Unsecured septic tanks lids still being found in the Northern Territory despite previous warning
Background
NT WorkSafe is again urging all workplaces across the Territory to check septic tank lids on their property to ensure they are safe and secured. The call extends to organisations that manage or maintain residential properties with septic tanks as part of their business or undertaking.
Despite three incidents of children falling into septic tanks in the Northern Territory due to unsecured lids in the past two years, septic tanks with lids in a non-compliant state are still being identified.
Incident One
WorkSafe Inspectors conducting compliance visits along the Stuart Highway in mid-October found an uncovered septic tank at a commercial establishment in the Katherine Region. An improvement notice was issued to the establishment owner to fix the issue.
Incident Two
WorkSafe Inspectors during the same compliance trip found a second commercial establishment in the Katherine Region where road signs were used to cover a septic tank. An improvement notice was issued to the establishment owner who has subsequently fixed the issue.
Incident Three
In late October, a member of the public spotted an overturned plastic bin weighed down by a brick covering a broken septic tank lid at a commercial establishment in the Top End Region. The member of the public raised their concerns with the establishment owner before contacting NT WorkSafe. WorkSafe Inspectors attended the establishment two days after the notification but the establishment owner had already fixed the issue.
Disclaimer
The above information is based on preliminary findings from NT WorkSafe’s initial enquiries. Enquiries are ongoing in relation to these concerns and to determine the appropriate regulatory response that may be required.
Safety Information
Unsecured or fragile septic tank lids are a major hazard if access to the lid is not limited or controlled.
There is a risk of a fatal incident occurring if someone falls into a septic tank, this risk is significantly higher if the person is a young child. Unfortunately incidents of young children dying after falling into septic tanks have been reported in Australia and around the world, including an incident at a private residence in the Northern Territory in 2023.
Septic tanks fall within the definition of a confined space under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act and Regulations.
NT WorkSafe strongly urges all workplaces that have septic tanks on their properties to ensure the following measures are in place, and that they are effective:
- Undertake Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC), beginning by identifying hazards related to risks of falls in the workplace using the Confined spaces and the How to manage work health and safety risks Codes of Practice.
- Consider available control measures and implement the control measures that most effectively eliminate or minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Identify the location of all septic tank lids at your workplace:
- Inspect the condition of the lids and replace any that are deteriorating or damaged.
- Secure the lids using screws, bolts or other locks to prevent easy access.
- Establish a routine inspection schedule to check the lids are secure and in good condition.
- Prevent access to areas surrounding septic tank lids, especially if the lid is located in a high pedestrian area.
- Any barriers used must prevent young children from accessing the area.
- Prevent septic tank lids from being damaged or accidently dislodged by stopping vehicles from driving over or parking on them.
- Ensure septic tanks are maintained in accordance with:
- The manufacturer’s installation and/or operation guide.
- Department of Health’s Code of Practice for Wastewater Management.
- Australian Standard AS/NZS 1547:2012 - On-site domestic wastewater management.
Further Information
- Northern Territory Confined spaces code of practice.
- Northern Territory How to manage work health and safety risks codes of practice.
- Department of Health’s Code of Practice for Wastewater Management.
- Australian Standard AS/NZS 1547:2012 - On-site domestic wastewater management.
- Incident Information Release - Commercial establishments urged to check septic tank lids are safe and secure.