Plumbing Africa April 2020 | Page 55

HEALTH AND SANITATION 55 Safety for plumbers at height and in ceilings By Chris Coetzee A plumber must manage the risks of working in all different environments and at times. This is especially the case with: • Ceilings • Confined spaces • Heights • Waste Pipes / Sewers. This will call for serious consideration of the tools, equipment as well as PPE to perform the task. It is true that fall protection plans are only needed in specific instances or when required by law – (Construction Regulation 10). But ask yourself this: ‘Would I knowingly put myself or others at risk just because I didn’t have to do something?’ or ‘Would I do something just because I have a right to, regardless of the risks?’ Working at height The principles of protecting ourselves and others from the possibility of a fall to a lower level or the same level should move us to want to act on the risks. When it comes to working in elevated positions, there are a few areas to consider: • Working on a ladder • Working on a roof • Working on a scaffold Fall protection: Regardless of the work environment and which form of height you will be working at, the measures to be taken need to be followed: • Start with an inspection of the work area • Working on a MEWP (cherry picker, for example). Wear the right, safe-to-use and correctly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in ceilings • Identify the potential hazards and assess the risks • Set appropriate controls: • Prevention • Restriction • Arrest • Monitor the effectiveness of the control • Review the plan Since it is possible to fall both from an elevated level as well as from the same level, it is necessary to identify the April 2020 Volume 26 I Number 02 areas where a fall of any type may occur. This pro-active approach will help to prevent the possibility of a fall within the workplace, from slip/trip hazards to falling from a ladder. Attempting to ‘prevent’ the fall is the most effective form of Fall Protection. How will you go about ensuring that you are safe when working at heights? Be reasonable and practical, when in doubt, ask for help. Give us a call or mail us for more information regarding safe work procedures. www.plumbingafrica.co.za