CCTV Drain Inspection Safe Work Method Statement

Confined space requirements depend on the specific characteristics of each drainage access point, not just depth. A space is classified as confined if it has restricted entry/exit, is not designed for continuous human occupancy, and presents risks from atmospheric hazards, engulfment, or configuration. Many drainage access points including manholes, pump pits, inspection chambers, and even some shallow inspection openings meet these criteria. The critical issue is not merely depth but the combination of restricted access, potential atmospheric contamination from sewage gases, and difficulty of emergency egress. Conduct a risk assessment for each access point. If entry required for camera positioning and the space meets confined space characteristics, implement full confined space entry procedures including atmospheric testing, permits, standby person, and emergency rescue arrangements. For shallow inspection openings where workers can stand at ground level and insert cameras without entering, confined space protocols may not be required, but atmospheric testing should still occur before removing covers due to gas release risks. When in doubt, apply confined space controls - the additional safety procedures provide important protection even if legal requirements unclear.

Comprehensive atmospheric testing is essential before opening any drainage access point due to risks from sewage decomposition gases. After removing the access cover, allow initial venting for minimum 5 minutes with workers standing upwind to avoid inhalation of released gases. Then conduct testing using a calibrated 4-gas detector measuring oxygen (must be 19.5-23.5%), combustible gases/methane (must be below 5% LEL or Lower Explosive Limit), hydrogen sulphide (must be below 10 ppm), and carbon monoxide (must be below 30 ppm). Lower the gas detector probe into the space at multiple levels (top, middle, bottom) as gases stratify with heavier gases settling at lower levels. If any reading exceeds safe limits, implement forced ventilation using portable blowers and retest after ventilation period. Continue testing until acceptable atmosphere achieved. If ventilation cannot achieve safe atmosphere, work should not proceed without specialist confined space entry support including supplied air respiratory protection. Maintain continuous atmospheric monitoring if any worker entry to the space required. Gas detectors must have current calibration (typically 6-month intervals) and bump tested before each use to verify sensor response. Sewage systems can develop dangerous atmospheres quickly due to decomposition processes, so never skip atmospheric testing even for spaces previously tested safe - conditions change based on sewage flow, temperature, and organic matter present.

Comprehensive decontamination of CCTV equipment after sewage exposure is critical to prevent pathogen transfer between job sites and protect workers from infection. Immediately upon camera retrieval from drainage system, spray the camera head, cable, and any contaminated equipment with appropriate disinfectant solution - quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine-based products (sodium hypochlorite at 1000 ppm), or phenolic disinfectants are suitable choices. Apply disinfectant liberally to all exposed surfaces and allow appropriate contact time per product instructions (typically 10 minutes) before rinsing with clean water. Pay particular attention to camera head crevices, cable fittings where contamination can lodge, and cable reel surfaces. For heavily contaminated equipment, perform initial gross debris removal using disposable wipes before disinfectant application. Some operators use pressure washers for initial cleaning followed by disinfectant treatment. Allow equipment to air dry completely before storage to prevent bacterial growth in moist environments. Clean cable reels and equipment cases that contacted contaminated surfaces. Maintain dedicated cleaning area at depot with appropriate drainage and ventilation. Wear waterproof gloves and eye protection during decontamination to prevent exposure. Store decontamination supplies including disinfectant spray bottles, wipes, and rinsing equipment on work vehicles for immediate post-inspection use. Never transport contaminated equipment in passenger areas of vehicles - use dedicated equipment storage. Regular equipment decontamination not only protects workers but also prevents cross-contamination between properties which could transfer diseases or pest infestations through drainage systems.

