Every job has hazards, so we take proper precautions and wear proper PPE. Many security precautions are the same across industries and industries because the risks are similar. We take for granted the luxury of clean water flowing into our buildings and wastewater flowing out. However, when problems do arise, plumbers can face several hazards during repairs. We've written about electrical wire safety, workplace safety in general. Now, we bring you 11 plumbing safety tips from the pros.
Quick Article Overview
- Know your code – they exist for a reason
- wear goggles
- Gloves protect against cuts and infections
- Protective footwear keeps you steady on wet surfaces
- realize! Gas lines, overheated attic, etc…
Personal Plumbing Safety Tips
1. Prepare for work
Clichés about preparation abound, so we won't try to create a new one here. But preparing for plumbing work means looking up the proper plumbing and building codes to know what the job needs to do. If you're rusted, be sure to practice the required skills — such as welding — before starting work. The reality of awkward situations is often more difficult than the theory, so be prepared.
2. Protect your eyes
Most good security articles get noticed quickly. This is also one of our top plumbing safety tips. Plumbers need their eyes to get the job done. Wear goggles that don't fog up and keep them on. If you wear glasses on top of your head, it's easy to forget you're not protected.
3. Protect your ears
There is a lot of sharp, loud noise on plumbing sites. Over time, these noises can cause damage to a plumber's hearing if the ears are not protected.
4. Cover your arms and hands
Long sleeves protect from burrs and other cut hazards. Some professionals don't like wearing gloves, at least for some jobs, because they can interfere with dexterity. But gloves play an important role in preventing infection. As such, they remain a critical piece of safety equipment when plumbers are exposed to waste, hazardous industrial chemicals, and mold.
5. Protect your feet
In articles about plumbing safety tips, shoes may not seem obvious. However, walking around puddles is inherently more dangerous. Anti-skid boots protect the feet and the whole person from falls. There are even boots like the Keen Utility Tacoma that stand up to a lot of waste.
6. Your lungs matter too
Gloves can protect the skin from mold, but inhaling mold can be a bigger danger. Masks protect plumbers' lungs from mold and dangerous fumes.
7. Watch your head
A hard hat isn't always necessary while plumbing, but it's a good idea to keep one with you. Plumbers wear them more often in industrial and new construction work.
Construction Site Plumbing Safety Tips
8. Extreme temperature
From attic work in the Florida summer to basement work in the Minnesota winter, plumbers experience extreme temperatures. This is not the place to be a hero. Plumbers can protect themselves with the right overalls, hydration, and common sense.
9. Gas lines and power outages
Water, electricity and combustibles do not mix. If a plumber smells gas, they should evacuate until the source is located and restored to safety.
10. Use the right tools
Our plumbing safety tips wouldn't be complete without talking about using the right tools. Every businessman knows the value of the right tool. It makes work easier, faster and safer. Part of being prepared is anticipating which tools you might need.
11. Have emergency contact information ready
Professionals know who to call for all the systems they contact – gas companies, electric companies, building supervisors and homeowners.
We hope you'll be safer with these 11 plumbing safety tips. If you're a pro and have other plumbing tips to keep you safe, add them in the comments below. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to provide your own professional tips.