Risks are part and parcel of most trade industries, including plumbing. Industrial sites can pose many hazards in particular, which all plumbers, companies and safety managers need to be aware of. From small grazes to severe electrocution, it’s everyone’s duty in the workplace to keep employees safe.

In this article, we’re going to go through the main hazards associated with plumbing so that the right safety measures can be taken and hazards can be mitigated.

Top 7 Plumbing Hazards in Industrial Settings

Being a plumber is a diverse job and many possible workplace hazards come with such a role. 

Hazard #1 - Powered and Handheld Tools

Powered and handheld tools are the causes of many common accidents for plumbers. If used incorrectly, powered tools can easily slip, causing severe injury to hands, arms and fingers. Furthermore, pieces of material and particles often fly off when using a powered tool which, if the plumber isn’t wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), can cause long-term damage. 

A further key cause of accidents for plumbers is using the wrong tool for the job. Employers and safety managers should ensure everyone has the correct equipment for the job and supply sufficient PPE.

Hazard #2 - Falls

Another of the most concerning plumbing hazards is working from a height. Plumbers often have to work from different levels including roofs, ladders and scaffolding, which naturally leads to the possibility of falling. Before working from a height, it’s essential workers carry out a risk assessment to ensure all the necessary safety precautions are in place.

Hazard #3 - Manual Handling

Something else to consider when it comes to plumbing safety is the manual labour involved. Plumbers often have to carry heavy and awkward objects, sometimes in small spaces. Repetitive lifting of heavy objects can lead to overuse injuries which include strains to the neck, back and arms.

Employers and site managers must provide instruction, training and supervision to minimise injuries associated with manual handling.

Hazard #4 - Hazardous Substances 

Plumbers come into contact with all types of hazardous substances. One of the most dangerous is lead. Lead is toxic to nearly every human organ and can cause severe long-term effects to those who handle it without proper care. Lead can enter the body as dust or fumes so wearing appropriate PPE, such as respirators, face masks, overalls and gloves can make a big difference. 

It’s a safety manager’s and employer’s responsibility to ensure workers are aware of the risks associated with handling lead and provide training to minimise the likelihood of lead-related illnesses.

Hazard #5 - Biological Hazards

A big concern when it comes to plumbing hazards and risks is sewage. When working on sewage pipes or septic tank outlets, a plumber can come into contact with raw sewage. This can cause all kinds of health problems, including tetanus, hepatitis A and a range of illnesses caused by parasites.

Plumbers and employers must assess the level of sewage exposure before any work is carried out. A great way to do this is by conducting a Take 5 Risk Assessment which can clearly identify the plumbing hazards, evaluate the risk and proceed with the necessary precautions.

Hazard #6 - Electricity

We all know that electricity and water don’t mix. But, if you’re a plumber and you need electrical tools, it’s not always possible that they’re far away from each other. All electrical cables must be checked before each job, especially if they’re being used outdoors in diverse weather conditions. 

In many modern industrial environments, heating cables are also used as a way of maintaining the water’s temperature. Simply turning off the water valve won’t stop the voltage, so it’s essential all plumbers are trained in new practices and that electrical wires are identified in advance.

Hazard #7 - Confined Spaces

Confined spaces, such as pits, roof cavities and trenches, can be potentially fatal for plumbers. Toxic gases and a lack of oxygen can cause huge problems for workers. All spaces must be fully assessed before work begins and plumbers should always work in pairs (one outside the confined space) to monitor their safety. Only fully trained and equipped plumbers should work in confined spaces.

6 Risk Minimisation Strategies for Plumbing Hazards

Training and Supervision: All plumbers need to be appropriately trained and offered refresher health and safety courses. At UniPrint, we offer free online training to support the use of our Take 5 Safety Books.

PPE Usage: The correct protective equipment is essential. Managers and supervisors should ensure all plumbers have the correct equipment to keep them safe in the workplace.

Maintenance Practices: All machinery, electrical wires and equipment should be checked thoroughly before work commences.

Health and Environmental Precautions. Hygiene practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after being in contact with sewage or lead, vaccinations and adjustments for working in extreme conditions are very important.

Procedural Safeguards: Ensuring everyone is aware of emergency protocols and safe work procedures.

Engineering Controls: The use of safety features such as ventilation and barriers, which are particularly important in confined spaces.

Plumbing Safety Tools

Take 5 Safety Books

UniPrint’s Take 5 Safety Books are the ideal way for workers to fill out hazard risk assessments quickly and concisely. They’re pocket-sized, meaning they’re easy to transport which is a big incentive for plumbers. They’re durable and can be printed on stone paper or with a water-proof cover which is perfect for working in wet environments.

Hazard Reporting Systems

Tools such as pre-start checklists and hazard report books create a structured system to which every member of the team can adhere. It shows that management has put clear procedures in place that help to monitor machinery and assess potential hazards so they can be resolved quickly. 

Can You Do More to Reduce Plumbing Hazards in The Workplace?

Plumbing can be a dangerous industry, especially if hazards and safety precautions aren’t taken seriously. Risks must be quickly identified to prevent them from becoming fatal. Likewise, tasks should always be assessed to determine the level of risk involved and remove the chance of an accident happening. 

At UniPrint, you can customise your Take 5 Safety materials to include unique information about your business or industrial environment. Adding specific information, business colours and logos makes the books more relevant to your plumbers and they’ll be more likely to complete them. Get in touch with the team at UniPrint to enquire about your order!