Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved comprehensive safety rules for sewerage cleaning operations after taking notice of accidents involving sanitary workers.
The new standard operating procedures (SOPs) make protective measures mandatory and prohibit workers from opening or approaching manholes without checking for toxic gases. Entry into manholes is also banned unless gas levels have been inspected.
A committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo prepared the guidelines to prevent accidents during sewerage cleaning.
Sahoo said sanitary workers would not be allowed to carry out their duties without proper protective clothing and equipment.
Under the rules, teams must install protective barricades, warning boards, and traffic signs around work sites. Jetting and suction machines may only be operated by trained personnel.
The guidelines also introduce a compulsory “permit-to-work” system, requiring advance permission before anyone enters a manhole.
The measures establish mandatory checks and protective arrangements for cleaning operations, covering worker equipment, hazardous gas inspections, site safety, and the operation of machinery.
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