Plumbing Safety

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PLUMBING SAFETY

INTRODUCTION

Plumbing is essential to everyday life, so it is easy to forget to follow safe practices. However, if
you remember to follow safety procedures, you can avoid illness and injury from the job.

HAZARDS

There are several hazards that are associated with


plumbing. For example:
• Illness: Working with raw sewage or in areas with
rodents can cause viruses and infections
• Muscle Strain: Lifting heavy objects and getting into
awkward positions
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet surfaces make it
hazardous to walk around
• Risk of eye or skin injuries from chemicals or flying
objects
• Risk of fire from welding
• Risk of electrocution from using power tools around wet surfaces

PREPARATION

• Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any chemical you may use for plumbing.
• Gather together your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Consider:
o Goggles to protect your eyes from splashes
or flying debris
o Heat protective gloves to protect your hands
from hot equipment or pipes
o Protective shoes with non-slip soles
• Be sure the working area is free from clutter and
debris so you can stay focused on your work and
avoid tripping or slipping on unnecessary items.
• Check the air quality before you begin work in a
confined space.
o If the air quality is not good, be sure to have
a respirator or some type of ventilation in
order to stay safe.
• Turn off water or gasoline pipes if needed.
• Know the emergency numbers, such as the numbers of the utility companies, in case you
need them to quickly shut things off.
PLUMBING SAFETY

TOOLS

Be sure to inspect all your tools before you use them, and keep them in good condition. Also be
sure you know how to safely handle any tool before you actually use it:
• Electric Equipment
o Only use power tools that are safe for a wet environment.
o Do not automatically assume the electricity is off, even if it should be.
o If you feel a tingling when touching a metal pipe, stop working immediately.
• Welding Equipment
o Be sure the area is free of grease and oil so nothing will catch on fire from the welding
torch.
o Consider setting up a fire resistant shield
to protect the area around the pipes
being welded.
o Do not perform welding or soldering
tasks while wearing wet gloves.
o Do not perform welding near containers
labeled “flammable” or “combustible”.
• Plumbing Snakes
o Only use a snake if you have been
trained to do so.
o Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or
anything else that might get tangled in the snake.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Try to switch tasks and avoid awkward positions as best you can to prevent muscle fatigue.
• Do not look down the drain after pouring a chemical to avoid breathing in toxic fumes.
• Wash your hands after dealing with raw sewage.
• If you encounter asbestos, stop working and inform your supervisor.
• Do not work if you are too tired, sick, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

CONCLUSION

Plumbing safety is simple enough, but that does not


mean that it can be ignored. Remember to prepare,
properly use your tools, and follow all other safety
rules, and you should be able to avoid the hazards
that can come from plumbing.
Safety Meeting Report
Employer 

Date 

Location 

Meeting Supervisor

Safety Meeting Subject: 

Accidents Reviewed: 

Suggestions: 

Employee’s Attending 

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