Empowering Sewer and Septic Tank Workers: SEP Training for Safe Hazardous Cleaning
- Chinmay Menon
- Jul 2
- 8 min read
Authored by Apeksha Bhusari | Ganesh Parida | Rashmi Patel
As we walk along roads and pass by sewer lines, we often overlook the immense effort and risks involved in maintaining our urban infrastructure. Sanitation workers perform some of the most hazardous and physically demanding tasks, often with limited tools, training, and recognition. Their work sometimes requires descending into confined spaces where they are exposed to toxic gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide—posing significant risks, including respiratory problems, neurological harm, and even fatalities. Fatalities Among Sanitation Workers
The Urban Management Centre has analysed widely covered media reports from 2020 to the present accounting for 138 incidents involving 398 workers, of which around 80% (320 workers) lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks. This data reveals that, on average, two out of every three workers died, underscoring the significant risks associated with this occupation. Most of these deaths were caused by a lack of oxygen and exposure to toxic gases, primarily because workers were unaware of the necessary precautions to take before and during entry.
This high fatality rate is further exacerbated by the unregulated nature of confined space entry, where clear protocols and enforcement mechanisms are often absent. Workers frequently lack proper training in the use of gas detection equipment and safety measures, leading many to rely on dangerous practices, such as using matchsticks to detect gas leaks—a method incapable of identifying several life-threatening gases.
Significantly, around 24% (77 workers) of the fatalities were rescuers who lost their lives while attempting to save the initial worker. These secondary fatalities occurred due to the absence of formal rescue or emergency evacuation training, further highlighting the hazards posed by unregulated and poorly managed confined space entry.
This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced training, modern equipment, and the institutionalisation of robust support systems to safeguard these essential workers. Regulating confined space entry through standardised protocols and stringent enforcement must be prioritised to prevent such tragedies.
Institutional Efforts to Enhance Safety
Recognising these critical challenges, various laws and regulatory changes have been introduced. This includes the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, which bans the employment of manual scavengers; while the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), launched in 2014, aims to eliminate manual scavenging by converting unsanitary toilets into sanitary ones. Despite this, manual intervention in sewers and septic tanks continues to persist, particularly for clearing blockages in cities with small drains and poorly designed manholes, which are common in older, densely populated areas. Tragically, such interventions often result in fatal accidents. This challenge is not limited to India; globally, there are instances where manual entry into sewers and septic systems is necessary. However, in many countries, these tasks are performed by trained professionals who use specialised tools and adhere to rigorous safety protocols to mitigate risks. To address these issues in India, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in collaboration with CPHEEO, issued an advisory on establishing Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSU) to institutionalise safety measures. These aim to deploy professional, well-trained, and adequately equipped teams to clean sewer and septic tanks. The Need for Comprehensive Sewer Entry Professional (SEP) Training
Under the NAMASTE scheme, which surveys sewer and septic tank workers across India, approximately 66% of workers have reported receiving some form of occupational safety training. However, this training is often insufficient, leaving workers unprepared for the hazards they encounter, particularly in high-risk environments like confined spaces. A significant issue is the lack of standardisation in these training programs. Most courses do not follow a structured pedagogy and lack a formal assessment framework to evaluate the skills and preparedness of the workers. Consequently, many workers remain inadequately trained to address the life-threatening risks associated with sewer and septic tank cleaning.
Moreover, many workers still lack access to comprehensive Sewer Entry Professional (SEP) training. This specialised training is crucial for ensuring worker safety, as it provides thorough instruction on essential practices, including the correct use of safety equipment, gas detection techniques, and emergency rescue protocols. Certification through SEP training not only enhances safety but also helps workers adopt professional standards in their occupations.
To address this gap, the SEP Training Program launched under the Garima and SWDS schemes in Odisha and Tamil Nadu provides a proven model. This program provides a structured and effective training framework that can be scaled up and implemented across all states. This program equips sanitation workers with essential skills, knowledge, and certifications to safely perform high-risk tasks, aligning with the objectives of the ERSU framework and advancing the enforcement of the PEMSR Act’s mandate for safe and dignified sanitation work. SEP Training Ecosystem – Case of Odisha and Tamil Nadu
The Sewer Entry Professional (SEP) training program, implemented in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, is designed to enhance the capacity and skills of sewer and septic tank workers, duty supervisors, 14420 telephone operators, and Urban Local Body (ULB) officials. This structured 3-day training program in Odisha and Tamil Nadu focuses primarily on sanitation workers engaged in sewer network cleaning, operation, and maintenance, certifying them as Sewer Entry Professionals upon successful performance evaluation.
Sanitation workers are nominated for SEP training by ULBs based on specific criteria, including age (18-45 years), willingness to participate, and relevant field experience. In Tamil Nadu, an additional prerequisite of a medical fitness report ensures only physically capable individuals are selected for these high-risk tasks, prioritising safety in confined spaces. This thorough selection process ensures that only candidates who meet the established criteria are eligible to participate, aligning with the specific requirements of sewer and septic tank cleaning. As of December 2024, the successful implementation of the SEP training program has led to significant improvements in the safety and efficiency of sanitation work in both states. In Odisha over the past year, nearly 850 sewer and septic tank workers have completed training in 30 batches, while in Tamil Nadu, over 175 workers have been trained across 7 batches since 2024.
