SWP

- Using Calcium Hydroxide (Lime)

SWP Calcium Hydroxide (Lime) for Disinfecting

Sewage Spills in Waste Treatment Plant

SWP - Using Calcium Hydroxide (Lime)

Table of Contents
Contents
Purpose and Scope ...................................................................................................................... 3
References .................................................................................................................................... 3
Uses .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Storage ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Procedure for Use ........................................................................................................................ 4
First Aid Measures ........................................................................................................................ 5

SWP - Using Calcium Hydroxide (Lime)

Purpose
The purpose of this Safe Work Procedure is to outline the safe handling, use and storage of
calcium hydroxide, known as lime from this point on, for purposes of disinfecting after sewage
sludge spills. It also highlights the circumstances where using lime is appropriate and where it
is not. Every worker required to use lime shall follow the guidelines listed in this SWP and only
use lime for approved activities.

References
Reference
Cleartech
LIME (National Lime Association)

Title
Material Safety Data Sheet - Calcium
Hydroxide
Website (http://lime.org/lime-basics/uses-oflime/metallurgical-uses-of-lime/iron-andsteel/)

Uses
Lime is most commonly used in the waste management industry for its pathogen killing
abilities. The high pH environment inhibits further growth of pathogens and is an effective
means of sterilizing a location following a sewage waste spill. But where spill occurs in highly
acidic environments, lime SHALL NOT BE USED.
Other uses of lime are related to soil stabilization in the construction industry and as a flux
agent for removing impurities in steel production.

Storage
Always store lime in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
Ensure no incompatible materials are stored nearby. Incompatible materials include products
made of or that contain:

Ethanol or any other alcohol

All acids

SWP - Using Calcium Hydroxide (Lime)

Handling
Always wear the following special PPE whenever handling lime:

Chemical goggles/full-face shield. Remove contact lenses before use

Impervious, disposable, chemical gloves (rubber or PVC)
Disposable, respiratory mask, if product consistency has potential to create
dust. NIOSH-approved respirator with a dust cartridge is recommended
Body suits, aprons and/or coveralls of chemical resistant material

Procedure for Use

Follow the steps below for safely and effectively using lime to disinfect surfaces:
1. Ensure most of the sludge/sewage has been removed prior to using lime. Wear
appropriate PPE including full body coverall and face shield/chemical goggles
whenever handling sewage sludge
2. After removing sludge/sewage, ensure you wear the following special PPE before using
and coming into contact with lime:
Chemical goggles/full-face shield. Remove contact lenses before use
Impervious, disposable, chemical gloves (rubber or PVC)
Disposable, respiratory mask, if product consistency has potential to create
dust. NIOSH-approved respirator with a dust cartridge is recommended
Body suits, aprons and/or coveralls of chemical resistant material
3. With appropriate PPE, move lime container/bag to affected location
4. Use small plastic scoop to collect lime and spread evenly on affected area
5. Once spread, wait a few hours, depending on scale of disinfection required
6. Place the lime back in cool, dry and ventilated storage location
7. While waiting for disinfection process to be complete, remove clothing and wash
immediately. Clothing should not be reused unless it has been washed
8. Chemical gloves and mask should be discarded as well. Rinse body suit if not
disposable
9. After disinfection process is complete as per user's opinion, collect the lime and
prepare for disposal
10. Ensure the same special PPE is worn during the disposal process as well
11. To dispose the lime, dig a hole, size depending on amount of lime
12. Place used lime in hole and cover up
13. Again, wash all clothes, and do not reuse until all clothes have been washed. Discard
disposable gloves and mask

SWP - Using Calcium Hydroxide (Lime)

Hazard Identification
Following are signs and symptoms of exposure to lime:

Inhalation: Low concentrations may cause sore throat, coughing, headache and
dizziness. Intense exposures may result in tightness in the chest and delayed
pulmonary edema.
Skin Contact/Absorption: Can penetrate skin and cause soft, necrotic, deeply
penetrating areas on contact. Slow reaction.
Eye Contact: Severe eye irritation, intense watering of the eyes, possible lesions and
may lead to blindness with prolonged exposure.
Ingestion: Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause circulatory system failure.

First Aid Measures

If exposure to lime occurs, depending on type of exposure follow the first aid steps below:

Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Give artificial respiration only if breathing has
stopped. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact/Absorption: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected area with
lukewarm water and soap. Seek medical attention is irritation occurs or persists
Eye Contact: Flush immediately with water for at least 20 minutes. Forcibly hold eyelids
apart to ensure complete irrigation of eye tissue. Seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: If victim is conspicuous, give 300 mL of water, followed by diluted vinegar (1
part vinegar, 2 parts water) or fruit juice to neutralize the alkali. Do not induce vomiting.
Contact a physician immediately
Additional Information: Consult a physician for all exposures except minor instances of
inhalation

Additional Information
For additional information, refer to MSDS, attached with this SWP.