • The practical part of the training constitutes 70% of the training time.
   • Training modules include theoretical presentations followed by practical applications, ensuring a hands-on approach.

3. Step-by-Step Guides:

   • Modules cover the cleaning of manholes, sewer mains, and the use of sewer cleaning trucks.
   • Detailed steps for hydraulic and mechanical cleaning methods are provided, including the description and operating modes of cleaning trucks.

4. Safety Procedures:

   • Emphasis on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and verification of their compliance with regulations.
   • Regular safety audits to validate and identify additional measures.
   • Specific procedures for intervention in risky environments such as confined spaces, dealing with biogas, and chemical hazards.

5. Troubleshooting Tips:

   • Training includes diagnosing hardware and software incidents. * Practical troubleshooting techniques and safety rules for electrical equipment are also covered.
   • Use of data sheets, files, and curves for pre-diagnosis and troubleshooting.

6. Specific Training Modules:

   • Modules on electromechanical maintenance, maintenance of electrical equipment, and diagnostics of automated systems.
   • Includes reading electrical diagrams, understanding programmable logic controllers, and safety in maintenance interventions.

This comprehensive training ensures that technicians are well-prepared for on-site interventions with a strong focus on practical applications and safety protocols. The modules are structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, making sure that all aspects of sewer maintenance are thoroughly covered.

Modules Covering the Cleaning of Manholes, Sewer Mains, and Use of Sewer Cleaning Trucks

Cleaning of Manholes

1. Purpose and Process:

   • Manholes are inspected to determine their condition, including the cover, structure, and connecting pipes.
   • Inspections help identify abnormalities such as structural issues, blockages, and fouling levels.
   • Cleaning involves removing debris and sediments to ensure proper drainage and limit odors.

2. Tools and Equipment:

   • Inspection tools: GIS maps for recording data, video-periscopes for fouling assessment.
   • Cleaning tools: Vactors (vacuum trucks), manual tools for scraping and removing debris.

Cleaning of Sewer Mains

1. Techniques and Equipment:

   • Hydraulic Cleaning: Uses high-pressure water jets to remove deposits and sediments from sewer mains.

     • Equipment: High-pressure pumps, water tanks, cleaning heads.
     • Operation: Cleaning heads move through the sewer, propelled by water jets, to dislodge and flush away debris.

   • Mechanical Cleaning: Employed when hydraulic cleaning is insufficient due to hard or heavy deposits.

     • Tools: Scrapers, winches, and motorized scoops.
     • Operation: Scrapers are moved through the sewer by winches, scraping and trenching deposits to facilitate removal.

2. Specific Methods:

• Dry Cleaning (Mining Technique): Requires draining the sewer and using mining-like techniques to remove large amounts of material.
• Remote-Controlled Robots: Used for breaking up deposits in larger, visitable sewers to enhance cleaning efficiency and safety.

Use of Sewer Cleaning Trucks

1. Hydrocleaning Trucks:

• Equipped with high-pressure water jets, suction pumps, and storage compartments.
• Capable of both cleaning and removing extracted materials.
• Used for periodic and corrective cleaning of sewer mains, particularly effective for diameters ≤ 400mm.

2. Combined Hydrocleaners:

• These trucks integrate high-pressure water jets and suction systems to clean and remove debris simultaneously.
• Essential for maintaining larger sewer networks, reducing the risk of re-clogging by removing all dislodged materials.

3. Safety and Operation Guidelines:

• Proper positioning of trucks and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial.
• Ensure the manholes are accessible, and tools are appropriately selected based on the specific requirements of the site.

These modules provide comprehensive training for field technicians, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain sewer systems effectively. For further details and specific procedures, refer to the provided documents on sewer diagnosis and maintenance.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Sewer Maintenance

Cleaning of Manholes

1. Preparation and Inspection:
   • Inspect manhole covers, structure, and connecting pipes for condition assessment.
   • Use GIS maps and video-periscopes to record data and assess fouling levels.
2. Tools and Equipment:
   • Inspection Tools: GIS maps, video-periscopes.
   • Cleaning Tools: Vactors (vacuum trucks), manual scraping tools .
3. Cleaning Process:
   • Remove debris and sediments to ensure proper drainage and limit odors.
   • Collect and record any missing data on the condition of manholes and any irregularities.

Cleaning of Sewer Mains

1. Hydraulic Cleaning:

   • Equipment: High-pressure pumps, water tanks, cleaning heads.
   • Process: Use high-pressure water jets to remove deposits and sediments. The cleaning head is propelled through the sewer by water jets, dislodging and flushing away debris.

2. Mechanical Cleaning:

   • Equipment: Scrapers, winches, motorized scoops.
   • Process: Scrapers moved through the sewer by winches scrape and trench deposits to facilitate removal.

3. Special Methods:

   • Dry Cleaning (Mining Technique): Used for large sewers; involves draining the sewer and using mining techniques to remove materials.
   • Remote-Controlled Robots: Used for breaking up deposits in larger, visitable sewers.

Use of Sewer Cleaning Trucks

1. Hydrocleaning Trucks:
   • Equipment: High-pressure water jets, suction pumps, storage compartments.
   • Use: Periodic and corrective cleaning of sewer mains, effective for diameters ≤ 400mm.
2. Combined Hydrocleaners:
   • Equipment: Integrates high-pressure water jets and suction systems.
   • Use: Cleaning and removing debris simultaneously for larger sewer networks.
3. Operational Guidelines:
   • Positioning of Trucks: Ensure proper placement and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
   • Tool Selection: Choose appropriate tools based on site-specific requirements.

Safety Procedures

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Ensure all team members are equipped with appropriate PPE and verify compliance with regulations.
   • Regularly audit safety practices and equipment.
2. Operational Safety:
   • Implement measures for confined space entry, managing biogas, and handling chemical hazards.
   • Use harnesses, protective gear, and safety barriers around the worksite.
3. Incident Reporting:
   • After each intervention, generate a report detailing the condition of the site and any irregularities.
   • Record and safely dispose of cleaning residuals, ensuring they are not discharged back into the sewer network.

These SOPs ensure that sewer maintenance operations are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulatory standards. For detailed steps and procedures, refer to the respective sections in the provided documents.