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Water treatment plant operator: The risks and solutions

As a water treatment plant operator, your role involves operating and maintaining equipment to treat and purify water for safe consumption by communities or industries. While your occupation may not directly involve exposure to carcinogenic substances, it’s important to be aware of potential occupational hazards, including those indirectly related to carcinogenic risks within the water treatment industry.

Carcinogenic risks in water treatment can arise from exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, and biological agents present in water sources and treatment processes. For example, water sources may contain carcinogenic compounds such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that can pose health risks if not properly managed and treated.

To mitigate these risks, water treatment plant operators should prioritise safety measures and adhere to best practices in their work environment. This includes utilizing proper ventilation systems and following established safety protocols to help reduce the spread of harmful substances in the workplace. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and masks, to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and biological contaminants.

Note: The CarcCheck is based on data collected for the EU. Therefore, uses of a substance might not be of equal relevance in all member states. The CarcCheck indicates were a carcinogen can potentially be involved or released; exposure potential will also vary in different sectors. Only the risk assessment will show whether this is the case in a real workplace or in a user situation.

Table of contents

Water treatment plant operator: The risks and solutions

As a water treatment plant operator, your role involves operating and maintaining equipment to treat and purify water for safe consumption by communities or industries. While your occupation may not directly involve exposure to carcinogenic substances, it’s important to be aware of potential occupational hazards, including those indirectly related to carcinogenic risks within the water treatment industry.

Carcinogenic risks in water treatment can arise from exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, and biological agents present in water sources and treatment processes. For example, water sources may contain carcinogenic compounds such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that can pose health risks if not properly managed and treated.

To mitigate these risks, water treatment plant operators should prioritise safety measures and adhere to best practices in their work environment. This includes utilizing proper ventilation systems and following established safety protocols to help reduce the spread of harmful substances in the workplace. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and masks, to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and biological contaminants.

Note: The CarcCheck is based on data collected for the EU. Therefore, uses of a substance might not be of equal relevance in all member states. The CarcCheck indicates were a carcinogen can potentially be involved or released; exposure potential will also vary in different sectors. Only the risk assessment will show whether this is the case in a real workplace or in a user situation.

Which carcinogen(s) are present?

As Water treatment plant operator, the following (process-generated) carcinogens could be a potential risk for your health.
Acrylamide
About 54,000 workers in the EU are estimated to be potentially exposed to acrylamide. The occupational exposure to acrylamide is primarily from dermal contact with the solid monomer and inhalation...
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Beryllium compounds
According to the most recent estimates, about 20,000 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to beryllium. Beryllium has a harmonised classification under the CLP regulation as Carcinogenic Category 1B,...
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Cadmium compounds
In the EU, 10,000 workers are estimated to be potentially exposed to cadmium and its compounds. Exposure to hazardous levels of cadmium may occur in jobs in which workers are...
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Chromium VI compounds
It is estimated that about 900,000 workers in the EU are potentially exposed to chromium VI. Studies of workers in chromate production, chromate pigment and chrome electroplating industries employed before...
Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance or some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.
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Cobalt compounds
In the European Union, approximately 80,000 workers are potentially exposed to cobalt and cobalt compounds. The primary work-related exposure route to cobalt is the inhalation of cobalt particles. The exposure...
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Hydrazine
In the EU, about 2.1 million workers are estimated to be potentially exposed to hydrazine. The primary routes of potential human exposure to hydrazine are inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact....
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Can the carcinogen(s) or process(es) be replaced?

Substitution is the first and top prevention measure to avoid exposure to carcinogens. The following substances or processes are considered safer alternatives for these carcinogens or represent less exposure potential.

Substitute for: Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
Substitution of dangerous substances
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Substitute for: Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
Guidance for Employers’ obligations of the substitution of carcinogenic substances
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Substitute for: Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
SUBSPORT - Substitution Support Portal
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Are technical prevention measures in place?

Technical measures have to be used first, when substitution was not possible. The first technical measure of choice is the use of a closed, encapsulated system. Various possibilities and technical solutions are available that might be suitable to reduce exposure to as low as technically possible. These risk reduction measures vary in their effectiveness and need to be assessed for your working environment individually. 

Review your options on technical measures
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Are organisational prevention measures in place?

Organisational measures can support your exposure reduction strategy. Organisational measures must be used only when substitution was not possible, and all technical measures have been exhausted. Various organisational measures are available that might be suitable to reduce exposure. These risk reduction measures vary in their effectiveness and need to be assessed for your working environment individually.
 
Furthermore, the following list provides you with general or organisational targeted solutions provided by others within your occupation/branch.
Creating Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs)
Is a good measure to reduce exposure to Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
Recommended
Control Guidance Sheets (CGSs) are essential tools designed to help employers manage and mitigate the risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace. These documents serve as practical...
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Managing the risks of carcinogens in the workplace through an educational game
Is a good measure to reduce exposure to Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
Recommended
True to the motto ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ it is necessary to start with integrating activities that raise awareness in primary schools and in vocational educational...
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Basic training module 'Chemicals Hazards at the Workplace'
Is a good measure to reduce exposure to Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
...
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The HotSpot Scan (HSS) tool for Product Life Cycle Estimations
Is a good measure to reduce exposure to Acrylamide, Beryllium compounds, Cadmium compounds, Chromium VI compounds, Cobalt compounds, Hydrazine, Lead compounds, Nickel compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Refractory Ceramic Fibres, Respirable Crystalline Silica, Trichloroethylene, Welding fumes
Estimating the emissions of and exposure to hazardous substances over the life cycle of a product can be a tedious and difficult task. Nevertheless, it is an imperative task for...
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Are limit values in place?

