We take for granted the luxury of clean water flowing into our buildings and sewage being discharged. However, when problems arise, plumbers may face many risks during the repair process. Every job carries risks, so we take appropriate precautions and wear personal protective equipment. Because the risks are similar, safety standards are the same across industries and professions.
Plumbers assemble, install, and repair water, gas, and sewer pipes and fixtures in residential and commercial buildings. They also install and repair various appliances, such as toilets and dishwashers. Plumbers are often needed to install pipes during home construction or repairs. Plumbers must pay proper attention to water pipe safety standards and precautions during their work to reduce the chance of accidents. From safety glasses and steel-toed boots to using the correct work tools, plumbers must stay safe during training and on the job.
1. Using the right equipment
Right tools are the main reason to make the jobeasier, safer, and faster. Although carrying a giant toolbox with you or back to your truck may seem daunting, injuries can be reduced by putting in the extra effort and using the right equipment.
Plumbers are exposed to various hazardous substances and products on the job site, such as lead, sulphur dioxide, asbestos, bird and rodent droppings, wastewater and solvents. Plumbers must always wear eye, skin and lung protection: goggles, gloves and a face shield. You’ll need gloves to protect your hands from germs and infections, goggles to protect your eyes from sewage, flying objects, and chemicals, and a mask to filter pollutants from the air.
2. Hidden mold
Working with water means often finding yourself in damp or mouldy rooms. Exposure to mold or breathing contaminated air can cause allergic reactions and irritation symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes, and rashes.
This is especially dangerous for people with asthma or eczema, so invest in a mask and good-quality gloves to prevent attacks.
Mold often hides on baseboards, under sinks, and in bathrooms where conditions are warm, humid, and poorly ventilated.
Prolonged mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, rashes and flu-like symptoms.
If you work in an area where mold is present, wear gloves and a mask for less skin contact and inhalation of toxic spores.
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3. Make sure you are insured
Preventing damage or injury is great, but what if an accident is unavoidable? The right insurance can protect your customers if something goes wrong and cover any losses if you are temporarily out of business.
Protect yourself and your company with appropriate business insurance. At a minimum, you need general liability insurance to protect you against injuries and property damage claims. You might also like:
- professional liability insurance
- commercial property insurance
- workers compensation insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
Contact your insurance company to determine which policy is best for you.
4. Protect your eyes
Whether cutting pipes or avoiding dust while working in your attic, anti-fog goggles are essential work attire that all plumbers should have. If you have eye problems, we’re sure you’ll regret not wearing them. Your plumbing team should use protective equipment to protect their eyes to avoid eye injuries. You should provide your team with the appropriate protective equipment to help them avoid accidents.
Plumbing work such as using drills, reciprocating saws, drain holes, hammering, or working under sinks can create safety hazards for plumbers’ eyes that can threaten their careers. Do not allow your team to work in the field wearing goggles. Additional equipment is also provided for them to provide to homeowners or regulatory agencies on-site to monitor plumbing work. Follow precautions to ensure a good customer experience and higher chances of customer retention.
5. Protecting Ears
The workplace is noisy, especially when multiple workers are working in a room, and there are power tools. Over time, this loud noise can lead to hearing loss or other sonic shocks. Protect your hearing with simple protection like a plug or shield.
Most people need to realize that plumbers often work in very noisy environments. Construction sites and industrial areas produce high levels of noise that can seriously damage your hearing over time. One report shows that 48% of plumbers experience hearing loss. So please carry earplugs with you.
6. Steel toe cap
There’s nothing more painful than stubbing your toe or having something fall on your foot. Non-slip steel-toe shoes will keep you on your feet longer. Slipping and falling are among the leading causes of accidents in the workplace. Investing in quality non-slip shoes with protective toe caps is crucial for plumbers, as it is for all tradespeople. Consider placing rubber mats around your work area to reduce the risk of falling from puddles.
7. Lack of preparation
Before starting any work, meeting the client and understanding what they want to do is important. Not only will this provide an accurate indication of whether you can complete the project and prepare a quote, but it will also allow you to know what to expect and be able to bring the correct tools and equipment. You can also check plumbing and building codes beforehand and won’t be surprised by awkward spaces on your first day on the job.
8. High temperature moisturizing
When you’re busy and want to finish some work, it’s easy to forget to stop for a drink. However, working in an attic or confined space can cause you to sweat and dehydrate quickly, which can be the beginning of headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, and pulse changes. Need we say more?
9. Never ignore emergency contacts
Who would you contact if you accidentally cut a power cord? Electricians, yes, but finding one who can rush right away in the event of an emergency can be a daunting task. Creating a contact diary of other departments is extremely useful and can quickly nip any issues in the bud and minimize the consequences.
Common Plumbing Problems due to lack of Safety Standards
Every plumbing service or repair carries potential safety risks. Understanding the risks can help you better prepare for your next plumbing job. Other plumbing problems include clogged toilets, water clogs, and leaks. These problems range from commercial plumbing service requests to residential plumbing services. It would be best to analyze customer needs to help you deliver a high-quality customer experience and retain them long-term.
Here are some common plumbing hazards and risks you may encounter on the job:
- Exposure to hazardous and biological materials such as chemicals, lead, mold, asbestos, raw sewage, and sulphur dioxide.
- Slips, trips and falls due to leaks and other wet working conditions
- Hearing loss is caused by loud sounds such as banging tools, pipes, or plumbing machinery.
- Wounds, broken bones, or broken bones caused by the use of plumbing equipment and power tools
- Working on metal pipes can cause electric shock.
- Burns caused by hot water, steam pipes, or power tools.
- Musculoskeletal injuries (such as tendinitis or strains) are caused by repetitive movements and working in cramped or uncomfortable spaces.
