HEALTH AND SANITATION
29
Plumbing Occupational
Health & Safety 101
By Chris Coetzee
As a plumber, you help many to rid their
premises of unwanted biologicals, give water to
their home and bring smiles to grateful clients.
But as time passes, we often forget the basics
of plumbing dos and don’ts. We care about you,
so here are a few tips to help you remember to
keep yourself safe:
"Always read labels
and instructions when
using chemicals or
machines. Follow the
recommendations for use
at all times."
• Don’t assume – read the label!
• Always wear your PPE.
• Use the right tool.
• Don’t forget to isolate.
Don’t assume – read the label:
Always read labels and instructions when using
chemicals or machines. Follow the recommendations
for use at all times. Check the warning labels on
products and equipment and know what to do in case
of an emergency.
Always wear your PPE:
Protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses when doing
any plumbing work, especially something that could
potentially damage your eyes. Work such as cleaning a
drain, using a drill, hammering, or even working under a
sink while looking up can pose a safety hazard for your
eyes. Also be aware of the possibility of contaminants,
like sewage splashing into your eyes.
Protect your hands. Wear appropriate work gloves to
protect your hands. Hands come into contact with many
different materials and chemicals when doing plumbing
projects, and using gloves is an easy way to prevent
injuries. When cleaning out a drain, it is a good idea to
wear latex gloves under leather gloves to protect you
from the germs typically found in drain lines.
Protect your lungs. Use a face mask when necessary
to protect your lungs. When your project involves
January 2020 Volume 25 I Number 11
sawing or sanding, take the extra precaution of using a
disposable face mask to prevent breathing in
dust particles.
Use the right tool:
Exercise caution when using power tools and follow
the manufacturer's recommendations for use. Drilling
large holes for pipes with a powerful drill such as a core
drill is a common hazard for plumbing work. Make sure
the drill bit or cutter will not stick during the operation;
if the bit stops, the drill will keep going. Also be extra
cautious when soldering or using any heat on pipes,
especially on the wall or near any insulation.
Don’t forget to isolate:
Shut off the water. If there's any chance that your work
will involve a water supply, shut off the water to be safe.
Even with minor repairs, isolate the water just in case.
Chris Coetzee is director
of OHS Savvy Consulting
(Pty) Ltd, HSE Member
of IOPSA and Technical
Member of SAIOSH. He
has worked along with
training facilities as an
assessor to provide SAQA
Unit Standard training
on various subjects.
Chris currently works as
an Occupational Health
and Safety Practitioner
assisting IOPSA / FEM as
well as member companies
with OHS related issues.
He is the presenter of FEM
Tuesday toolbox talks.
Chris specialises in Fall
Protection Plans, Hazard
Identification and Risk
Assessments, Incident and
Accident Investigations
and Safety Management
Systems / ISO
Don’t ignore code requirements.
Plumbing and building codes are put in place for the
protection of you, everyone in your household, and
the general public, so they should never be ignored.
For example, leaving out a simple vacuum breaker (a
common code requirement) in a water supply line can
potentially lead to contamination of the public drinking
water. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za