Texas Wastewater Class B Practice Exam

What is an effective way for collection system workers to prevent infection from waterborne pathogenic organisms?

1. Using hand sanitizer regularly

2. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with wastewater

3. Drinking plenty of water

4. Ensuring all equipment is disinfected

The correct answer is: Wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with wastewater

Wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with wastewater is a crucial method for collection system workers to prevent infections from waterborne pathogenic organisms. Protective clothing such as gloves, boots, and full-body suits serves as a barrier between the worker’s skin and potentially contaminated water, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens that can lead to infections. Direct contact with wastewater poses obvious health risks, as this type of water often contains a variety of harmful microorganisms. By minimizing contact and employing appropriate protective gear, workers can greatly enhance their safety on the job. Other methods, while helpful in certain situations, do not directly address the most critical risk, which is physical contact with contaminated materials. For example, practicing good hygiene like using hand sanitizer or disinfecting equipment can complement protective measures, but they are secondary to the immediate barrier provided by protective clothing. Drinking plenty of water is important for general health and hydration but does not have a direct impact on preventing infection from waterborne pathogens.