It’s simple to overlook that those tasked with installing and fixing pipes often work under the most hazardous conditions.
The fact that they spend their time underground, working near live current or with lethal gas means that there are many safety hazards plumbers face every day.
In this blog post, we will explore these hazards so you can be more aware of what your plumber is going through when he or she comes into your home for repairs!
PS: Don’t want to risk your life dealing with plumbing problems? If so, then we’re the one to call! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services to help you with your needs so you can get back to living your life! Give us a call to know more.
Table of Contents
Plumbers are at Risk to Heights and Falling Objects
Oftentimes, piping in roofs and skyscrapers require maintenance and repairs, especially when they are in a state of leaking.
In order to get at the piping, plumbers will have to climb on top of unstable structures or rooftops with only ladders and scaffolding as their support. Without proper safety measures, such work can be incredibly dangerous for themselves!
In addition, falling objects is also a risk that plumbers face; they could find chunks of metal from broken pipes falling onto them while working below ground level.
To prevent this hazard, it would be wise for those who install plumbing systems to invest in appropriate protective gear, including helmets and chest protectors, among other things, against impact injuries.
Chemical Hazards May Affect Plumbers
During work, plumbers are constantly exposed to chemical risks such as those found in drain cleaners or other chemicals. A lot of these chemical substances have been linked to lung disease, and many plumbers carry the risk of developing it due to their work conditions.
Harsh chemicals such as chlorine gas are also a threat to plumbers. When exposed, it can cause respiratory problems in some people, and those who work with this substance have been known to develop chronic breathing difficulties, which may result in something serious if left untreated!
With this on the line, plumbers must always wear masks to protect themselves against these hazardous chemicals that can be found in their work environment.
Skin Hazards and Eye Risk
Plumbers are always handling chemical solutions, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they often get their skin burned from this work. Accidents can’t always be prevented, so the risk of spillage of chemicals on the skin is very real, and most plumbers will need to wear protective gloves and gear for this purpose.
Eye injuries are also a safety hazard that plumbers may face in their work environment as it is common for them to lose their sight or have permanent damage when they accidentally get chemicals in their eyes while fixing pipes.
To stop such risks, workers should always wear goggles or glasses at all times during installations, repairs and other activities which could lead up to contact with hazardous substances like these!
Rats and Contaminated Water
You may not be aware of this, but some plumbers have to deal with rats and contaminated water when they go underground.
Rats are a huge threat as they can carry illnesses such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Salmonella and Tularemia that can be transmitted through contact of their bites or pee. Contaminated water is also harmful because it may contain bacteria which could lead up to sickness if it winds up in an open wound.
With this on the line, plumbers wear boots and gloves to stop rats from biting them and contaminated water from reaching their skin.
Exposure to Mold Can Cause Dangers
Mold is a common problem when it comes to plumbing work, and if exposure to it is not limited, the plumber may suffer from respiratory problems.
Mold in the air can cause severe allergic reactions such as asthma which might lead up to death when left untreated, so workers should always wear masks on their faces and use protective gear for jobs that could expose them to dangerous mold spores or other airborne particles!
Takeaway
This blog post has focused on the importance of understanding safety hazards that plumbers face. If you’re a plumbing company, manager, or owner, this information should be vital to your business.
We hope we have provided some valuable insight into how accidents can happen and what steps you can take to help prevent them while also protecting yourself from liability in case they do occur. For more information about our services, please contact us today!