Two day training program on Health and Safety of Desludging operators in Prayagraj

Date: February 16 - 17, 2022

Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi in collaboration with Water Sanitation and Hygiene Institute (WASH Institute) organised a two days onsite training programme on the Health and Safety of Desludging operators at Jal KalVibhag (H.Q) in Prayagraj. In the recently released Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 guidelines lot of emphasis has been given to ensuring safety and well-being of sanitation workers, through elimination of hazardous entry for septic tank cleaning, promotion of mechanization of cleaning operations and provision of protective gear/ PPE kits to sanitation workers.

A total 45+ desludgers including sanitation workers engaged in sewer maintenance services from Jal KalVibhag, Prayagraj attended the 02-day training programme.
Day 1 commenced with the inauguration by GM, Jal KalVibhag and a brief introduction about the training and CSE by CSE team. This was followed by sessions on introduction to desludging operations, emptying of septic tanks/pits by DrSmita Singh, CEO Kam Foundation and basics of PPE kits with its demonstration by Mr. Rahman from Institute of Health and safety.

Day 2 started with a recap exercise, followed by a demonstration session on first aid basics and protocols to be followed during probable occupational hazards by Mr. Rahman. This was followed by a session by Ms. Chetna and Dr.Smita on the various government policies and programmes beneficial for the desludging operators. The day ended with feedback and further discussion with the workers followed by PPE kit and certificate distribution.