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Improved communication and ergonomics for sewer workers
There is a massive underground network of sewers beneath the city of Zurich. The sewers, which transport rainwater (stormwater) and sewage (blackwater), must be maintained to prevent clogging and the build-up of sand which can affect the flows and ultimately, treatment. Currently, Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) sends teams of workers into the sewers to perform preventive and reactive maintenance, which often involves the use of high-pressure water. The work is difficult, smelly, and loud: workers must navigate small openings and work under difficult conditions while also ensuring their own safety and maintain communication with each other and the ground. Unfortunately, because of the depth and high noise levels, radio communication is not possible. Currently, lights, whistles, hand-signals, and other informal techniques are used to communicate between workers, but these methods are prone to failure and misunderstandings.
Keywords: wastewater, blackwater, sewers, canals, ergonomics, communication
Not specified
In cooperation with ERZ a method to communicate between workers underground needs to be investigated and improved techniques to ensure safety are required.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the current ergonomic and communication constraints
- Evaluate the current methods and strategies used for communication
- Develop and pilot improved systems of underground communication
- Evaluate the developed system(s) on site with the workers of ERZ
- Make recommendations for ERZ
We are looking for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in occupational health and safety, data-collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and an understanding of wastewater/infrastructure. due to the nature of this work, German-speaking candidates are preferred.
In cooperation with ERZ a method to communicate between workers underground needs to be investigated and improved techniques to ensure safety are required.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the current ergonomic and communication constraints
- Evaluate the current methods and strategies used for communication
- Develop and pilot improved systems of underground communication
- Evaluate the developed system(s) on site with the workers of ERZ
- Make recommendations for ERZ
We are looking for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in occupational health and safety, data-collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and an understanding of wastewater/infrastructure. due to the nature of this work, German-speaking candidates are preferred.
Advisor: Andreas Lindau (ERZ)
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
**Contact information:**
Name: Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
Email: tilleye@ethz.ch