Plumbing Hazards. Plumbing is one of the common trades in any construction project. Its role transcends beyond the execution of works. In this regard, this trade is essential for the protection of public health and the environment. In fact, with the aim of recognizing this work, every March 11, the World Plumbing Council (WPC) has celebrated International Plumbing Day since 2010. It is one of the specialized construction trades. Likewise, it is usually associated with small businesses and self-employed workers. Precisely this characteristic aggravates plumbing hazards, which we will address in this article.
One of the functions of the safety and health coordinator is to promote awareness in prevention matters. This is an important issue in this type of organization. Thus, prevention service technicians will carry out their work much more smoothly. Therefore, the involvement of employers and self-employed workers in this task is essential.
Main Plumbing Hazards
Plumbing Hazards Related to Safety
The risk of accidents has always been relatively present in the awareness of construction professionals. Despite this, it is always good to recall the main causes in plumbing. Furthermore, they are usually present throughout the entire sector.
Falls from different levels will be linked to the use of ladders and scaffolding to access elevated pipes. The existence of trenches also implies a risk of falling from different levels. Therefore, preventive measures that eliminate the risk must be implemented. If this is not possible, collective protection will be used. Additionally, we must bear in mind that we will often encounter wet and slippery surfaces.
The collapse of earth in the aforementioned trenches must also be taken into account. Therefore, the safety and health coordinator must properly audit the management of the works. This will ensure shoring when necessary.
There is also the risk of cuts, punctures, pinches, and other mechanical hazards such as crushing. These risks are derived from the use of certain tools and materials, such as sanitary ware. It will be essential to make an appropriate selection of protective gloves, as we saw in our article on the selection of PPE. Objects falling on the feet are also common. Therefore, a good selection of safety footwear that is also comfortable must be made. Safety footwear will also help us avoid trips and sprains caused by uneven terrain.
To prevent head injuries caused by pipes and bars, wearing a helmet will help. However, due to the positions adopted, it will not always be the best option. Therefore, proper signage must be provided, and sharp edges and elements must be protected as much as possible.
Particle projection is also common in this type of work. Especially in drilling or insulation tasks and dismantling work. Therefore, appropriate eye protection equipment must be used.
Likewise, other accidents related to electric shocks must be taken into account. This is due to the use of portable lighting equipment and electric tools. These also cause burns, as do hot liquids and pipes. The possibility of fire must also be considered. This is due to the presence of electric tools in confined spaces containing combustible gas residues. Sometimes the existence of these enclosed spaces will also cause a risk of flooding and drowning with wastewater. Accidents also occur due to poisoning. These poisonings are caused by toxic gases released in treatment systems. And they can also aggravate their consequences in spaces with poor ventilation.
Plumbing Hazards Related to Environmental Factors
We have already mentioned some accident risks related to the environmental conditions of plumbing. Caused by contact with gases and liquids, such as poisoning. But contact with various chemical substances (solvents, drain liquids, wastewater, etc.) can cause dermatitis, eye and respiratory system irritation. In this regard, it is worth noting the risk to the respiratory system and possible lung injuries. These are caused by exposure to mineral fibers and inorganic aerosols when applying insulation or dismantling pipes.
Regarding the respiratory system, we will also have to consider possible oxygen deficiencies and exposure to asphyxiating gases. Remember that many jobs are in confined spaces. It will be necessary for the safety and health coordinator to take into account the procedures applied, especially those relating to special work permits and tasks in confined spaces.
On the other hand, biological hazards are worth mentioning. There is exposure to multiple pathogens present in the wastewater of the facilities. We will also encounter exposure to insect bites and stings, present in environments of these characteristics.
Plumbing Hazards Related to Ergonomics and Applied Psychosociology
We have already discussed in other articles the ergonomic and psychosocial risks in the construction sector. It is obvious to everyone that plumbing requires multiple tasks with high physical demands. Forced postures are adopted and there is a lot of manual handling of loads. All of this leads to many muscular discomforts, especially lower back pain. Repetitive movements will cause wrist problems when threading and cutting.
Environmental conditions will also cause ergonomic problems derived from exposure to excessive heat and cold. Sometimes self-contained breathing equipment and special suits will be used, which also cause discomfort and stress.
We must not forget the psychosocial factors inherent to any construction work. We already discussed this in our specific article. There are certain aspects specific to construction that affect this type of risk. Especially team management, which is not exclusive to the plumbing trade.
It should be noted that all these plumbing hazards are aggravated by the concurrence of activities. Various companies from different trades are the cause. This also results in a large number of responsibilities. This will be one of the challenges to be overcome by the safety and health coordinator. Therefore, it is necessary to hire an experienced team that takes into account all the aggravating factors.
