Is Asking Staff to Fix a Motor in a Rainwater Pit Against Labor Safety Laws?

Is it okay to ask staff to repair a motor in an empty rainwater harvesting pit, or is it banned like septic tank cleaning rules?

According to labor law, is it illegal to ask maintenance staff to open a motor or clean an empty rainwater harvesting tank from the inside? Does it come under labor law covering septic tank safety guidance? I think a rainwater tank is not dangerous or harmful. It's like a simple household tank to be cleaned. Am I right?

Rainwater harvesting pit vs. septic tank

A rainwater harvesting pit, particularly a dry one, may not fit the description of a septic tank. Septic tanks are closed pits where toxic and inflammable gases can arise from the sludge and other noxious materials filling them.

Employment as Manual Scavengers Act and Rehabilitation Act of 2013

The rules under the Employment as Manual Scavengers Act and their Rehabilitation Act of 2013 mandate that no person should be allowed to clean manually. The act also outlines the obligations of employers towards employees engaged in the cleaning of sewers or septic tanks. The act primarily prohibits any physical contact with excreta and requires machine cleaning using protective equipment such as gum boots, hand gloves, etc.

There is no possibility of encountering such harmful materials in a rainwater pit. Consider utilizing municipal corporation staff for cleaning work rather than hiring private contractors.

Safety considerations for rainwater harvesting pits

Since runoff rainwater is being collected/harvested in a pit, the runoff rainwater is not the same as normal water. It carries a lot of things that get collected/absorbed in the harvesting pit. Over time, the biodegraded materials decompose inside the pit and form gases based on the substances present. This nature of cleaning falls under fire safety, and you can seek help from the local fire station. You may ask your EHS department to conduct a gas detection check before starting the operation. Generally, during such operations, fresh air is blown into the pit using a blower fan.

Furthermore, if the pump is a submersible type, it can be pulled out using a linked chain, or other types of pumps are placed on top of the water, eliminating the need to go to the bottom of the pit. If it is an industry that involves people working with the water department, ensure all safety protocols are followed.