FEATURE 29
3 . Hearing protection : We are surrounded by noise at different levels which has a negative effect on our hearing . Working with drills and tools that create additional sounds add to this . Depending on the level of noise , like standard drilling and compact drilling , it is always advisable to use some type of hearing protection .
4 . Maintain good respiration : While Covid has forced us to wear masks for health reasons , working in an environment that requires a ‘ work mask ’ must be able to provide comfortable breathing / respiration especially when working in a dusty situation like in a roof or a smoke area . Lack of sufficient air when working on or in a roof will result in fainting , which when on a roof is not the best thing to happen , unless one is correctly harnessed . Nonetheless lack of air to lungs is not good practice generally .
5 . Protect one ’ s hands with the right gloves : By nature , hands and fingers are the most likely to get damaged whilst conducting plumbing work . It goes to show therefore , that these parts of the body require care . Select the right gloves for the different applications : a . Protection against vibrations b . Protection against cuts by sharp materials c . Protection against cold or heat d . Protection against bacteriological risks e . Protection from splashes
6 . Protection for the feet : Safety shoes are essential . These come in various categories , and one should ensure the safety shoe suits the work . The materials plumbers work with can be dangerous when allowed to fall and an unprotected foot could be the casualty . Slipping or tripping can happen , and an unprotected foot becomes the casualty again . Those plumbers who work in the cold areas of our country where snow and ice are part of the weather conditions , claws should be considered .
7 . Wear the correct work clothes : High visibility jackets are a must worn over the overall or clothing suitable for the job . Strong fabric pants are a must as both the jacket and the pants provide protection for the different situations that can arise in plumbing .
8 . Clean up your mess after you : Not only is that part of good housekeeping and respect for your customer , but a mess can also result in someone else on site being injured just as you could be injured because of someone else ’ s mess .
General precautions
• Safety is everyone ’ s responsibility , and your safety is your responsibility .
• Always follow correct procedures .
• Never take short cuts .
• Ensure a clear and easy route to emergency exits and equipment .
• Be alert and awake on the job .
Ladders Plumbers use ladders extensively , so we ’ ll focus on ladder discipline . 1 . All ladders must be SABS approved . 2 . Always inspect ladders upon arrival / delivery for general condition .
Claudio Schwarz | Unsplash
Plumbers use ladders extensively , and health and safety compliance is imperative .
3 . Never use a ladder that has not been inspected before use .
4 . Look for : missing or loose rungs , damaged or worn non-slip rungs , loose bolts , screws , nuts , loose or faulty spreaders , locks or other metal parts in poor repair , rot , decay or wrapped rails on wooden ladders , any cracks , splits , and such in fibreglass ladders , rough or splintered surfaces . Wear and tear on any part of the ladder such as corrosion , rust , oxide and distortion , missing identification labels .
5 . Extension ladders – probably the most used – require checking of all the above , and in addition : loose or broken or missing extension locks , locks that do not set properly when ladder is extended , sufficient lubrication of working parts , defective cords , chains , and ropes , missing or defective pads or sleeves . 6 . Ladders must be checked upon departure and return , and any defect repaired , or ladder taken out of service . Ladders taken
August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6 www . plumbingafrica . co . za