Safety Tips For Plumbers

June 25, 2009 | Filed Under Work At Home

by Tal Potishman

A plumber’s role encompasses a wide range of tasks such as repair work on pipes, working on fixtures, and installing appliances. The plumber during the course of their career will be engaged in tasks on a wide range of sites. This also means that they are likely to face different working conditions, some of them potentially dangerous. If the correct measures are not taken in ensuring the plumber’s safety, the risk of catching a disease or maintaining an injury will be higher. The following tips should help you avoid some of these pitfalls.

Risk of health problems

As a plumber you could be exposed to harmful chemicals. This will be largely dependent on which site you are working on, however exposure to chemicals such as asbestos or lead can be quite common. You can avoid exposing yourself to such chemicals by preparing yourself beforehand, and getting training before you enter the site.

Be aware of electrocution

If you are not careful you can get electrocuted. Never assume that the electricity is off, as this can result in serious miscalculation and injury. Sometimes it can even lead to death. Power tools should only be used if they are safe to use in a wet environment and that have a ground fault circuit interpreter. Take precaution when working on metal pipes; if you feel a tingling when touching a metal pipe, stop work immediately.

Working in cramped conditions

You will not be surprised to learn that part of your job entails sometimes working in cramped conditions. Once you have identified that you will be working in a cramped area, you should follow important safety procedures. Depending on how cramped the area is, there can sometimes be oxygen deficiency and also hydrogen sulphide, a by-product of sewage decomposition, can build up to unhealthy levels. It would be useful to have a long lasting ventilation system in place for your job. Regular supply of fresh air will improve your service performance and make you better equipped to handle more challenging tasks.

Appropriate clothing and equipment

Plumbing can often require you to work in wet areas. In order to avoid and slips and falls,you should use appropriate footwear. It is important also to clear up any form of clutter so that you can move around quite easily. All of your tools and equipment should be kept in good working order at all times. Any form of equipment that involves cutting should be kept sharp. A useful tip to avoid injuries is to cut away from you face and body. Eye protection is extremely important, particularly if you are cutting or grinding materials.

The importance of taking regular breaks

It is useful for your well-being if you get in the habit of taking regular breaks during your tasks. This will be good for your mind and for when you have to take on more physically and mentally demanding tasks later on.

The challenges involved in plumbing should not be taken lightly. If the appropriate safety measures are not taken, then this could result in your injury. Therefore you should do all that you can to take care of your safety.

About the Author:

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about boilers, central heating, Brighton plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.

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