STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Sewerage Overflow
Emergency procedure
Doc ID
SOP 805_027
Vers #
1:10
SOP Prep By:
Julia Callaghan-(QUT Sustainability) &
Janelle Hobbins-(FM Health and Safety);
Grazia Gargiulo (OTEK on behalf of QUT);
Authorised By:
Position:
Harvey Baldwyn
Maintenance Manager
Page
1 of 6
Date of Issue:
8th August 2011
1.0 Applicable:
All QUT Staff and Contractors
Alternate contractor procedures are
acceptable only if equivalent in intent and
standards.
2.0 Task description & scope:
This procedure and decision making process applies during any sewage overflow event within Queensland
University Technology (QUT) Campuses.
3.0 Health and Safety:
Plumbers can be exposed to raw sewage when working on sewage pipes or septic tank outlets and when
working in soil digging and laying pipe. Hands and fingers can by cut by glass or metal objects in the
ground.
Health effects of exposure to sewage include tetanus (caused by a toxin produced by bacteria common in
soil and sewage), leptospirosis (caused by a parasitic worm), hepatitis A , and parasites such as giardia
and cryptosporum . The degree of the harm that can result depends on the microbes present, and the
extent and duration of exposure.
Microbes in raw sewage can enter the body through the nose or mouth, particularly if a person drinks
contaminated water or by hand-to-mouth transmission. Exposure can also occur through open wounds or
by inhaling (in dust, for example).
Key health tips when working in or handling sewerage contaminated material are:
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Assume anything touched by sewerage is contaminated
Do not eat or drink in any sewerage handling area
Wash hands well with soap and clean ( pref with hot water) before eating or drinking
Immediately wash and disinfect any wound that comes into contact with sewerage
Change out of work clothes before leaving work site ( soiled work clothes or disposable overalls
should be bagged and /laundered separately from other clothing)
 Wear appropriate PPE as specified
*All QUT staff working in sewerage clean up must have current vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria
and hepatitis A as a minimum.
4.0 Environment:
Sewer overflows can contain a range of pollutants including:
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Sediment and turbidity;
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Nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus;
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Chemicals; and
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Gross pollutants, including plastic and paper products.
Pollutants from sewer overflows can affect soil, water and ecosystems.. Raw sewage may contain chemicals
that can contaminate soil. Fine sediments and organic matter may clog infiltration zones. Contaminants,
bacteria and nutrients can affect groundwater quality. Aquatic ecosystem can be affected resulting in fish
kills and increase mosquito breeding.
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
5.0
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PPE : Minimum requirements :
afford some protection against cuts and abrasion);
Safety glasses as minimum. If hoses or
chemicals are to be used, safety goggles must
be worn for increased protection against
splashing.
100% synthetic disposable type coveralls or old
clothing that can be discarded afterwards
Rubber boots or fully washable safety boots.
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6.0
Rubber Gloves (to minimise skin absorption and
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Disposable Respiratory protection as per
AS/NZS 1716 for dust protection only in open
spaces;
Entry into confined spaces must be specifically
assessed for airborne contaminants and O2
levels before deciding which Respiratory
Protective Equipment (RPE) is required.
Key Responsibilities:
Who
Responsible Action
Notification
Anyone
Call Helpdesk 83000 or Security
Alert
Helpdesk or Security
Immediately contact Maintenance Services
Manager and plumbing maintenance staff.

Correction and
Containment
Maintenance Manager &
plumbing with advice
from:
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QUT Sustainability
Coordinator; and/or
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Incident documentation
Investigation and
improvement plan
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
QUT WHS
Maintenance Manager &
plumbing with advice
from:
Assessment,Clean-up
and Remediation

QUT Sustainability
Coordinator; and/or
QUT WHS
Maintenance Manager &
plumbing
Maintenance
Management;
Sustainability Coordinator;
and QUT Health and
Safety

