What precautions to take cleaning out tanks and drains??

[Twlzt3d]

Are there any dangers in being a septic tank truck cleaner? Cleaning out septic tanks and also cleaning sewer/septic drain pipes via the cleanout etc? I have been in the industry a short time and would like to take all precautions to remain healthy and out of danger if there are any. Should i wear a mask doing this job? Or any other safety precautions?

[Stuart Meade]

You should have your hepatitis vaccination (but I forget which one).

You should also avoid contact with sewage.  Wear protective gloves and treat your work clothes as if they are toxic.  Wash them separately in hot water.  Don't just throw them in the laundry hamper with your other clothes.  Don't go walking through your house with your work boots on.  Assume you they have sewage on them.

Take normal precautions and you should be fine.

And yes, be careful around old tanks.  Some concrete tanks are deteriorating and some tanks are made of metal!