Gene Vogel
EASA Pump & Vibration Specialist
Sewage and wastewater treatment pumps are common machines repaired in EASA service centers. Most commonly, these pumps are submersible pumps which do present some unique challenges; there is a learning curve for this line of repair. One objection that causes some service centers to avoid these machines is the odor and associated biohazard. While both odor and biohazard are real problems, there are ways to deal with each, and service centers looking to broaden their repair market should not shy away from a profitable market because of the odor and biohazard.
Any pump used to pump sewage will have a bad odor. There’s no denying the fact that they stink! There are several ways to significantly reduce the odor of a machine received for repair. Many service centers steam clean or power wash the machine upon receipt. Typically, such wash areas have ventilation, which is helpful. To deal with these stinkers, reception procedures can be modified so that they are routed outside the building to the wash area. Locating the pump repair area close to the wash area will minimize the exposure of other employees. Ventilation for the pump repair area will help for those employees associated with the repair process.
Some service centers have taken additional steps to mitigate the odor. Smaller pumps can be submerged in a tank of bleach water. Other service centers have had success by simply spraying the pumps with Lysol or a similar disinfectant. One or several of these methods can significantly reduce the unpleasantness when receiving a pump for service.
The biohazard concern should not be overlooked. There are many serious diseases present on and in contaminated machines. Chief among these is hepatitis. All employees and especially managers must be familiar with the hazards and precautions necessary to protect employees. Service centers should consider mandatory vaccinations for employees directly associated with receiving and disassembling these pumps.
The first and most effective protection from biohazard is proper personal protective equipment (PPE) Figure 1. For pump repairers, that should include a rubber apron, rubber (or similar material) gloves, and a full-face shield. Even though a pump may have leaked, they are known to have residual internal pressure so that when disassembled, they spray contaminated liquids (Figure 2). The deodorizing methods described above do not remove the biohazard. The pump and all internal and external components must be considered contaminated until all have been thoroughly cleaned after disassembly. Until then, only qualified personnel with proper PPE should be in the pump repair area. When components have been properly cleaned, other employees such as machinists or winders should not be concerned with handling those parts.
The work areas where contaminated machines will be processed and disassembled should also have provisions for decontamination. These work areas may be different from those where decontaminated parts are handled for repair and reassembly. Since these pumps frequently contain contaminated fluids, the fluids drained from the machine must be properly disposed of. An external wash area where runoff is not contained will become polluted with contaminants. Likewise, walls and floors of the disassembly area will require periodic washdown. All liquid from the pumps and from washdown must be disposed of properly. Workbenches and tables in the disassembly area should be suitable for washdown; don’t store supplies under or around workbenches.
By recognizing the unique odor and biohazard concerns associated with sewage and wastewater pumps, service centers can implement procedures to mitigate those concerns and open the door to a profitable repair market. Sewage and wastewater pumps are everywhere, from tiny municipalities to large metropolises. Because of their unique features, these pumps are expensive to replace, and coupled with long lead time for replacements, repair is often the only solution for a failed pump. As long as people keep flushing, there will always be a need for associated pump repair.
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