Take it Seriously - Safety Tips for Plumbers

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. 

High risk of health problems

Plumbers often have to work across a range of environments. This essentially means that they will be exposed to a wide variety of chemical hazards. It is possible for plumbers to be exposed to chemicals such as asbestos or lead. In order to avoid excessive exposure, you should get training on the potential health hazards before you enter the site.

The danger of electrocution

You should never assume that the electricity is off, as this can result in serious miscalculation and injury, possibly even death. Only use power tools that are safe for a wet environment and that have a ground fault circuit interpreter. Be cautious when working on metal pipes; if you feel a tingling when touching a metal pipe, stop work immediately.

The dangers of confined spaces

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.

Use appropriate clothing and equipment

Plumbers are often required to work in wet areas. There are many health hazards you can come across in these areas so you should use appropriate footwear to avoid any potential falls and slips. It is important to be able to manoeuvre around quite easily, so you should keep your area clear of any form of clutter.  Keep all of your tools and equipment in good working order at all times. All of your cutting equipment should be kept sharp to ensure that it will work properly. You can avoid injuring yourself with cuts by cutting away from your face and body. Ensure that you use eye protection at all times when cutting or grinding.

Regular breaks

It is a good idea to take regular breaks during your tasks. This will keep you well rested and healthy. It will also assist you later on when you are required to work on longer and more strenuous projects.
As we have seen, the job of a plumber can be quite challenging. You will be working in some dangerous conditions, therefore you should take all the steps necessary to ensure your safety.

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This page has been written with contributions from qualified plumbers from London and experienced heating engineers from Enfield. Several of the company's experienced plumbers from Essex have worked on similar issues as well as some of our plumbing and heating engineers from Bayswater and our Finsbury Park heating engineers.

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