New Delhi, Dec 16: The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for road repair and manhole cleaning, mandating strict safety measures to protect sanitation workers and the public.
Under the SOP, the onus of implementing all prescribed safety protocols has been placed on contractors engaged in sewage maintenance and related works, officials said.
As per the guidelines, manholes must be properly ventilated before workers enter, and the work area should be adequately cordoned off to prevent public movement. The air inside manholes must be tested for hazardous gases such as methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, along with oxygen levels, prior to entry.
The SOP stipulates that oxygen levels inside manholes should be at least 19.5 per cent and continuous air monitoring must be maintained during operations. If gas concentrations exceed safe limits, work must be immediately halted and additional ventilation or protective measures implemented.
Contractors are required to provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, gloves, safety harnesses and breathing apparatus or respirators, wherever necessary.
A mandatory permit-to-work system has been introduced, under which each task must be authorised by a designated safety officer or supervisor. Only personnel trained in confined space entry and rescue procedures will be allowed to carry out manhole-related work, with the presence of a competent safety officer at the site made compulsory.
The SOP also mandates a two-person entry rule for manhole operations, effective communication systems such as two-way radios between workers inside and outside the manhole, and adequate lighting to minimise accident risks.
Further, contractors must conduct risk assessments and brief workers on potential hazards before commencing work. Insurance coverage of at least ₹1 crore for labourers has been made mandatory.
The guidelines also state that maintenance van operations across all PWD zones must adhere to uniform safety protocols to ensure consistency in implementation, officials added.