The SEP training ecosystem has been established in these states, incorporating several key components to ensure effective training delivery.
These components include:
Training Master Trainers
Master Trainers (MTs) are key facilitators of the SEP training program, delivering theoretical and practical sessions, adapting content to regional needs, maintaining training quality, and assessing participants for certification. In Odisha, MTs undergo a 3-day program conducted by Odisha Water Academy (OWA) with support from Garima TSU (UMC). It included participants from WATCO, OWSSB, PHEO, and select PSSO supervisors, with a batch size of 30. In Tamil Nadu, MTs completed an intensive 5-day program. with only those meeting rigorous standards certified to train statewide. This process ensures highly skilled trainers capable of delivering impactful sessions across the state.
Training Infrastructure
Both Tamil Nadu and Odisha have set up three training centers each: Odisha’s centers are in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri, while Tamil Nadu’s centers are CMWSSB Training Centre at Chennai, TNIUS at Coimbatore, and TWAD at Madurai. These training centers are equipped with the necessary tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), safety devices, and accommodations to provide a practical learning environment. These centers also have models of maintenance holes and simulated septic tanks, providing practical sessions on gas detection and entry/evacuation procedures to safely prepare workers for real-life scenarios.
Training Pedagogy
The training program is a mix of theoretical sessions, interactive discussions and hands-on practice. Each training session has pre-and post-assessments to ensure both safety and efficiency. The modules cover key topics such as the PEMSR Act 2013, ERSU Guidelines, PPE and safety devices, and workers' entitlements and rights. Sessions are conducted in the local language to ensure accessibility, making the content relevant and engaging for participants. The attendees expressed that the training modules were particularly meaningful, as they directly addressed the challenges they face in hazardous work conditions, resonating with their daily experiences.
Practical sessions are a critical part of the training, focusing on the proper donning and doffing of PPE and practicing safe sewer and septic tank entry techniques using simulation models and equipment. These simulations enable workers to assess potential risks and practice effective mitigation strategies, making practical exercises the most engaging and impactful aspect of the training. Given that many participants are encountering these procedures for the first time, they actively engage in the exercises, demonstrating enthusiasm and a keen willingness to learn.
To assess worker's progress, pre-and post-training assessments are conducted, to gauge participant’s initial understanding and the knowledge gained during the training. To enhance engagement and accessibility for semi-literate or illiterate workers, the assessments are presented in a pictorial format, with master trainers providing detailed explanations for each question to encourage active participation and ensure trainees fully understand the material and can respond effectively. The assessments accurately measure workers' comprehension of safety protocols and their ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, boosting their confidence and ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles.
Certification: Upon completing the training program and meeting the required standards, participants are awarded certification as Sewer Entry Professionals. This certification recognises their competence in safely performing high-risk tasks, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle sewer and septic tank entry with the necessary skills and knowledge. In Odisha, this certification holds significant value for workers, fostering a strong sense of identity, dignity, and confidence. Many workers proudly carry smaller versions of the certificate as a symbol of their pride and self-worth in their wallet.
Image 5 (Left): Pocket-Sized Certificate converted by Sewer and Septic Tank Workers. Image 6: (Right) Post SEP Training: Participants displaying their Certificates The certification process boosted their confidence, recognising their hard work and commitment to safety. The workers returned to their respective Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) not only with enhanced skills but also with certificates that validated their expertise in maintaining safety and handling sanitation tasks. This recognition not only elevated their self-assurance but also earned them respect within their teams and among peers, promoting a more professional and safety-conscious work culture.
SEP training has a profound impact on the lives of sanitation workers, transforming their working conditions and opportunities. One such example is Ms. Jhunulata Naik, a former toilet cleaner in Cuttack, who used to work under hazardous conditions for minimal pay. After completing the SEP training, Jhunulata became one of Odisha's first female Sewer Entry Professionals. She was recruited by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation to operate cesspool vehicles, now earning Rs. 17,000 per month—a significant improvement from her previous earnings. Her story highlights the empowering effect of the SEP program, which equips sanitation workers with essential skills and opens doors to dignified and safer employment opportunities. Similar stories of transformation among sanitation workers are emerging through the SEP training initiatives, bringing about significant positive changes in their lives. Expanding the Reach of SEP Training
Odisha and Tamil Nadu have successfully established a comprehensive training ecosystem, including resources such as training modules, materials, and pedagogy, which can be adapted and scaled for use in other states. By reducing occupational hazards and promoting modern practices, these programs have significantly impacted sanitation work and improved safety standards. Expanding them nationwide would equip all sanitation workers with the necessary skills and tools for safe and efficient operations, driving systemic change and enhancing dignity, recognition, and livelihoods for those essential to maintaining clean cities.
This blog has been written by Urban Management Centre employees - Apeksha Bhusari | Ganesh Parida | Rashmi Patel.
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