Eight Common Hazards First-time Plumbers May Encounter | Myrtle Beach, SC

4/9/2020

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Handling a plumbing project on your own is not an easy task, and if you’re not careful enough, a lot could go wrong. Even with unsurpassed safety planning, a lot of accidents could happen. One way to avoid hazards on a plumbing job site is simply to be aware of the potential dangers. In Myrtle Beach, SC, the homeownership rate stood at 51.5 percent in 2017, rendering a huge demand for plumbing services. Here’s a look at some of the common plumbing risks that first-time plumbers face.

The Mold Menace

Mold infestation is among the worst nightmares a plumber may face since it’s known to cause respiratory ailments. Mold can attach itself under sinks, on wood paneling, in bathrooms, and any other damp places. You may not be wary of the amount of danger surrounding you until you get ill. That’s why it’s critical to be fully aware of the risk and take the necessary steps to avoid coming into contact with mold.

Ensure you wear protective gear such as respirators to avoid the risk of inhaling very small particles resulting from sweeping, sawing, and mold removal. You may also invest in gloves to protect your hands from exposure. This will ultimately go a long way in saving you cash otherwise spent on hospital visits and the purchase of medication for treatment. You know what they say, better safe than sorry!

Tool Injuries

Anyone whose daily job is a hands-on process faces the danger of injuring themselves with work tools. Plumbing is no exception. Plumbing tools have become more powerful over the past decades, presenting more risks to plumbers, especially when the equipment is defective. Some of the common hand injuries you may face include cuts, fractures, and broken bones. Worse still, some heavy tools may end up leaving permanent injuries, so you should ensure you stay safe at all times.

To protect yourself, you may wear hard hats, gloves, and eye/face shields. When using a new tool you are not familiar with, ensure you research on how to properly use the tool to avoid potential risks. Also, after completing your task, place your tools in a safe place to prevent other people from sustaining injuries.

Sweltering Heat or a Frigid Environment

Plumbers may have to work in conditions where it’s extremely hot or cold posing a health hazard and an increase in the chances of severe injuries. You must know your working conditions so that you prepare beforehand. For instance, during the summer season when the sun is scorching, you ought to stay hydrated and try as much as you can to stay away from the sun. Also, ensure that you wear sunscreen to avoid direct sunburns.

When working in extremely cold temperatures, it may suit you to keep warm at all times. Consider wearing insulated, waterproof gloves, knit facemask, a hat, and layers of loose-fitting clothing. Extreme cold, or heat, could be detrimental, causing the body to overwork or your organs could literally freeze. You may not be able to choose the environment to work in, but you can always strive to always be safe while on the job.

Hyperacusis

The plumbing world is filled with noisy pipes, banging sounds, and the pounding of electric machinery. Spending a lot of time around such noise may affect your hearing, both on and off the job. In the worst scenario, this may render you temporarily or permanently deaf. It’s advisable to protect your ears from extreme noise to avoid damaging your eardrums.

You may consider investing in disposable earplugs that are soft and sync with your ear cavity. Earmuffs are preferable when it comes to maximum protection, but the downside is they can be bulky and cumbersome. Pre-fitted or molded earplugs crafted and fitted by a professional are also an alternative.

Asbestosis

Plumbers may sometimes work in places whose history is unknown leaving them exposed to asbestosis. This is a leading cause of respiratory deaths among plumbers in the United States. Before working on a property, you should inquire from the property owners whether or not the building material has asbestos fibers. This will help in preventing you from inhaling the material that can eventually cause mesothelioma.

Even in the best scenario and you get mild symptoms from asbestos exposure, you could still endure swells in the face/neck, finger deformity, difficulty swallowing, blood in sputum, and crackly sound of breathing. Let’s face it, the ideal situation doesn’t sound too good after all. If a certain property has been exposed to asbestos, wear protective gear such as a face mask to avoid the eventuality of respiratory illnesses, and worse, death.

Eye Injuries

Exposure to certain bacteria and foreign objects are among the eye hazards that affect plumbers in Myrtle Beach, SC. You can easily avoid eye injuries since they are preventable. Some of the injuries may cause partial or permanent eye damage if you’re not careful enough. You should handle your plumbing tools with care to avoid accidents that could cause blindness.

Always protect your eyesight at all times by wearing safety glasses. You may also use chemical splash goggles and impact goggles to shield your eyes from chemical exposure. Imagine a world without that job that you love, or losing your eyesight, then think twice before going to work without protective gear.

Repetitive Injuries

Due to the nature of the plumbing job, plumbers may find themselves doing some heavy lifting time and again. As a result, you may develop injuries such as muscle strains, back injuries, broken shoulders, or damage to the soft tissues of the legs. The injuries may be difficult to identify at first, but they can surely manifest over time.

Some people tend to overlook the injuries and confuse them with tiredness. To minimize the chances of a repetitive stress injury, refrain from always lifting heavy objects. You can always buy or hire equipment that will assist you in carrying, pulling, or pushing heavy objects while working. You may also outsource labor to frequently help you in carrying heavy items.

Enclosed Space Fatality

Accidents may occur to plumbers who work in confined spaces. Small spaces have limited oxygen, therefore, you may find yourself unable to breathe. For instance, spaces such as sewers, ducts, pipes, boilers, and storage tanks have limited ventilation. You may get severe medical conditions, including heatstroke, from being in such spaces.

When working in confined places, make sure you carry personal protective equipment such as lighting tools, rescue and emergency apparatus, respirators, safety harnesses, and waterproof and thermal clothing.

Feel Free to Call Us

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC is a top-notch plumbing company that offers quality and affordable services to all clients. We understand that plumbing may pose a great danger to anyone, and with the tips above, you can always identify a potential threat and be safe at your workplace. You may call us whenever you have a plumbing emergency or inquiry, and we will have a professional plumber ready to assist you.