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Protect the assets, health and safety of
persons and the environment by minimising
the impact of the overflow
Ensure sufficient resources are provided
including material and human resources to
control and contain the overflow.
Initiate required corrective measures to
reduce or stop the flow; contain the
overflowing sewage and recover sewage,
which has already been discharged.
Coordinate FM spill crew personnel
including cleaning and ground staff as
required;
Engage external contractors and
consultants if required; and
Fulfill statutory requirements as requried
including notification to DERM and/or H & S
Qld through QUT incident notification
processes.
Complete SPRI form , documenting any
previous overflow events, operation;
maintenance or environmental factors relevant
to the particular spill
Investigate the causes of the overflow.
Make recommendations on preventative
measures,
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
7.0 Emergency notification phone numbers/contact details:
QUT FM HELPDESK: 83000
QUT SECURITY: 88888
EMERGENCY SERVICES: 0 000
8.0 QUT Emergency Sewage Overflow Communication Flow:
9.0 PROCEDURE
9.1 Correction of Sewage Overflow:
a. Restrict access with temporary emergency barricades and/or warning signs around area affected.
b. Notify any staff or students likely to be directly affected by the overflow. Unprotected persons should be
evacuated from the affected area until the area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected;
c. Determine the source of the overflow & take steps to block or reduce flow (e.g. sewer line blockage,
pump station mechanical or electrical failure, sewer line break, etc.);
d. Assess situation and identify any additional assistance or resources to stop the overflow or to assist in
treatment of cause (e.g. contractors ,vaccum waste truck , environmental consultant)
9.2
Containment of Overflow:
a. Assess the potential pathway or route destination of the overflow (e.g. storm drain, street curb gutter,
body of water, stream bed, etc.);
b. Identify and request additional absorbent or damming material to contain or isolate the overflow, if not
readily available;
c. Prevent the entry of sewage into water courses or into buildings (e.g., block or bag storm drains, recover
through vacuum truck, divert into downstream manhole, etc.).
9.3
Cleanup and Remediation:
a. Any structures damaged by effects of the overflow shall be repaired; and
b. Gross contaminants should be removed and placed in the sewage or in a suitable waste container.
DO NOT place sewerage waste into storm water drain systems.
c. PPE must include rubber gloves and safety goggles when handling chemicals used in cleanup and
remediation. Refer to MSDS chemical PPE requirements.
d. Determine if professional help is required for analysis of soil contamination ( see Appendix A) or for
extensive remediation action.
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
9.3.1 Indoor sewage contamination:
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9.3.2
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Open all windows where possible and use fans to increase general ventilation.
Humidity in the damaged area should be lowered by increasing air circulation (use fans and/or
dryers ) Microorganisms will continue to grow and multiply in high humidity;
Excess water should be removed by pumps - wet vac, or mop squeegee).
Damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned with detergent solution and then disinfected. A mixture
of chlorine bleach 1:10 dilution with water is a suitable and easily available disinfectant solution. Do
not use undiluted bleach as this can cause skin and respiratory effects.
Materials that were exposed to the wastewater and which cannot be thoroughly cleaned or
disinfected should be discarded; including food, soft furnishings; carpets , cardboard or objects that
have absorbed water.
Place and seal contaminated items in heavy plastic garbage bags. ;
If damage was extensive or the overflow could not be cleaned up promptly, removal and
replacement of damaged wallboard and wall insulation should be considered to avoid indoor air
quality problems later e.g.: indoor mould
Outdoor sewage contamination:
Clean hard surfaces such as paving, concrete and bitumen with detergent solution, then disinfect
with approved disinfectants. Use only detergents or disinfectants which minimise impact on aquatic
systems.
Don’t allow wastewater, gross solids and other pollutants to enter stormwater drains or aquatic
environments. For larger amounts, construct impervious bank or bunding to contain/ absorb waste
water and material.
The affected area must be temporarily barricaded and signage erected to restrict access.
The affected soil, sand or lawn should be promptly treated in place with slaked lime to reduce odour
and correct pH balance.
This enables improved natural soil bacterial action to break down remaining organic matter.
UV radiation from sunlight should reduce bacterial contamination to background levels within 20
days.
Following laboratory analysis results on soil or groundwater samples , the affected areas may
require additional remediation as per the appropriate statutory legislation requirements and
technical options.
10.0 Referenced Documents
Framework for managing sewerage infrastructure to reduce overflows and environmental impacts.
Environmental Protection Agency;
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/quality/pubs/sewerage-systems-overflowspaper15.pdf;
Draft guidelines for the assessment and management of contaminated land in Queensland. May
1998; and
Australian Standard, AS 4482.1—2005, Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with
potentially contaminated soil Part 1: Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
WorkSafe Smart Move” ;safe@work Plumbing module- published by Worksafe,
Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, Western Australia
(www.safetyline.wa.gov.au)
Facts 042 – Sewage Spills 2004© Workers Health Centre, www.workershealth.com.au
Qld Environmental Protection Act 1994 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/e/envprota94.pdf
Qld Environmental Protection Regulation 2008
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtR08.pdf
Qld Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000 –
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtWaMP00.pdf
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Qld Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtWaMR00.pdf
Qld Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (Qld);
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProWateP09.pdf
Qld Workplace Health and Safety Act
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaA95.pdf
Qld Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008.
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkplHSaR08.pdf
Australian Standard AS 1337:1992 Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications. (Standards
Association of Australia, Sydney).
Australian Standard AS/NZS 1715:1994 Selection, use, maintenance of respiratory protective
devices (Standards Association of Australia, Sydney).
Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716:1994 Respiratory protective devices. (Standards Association of
Australia, Sydney).
QUT, Facilities Management Business Continuity Plan (BCP), dated July 2010.
QUT Chemical Waste Disposal Policy, H / 6.3.2 MOPP.
QUT Chemical Management Policy A/9.8: 2010 MOPP.
11.0 Glossary and Definition
Background level concentrations The naturally occurring, ambient concentration of substances in the
local area of a site
Contaminant
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A chemical substance of concern.
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QUT Environment and Sustainability
Appendix A :
Soil and Groundwater Impact Assessment
If a sewage overflow has contaminated unsealed areas, raw sewage may contaminate the soil and/or
groundwater.
Soil and groundwater samples should be collected and analysed to determine possible presence of
pathogens and other possible contaminants .
A suitably qualified environmental scientist should be engaged to collect soil samples for laboratory
analysis.
Samples should be collected as per the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedure as
described in Australian Standard, AS 4482.1—2005, Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with
potentially contaminated soil Part 1: Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
Analysis must only be done by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.
Impacted soil and/or groundwater analysis may include:
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Thermotolerant coliforms and enterococci as indicators of pathogen pollution; and
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A screen of possible pollutants of concerns including metals, hydrocarbon, pesticide, cyanide and
chlorinate solvents.
Laboratory results should be assessed against the Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council (ANZECC) and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and
New Zealand (ARMCANZ); and Draft guidelines for the assessment and management of contaminated land
in Queensland, May 1998.
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