When a camera encounters a blockage or becomes stuck during drainage inspection, resist the temptation to force the cable or apply excessive pressure which can damage the camera head, break the cable, or push the camera deeper into an obstruction. First, stop advancing the cable immediately upon feeling increased resistance. Attempt gentle manipulation by slowly pushing and pulling the cable while slightly rotating the cable reel to help navigate around obstacles. If the camera remains stuck, avoid pulling hard on the cable which can separate the camera head from the cable. Instead, carefully introduce more cable into the system to create slack, then gently work the camera backwards while rotating. If these gentle techniques fail, you may need to access the drainage system from the next downstream inspection point to work towards the stuck camera from both directions. For cameras with locator beacons (sondes), use the locating equipment to pinpoint the exact position of the stuck camera from the surface, which may enable excavation to that point for direct retrieval if the camera cannot be freed remotely. Never leave a stuck camera in a drainage system overnight - the contaminated environment will damage electronics and the obstruction may worsen. Consider using water jetting equipment to clear minor blockages allowing camera retrieval, though exercise caution to avoid damaging the camera with water pressure. If a blockage prevents camera passage, document the obstruction location, withdraw the camera, and report to the client that further investigation from downstream access points or excavation may be required to inspect beyond the blockage. Some drainage systems with severe defects or heavy root intrusion may not be inspectable by camera until cleared - in these cases, mechanical cleaning should precede camera inspection. Always maintain accurate distance records so if camera retrieval fails, you know the exact location for subsequent recovery operations.

CCTV drainage inspection workers require multiple qualifications and training competencies to safely conduct this work. All workers must hold general construction induction training (White Card) as a baseline requirement for construction site work. For confined space entry work, which commonly occurs during drainage inspection, workers need confined space entry training meeting the requirements of AS 2865, typically delivered as a competency-based course covering hazard identification, atmospheric testing, emergency procedures, and rescue. This training should be refreshed every 2-3 years. Workers must be trained in the specific operation of the CCTV drainage inspection equipment they will use, including camera system operation, cable management, defect identification and classification, and equipment maintenance and decontamination procedures. This training is often manufacturer-specific and should cover troubleshooting and safe recovery of stuck cameras. Atmospheric testing instrument training is essential, covering calibration verification, bump testing, correct sampling techniques, and interpretation of readings. First aid training particularly covering contaminated wound treatment, eye injuries, and sewage exposure response is valuable given biological hazard exposure risks. If work occurs in roadways, workers need traffic management training appropriate to the traffic environment - this might range from basic awareness training for low-risk situations through to formal traffic controller qualifications (red or yellow card) for work in high-speed or complex traffic environments. Plumbing qualifications while not strictly mandatory for camera operation, provide valuable context for interpreting drainage system layouts and understanding defect implications. Some organisations also provide infection control training covering personal hygiene, PPE use, vaccination requirements, and symptoms of sewage-related diseases requiring medical attention. Maintain training records demonstrating all workers hold current competencies relevant to the drainage inspection work they perform. Regular toolbox meetings and refresher training help maintain safety awareness and update workers on new hazards, techniques, or equipment.

Managing electrical safety during CCTV drainage inspection requires multiple control layers due to the combination of electrical equipment and wet, conductive environments. First, ensure all electrical equipment including cameras, monitors, cable reels, and auxiliary lighting connects through residual current device (RCD) protection with maximum 30mA trip current and 30ms trip time. Portable RCD power boards provide this protection and should be tested before each use by pressing the test button and verifying immediate power disconnection. Use only electrical equipment with appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) ratings for moisture exposure - camera heads should be minimum IP68 (submersible), control units minimum IP54 (splash protected), and monitors should be positioned to avoid direct moisture exposure. Conduct regular testing and tagging of all portable electrical equipment meeting the requirements for construction environment use (3-month test intervals). Before each use, visually inspect all equipment for damaged insulation, exposed conductors, damaged plugs or sockets, moisture ingress, or cable damage. Pay particular attention to camera cables which experience significant abrasion against pipe edges and may develop insulation damage allowing water ingress. Immediately remove from service any equipment showing electrical defects - tag 'DO NOT USE' and arrange testing or repair. Position electrical equipment including monitors, cable reels, and power distribution away from standing water, overhead drips, and water spray from drainage systems. Use weather protection such as vehicle tailgate cover or portable gazebo to shield equipment during wet weather. Never operate damaged electrical equipment in wet environments thinking 'it will be okay for one more job' - the electrocution risk is too severe. Consider using battery-powered camera systems for work in particularly wet environments to eliminate mains power electrical risks, though battery systems still require RCD protection during charging. Train all workers in electrical safety including how to respond to electrical shock incidents - turn off power, do not touch the victim until power disconnected, call emergency services, and commence CPR if required and safe to do so. The combination of water, metal drainage infrastructure, and confined spaces creates ideal conditions for severe electrical shock, making comprehensive electrical safety controls absolutely essential for all CCTV drainage inspection work.