Occupational risk from faecal sludge in humanitarian settings (Bangladesh)

This research investigated the occupational risk for desludging teams associated with the emptying and transportation of faecal sludge by exploring and comparing occupational risk related to the two emptying and transportation methods used within the Mega faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) faecal sludge catchment areas in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The FSTP receives faecal sludge from five camps (1East, 1West, 2East, 2West, Kutupalong Residents camp) and the neighboring host community. The sludge is delivered using vacuum trucks and Intermediate Faecal Sludge Transfer Network (IFSTN). The risks and existing mitigation measures were identified using data collected using mixed methods including E. coli indicator analysis on the faecal sludge from the containments and glove rinse samples from the sanitation workers, structured observations, interviews and photovoice. The data was used to conduct a semi-quantitative risk assessment using the WHO Sanitation Safety Planning manual. The findings from the research revealed that both the emptying and transportation methods used exposed the sanitation workers to physical, chemical and biological health risks however the IFSTN method has more risks linked to it.