Plumbing Safety Tips That Every Plumber Should Know
The plumbing industry is one of the most dangerous industries in America, and it’s not because there are more people working in the field than any other. It’s because there are more people working in the field who don’t know what they’re doing. And when you consider that a plumber can be called to work on your home every day for years at a time, it’s no wonder that there are so many injuries and fatalities reported each year.
Everywhere poses a risk, but the plumbing industry is particularly vulnerable.
Plumbing technicians frequently work in hazardous conditions, such as confined spaces near electricity and water or being exposed to hazardous materials.
Many of these incidents could have been prevented if only the workers knew better how to do their jobs safely. There are some things all υδραυλικοι should know about how to keep themselves safe while performing repairs or installing new equipment. Here are four basic safety tips every plumber should be aware of.
- Wear A Helmet When Working In The Attic Or Roof
This may seem like an obvious tip, but many plumbers fail to wear helmets while working on the roof or attics. Many times, homeowners will use the attic as an extra room for storage, but this means that there are often lots of loose boards above them or the rafters. If you’re looking up into the attic, you’re putting yourself at risk of being strangled by something like a clothesline or even hanging from a beam. You must remember that the roof has a lot of weight supporting it, which means that any object that falls from the top of the roof onto you can cause serious injury or death.
It doesn’t matter how you get injured, just make sure you wear a helmet while working on the roof.
- Know How To Use Your Tools Safely
One of the most common mistakes made by plumbers is using tools incorrectly, which can lead to accidents. For example, if you’re using a wrench to tighten a pipe, you must first turn the pipe counter-clockwise (CCW) before turning the wrench clockwise (CW). This way, you won’t strip out the threads on the pipe. Another mistake many plumbers make is to grab a tool with their fingers instead of their whole hand. Even though this won’t prevent the tool from slipping out of their hands, it still puts the person’s fingers at risk for cuts, bruises, or worse.
So, take a moment to think about how you’ll be using the tools you’re going to use. Then, practice those techniques until you feel comfortable using them without thinking. This will go a long way toward keeping you safe on the job.
- Keep Your Work Area Clean & Clear
It may sound simple enough, but if you leave debris around where you’re working, you run the risk of tripping over it or falling down on it. This can lead to serious injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and broken bones. The same goes for sharp objects you might come across during work. If you see anything that looks like it could cut you, then simply put it away or clean it off.
- Don’t Perform Repairs On The Job
If you need to perform a repair on your own property, then either call another plumber or ask your employer’s permission to do the work. Doing it on the job makes it easy for someone to walk by and accidentally damage your work. This could mean getting a call from your boss after a few weeks or months later saying that you damaged his/her house. So, always make sure you follow proper safety procedures when handling your own repairs.
When working on your own property, you should wear gloves. These gloves will protect your hands from getting scratched or bruised, and they’ll also help protect you from getting splattered with water if you happen to drop a wrench or something similar. Also, before you start working, make sure you’ve got everything you need (i.e., ladders, buckets, etc.) to complete the task.
Don’t Forget About Safety Training!
Although these safety tips are important, they’re only half the battle. The best way to ensure that you stay safe on the job is by taking regular safety training courses. These classes will teach you how to use your tools correctly, how to avoid certain hazards on the job, and much more. Plus, these classes will give you the skills necessary to perform repairs and installations effectively. By attending a class regularly, you can become a safer, more efficient worker.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of safety training, then check out our article on the pros and cons of safety training.
Take Action Now
These safety tips are just guidelines. No one knows exactly what will happen when they’re working on their own property, nor what kind of dangers lurk outside of your home. That’s why it’s vital that you take action now to increase your chances of staying safe. Make sure you follow these safety tips, attend safety courses, and never forget to wear your helmet.
You might also find it useful to read our guide on how to choose a good plumber. After all, if you hire the wrong person, you could end up paying thousands of dollars to fix their mistakes.