DHAKA, Sept 18, 2025 (BSS) - Against the backdrop of an increased number of deaths during cleaning of septic tanks, the Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD) has started, for the first time, providing construction workers with training on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for cleaning sewers and septic tanks.

According to the FSCD, a total of 228 people have died in septic tank and sewage line accidents in the last five years.

"We used to provide training to people about fire safety. But we have started giving workers training on the cleaning procedure of sewers and septic tanks for the first time as deaths are increasing during cleaning of septic tanks," Deputy Director of the FSCD of Dhaka Division Md Saleh Uddin told BSS today.

The maiden training session was organized for construction workers in a 16-storey under-construction building of Shanta Holdings in Gulshan-2 in the capital on September 9, he said.

"A total of 75 construction workers took part in the training," he added.

During the training, he said, they showed video clips to the construction workers on how to clean septic tanks alongside practical classes.

"We have provided training to construction workers on risks and precautions during work inside septic tanks," he said.

After the theoretical discussion, a demonstration was given on how to ventilate a septic tank using smoke ejectors and air ventilators, or how to remove contaminated air or gas from a septic tank, he added.

Septic tanks must be left open for 24 hours before cleaning to allow the gas accumulated inside to escape and oxygen to enter, he said.

The initiative of imparting training on septic tank cleaning precautions comes at the directive of the FSCD director general following the deaths of three construction workers in Munshiganj district during septic tank cleaning a few days ago, he said. 

The training is ongoing in Dhaka and adjoining districts such as Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, and Gazipur, he said, adding that the training will also be imparted to workers involved in cleaning septic tanks and sewers across the country in phases.