The greatest hazard to dealing with raw sewage in an excavation is ________.

• A. Drowning
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Electrocution
• D. Contracting Hepatitis

Answer: (D)

Handling raw sewage in an excavation exposes you to disease-causing organisms contained in the waste. The most significant risk is contracting hepatitis from contact with or exposure to pathogens in the sewage. Even brief skin contact, splashes to the eyes or mouth, or inhaling aerosols can lead to infection, so protective barriers are essential. Use impermeable gloves and clothing, eye and face protection, and practice strict hygiene—wash after handling and decontaminate exposed skin. Vaccination for hepatitis B (and awareness of hepatitis A/E exposure) is also an important preventive step where applicable.

Other hazards can occur, such as drowning if an area fills with liquid, or hazards from cold water or electrical risks, but the ongoing, most severe risk in this context is infection from sewage exposure.