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