Page 25 - MRF Training TJ MRF Manual Version 5 22042024 final April 24_Neat

T J O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 5

Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis)

This is a serious and sometimes fatal infection that is transmitted to humans by contact
with urine from infected rats.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is exposed to rats, rat or cattle urine. This could be you, when collecting or sorting
waste from building sites, commercial waste or working within the MRF.

How may I catch it?

The bacteria can get into your body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the
mouth, throat and eyes after contact with infected urine or contaminated water, such as in sewers,
ditches, ponds, puddles and slow flowing rivers.

Prevention

Wash Cuts and Scratches immediately with soap and running water and cover all cuts and
broken skin with waterproof plasters before and during work.

• Wear correct PPE including gloves
• Wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking
• Wash contaminated clothing

Additional information can be found at : http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg84.pdf

What else should I do? Report any illness to your doctor, tell the doctor about your
work and show the card on Leptospirosis you will have been given. Leptospirosis is
much less severe if it is treated promptly

Hepatitis A&B and Tetanus

Due to the nature of the waste industry there is a small risk to your personal health whilst carrying
out your duties if you do not wear the correct PPE or take care of your personal hygiene. TJ
recommend that you have a tetanus booster every ten years this can be provided by your GP free
of charge. If you are in contact with waste at the MRF or Landfill sites there is a very small risk of
contracting Hepatitis A/B. Your GP will be able to provide you the vaccination you require and any
costs incurred from the GP will be covered by TJ.

Page 24 of 181
Reviewed April 2024