Limit values for carcinogens are one mean to assess the exposure situation and to assess whether minimum requirements are met, or further risk reduction strategies have to be applied. The links provided above can support assessment whether technical and organisational measures have been sufficiently exhausted to minimise exposure. Please be aware that you can also assess internal exposure by biomonitoring.

Independent whether there is an European limit value in place or not, it is mandatory to minimise exposure to carcinogens as low as technically achievable. Please refer to your national legislation how to comply with minimisations duties.

As Water treatment plant operator, the following (process-generated) carcinogens could be a potential risk for your health and the following EU limit values are in place.
Acrylamide EU Limit values
EU directive 2017/2398/EU
Exposure limit: 0,1 mg/m³
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Beryllium compounds EU Limit values
EU directive 2017/2398
Exposure limit: Until 11.07.2026 0,0006 mg/m³
As of 12.07.2026 0,0002 mg/m³
Read more
Cadmium compounds EU Limit values
EU directive 2017/2398
Exposure limit: 0,004 mg/m³
0,001 mg/m³
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Chromium VI compounds EU Limit values
EU directive 2017/2398
Exposure limit: Until 17.01.2025 0,01 mg/m³
As of 18.01.2025 0,005 mg/m³
Read more
Cobalt compounds EU Limit values
Values to be determined (national limits might apply).
Read more
Hydrazine EU Limit values
EU directive 2017/2398
Exposure limit: 0,013 mg/m³
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Is exposure determined?

Acrylamide on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Read more (External link)
Beryllium compounds on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.
Read more (External link)
Cadmium compounds on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.
Read more (External link)
Chromium VI compounds on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.
Read more (External link)
Cobalt compounds on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.
Read more (External link)
Hydrazine on the GESTIS substance database.
You should check the likelihood of exposure and route of exposure by checking the GESTIS substance database.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Read more (External link)
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If you come to the conclusion that exposure is likely, there are multiple options to assess your exposure situation.

Descriptions by the occupational prevention organisation or insurances, in practice approved control guidance sheets, REACH exposure scenarios or exposure modelling are further and eligible sources that help assessing the exposure situation as well as by comparing workplace situations. This must be documented in the risk assessment. Finally, if these methods do not allow for a conclusive exposure assessment, exposure measurements with the help of your respective insurance organisation or an external company can be performed.

Furthermore, you might want to check exposure data sources compiled here.

Is personal protective equipment provided?

You should be aware that personal protection equipment (PPE) should be used only after technical and organisational measures have been used to reduce exposure as much as possible.

Furthermore, there are strict rules for the use of PPE. For respiratory protection equipment (RPE), the filter class needs to fit the purpose, the size of the mask needs to fit the individual worker, maximal wearing time needs to be defined and workers need training for correctly equipping/un-equipping RPE.

For dermal protective equipment, adequate glove material and size needs to be assessed. Commonly, there are very rare situation when handling carcinogens, that PPE is not necessary to fulfil minimisation duties. When you decide to not use PPE, this has to be well-documented.

Furthermore, the following list provides you with solutions provided by others:

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Further duties and additional helpful measures

Ensuring the well-being of your employees is further guaranteed by certain duties laid down in the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicants Directive (CMRD). Additionally, other measures have a positive impact on workplace safety and workers health by boosting awareness of all involved actors.

The following list provides support for these important aspects. However, national requirements might deviate from the Directive and therefore, please consult with your national authorities about regulatory requirements for hazardous substances:

  • Performing a risk assessment is mandatory.
  • Instructing and training before workers start a task is mandatory.
  • Documentation of tasks involving carcinogens is mandatory.
  • Offering medical surveillance is mandatory.
  • Organising the chemicals within a substance inventory is regarded as very helpful.
  • Getting ‘external expertise’ from occupational physician or safety experts is regarded as very helpful.

Your well-being is further guaranteed by certain duties of your employer laid down in the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicants Directive (CMRD). However, it is also important that you act according to i.e. workplace instructions.

  • Performing a risk assessment is mandatory for your employer and serves to identify all potential health risks and install countermeasures to prevent or reduce these risks.
  • You have to be instructed and trained before you start a task. Repetition of training and adaption of operational instructions help you to stay alert to the risks.
  • Should you ever experience health problems that might be work-related even after changing the company or retirement, the documentation duty for tasks involving carcinogens will ensure that you receive recognition for an occupational disease.
  • Offering medical surveillance to you is your employers duty and serves to inform you about potential health risks related to your task.
  • Please be aware that cooperation with your employer is your duty as well. Workplace and personal hygiene protocols (for example, do not carry work clothes home) are one key factor to ensure your health and that of your family and should be followed at any time.
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Sectors involved
Recovery of sorted materials
 Treatment and disposal of hazardous waste
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 water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
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Austria
France
Portugal
Slovania
Spain
Business-Europe
Belgium
Finland
Nederland
Germany
Syndicat
Safety-and-Health
ECHA
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