Tag Archives: pros

RISKS AND REWARDS OF BEING A PLUMBER (GUEST POST)

Work safety has always been a top priority in the plumbing and heating industry. As plumbing is a profession that involves frequent exposure to hazardous situations and chemicals. Plumbing experts needs to be precise with regard to their health and work standards. Plumbing as a craft requires significant technical knowledge and involves much more than simply unclogging a sink or replacing a home shower. 

Typically, a plumber’s work involves working with a wide variety of plumbing tools and equipment in different challenging situations on a daily basis. It is therefore vital that all plumbing engineers are well aware of the risks involved in the occupation and are able to take the appropriate safety measures to minimize them. 

Professional plumbing experts like Plumbers 4U ensure that all their staff are trained and well versed in their own health and safety policies and adhere to safe working practices onsite. These emergency plumbers, working in the North London area and serving Camden, St. Albans, Enfield, Barnet and Brent, work to ensure that all projects are delivered in a professional, responsible and safe manner. 

 There are many well-known risks involved when working as plumber – but taking the correct precautions and safety measures will ensure safety and success in the field. 

  • Plumbers often need to work in close proximity to flammable or combustible substances, and risk exposure to toxic substances like lead, asbestos, adhesives, solvents, solder and sulphur dioxide
    Take proper precautions to avoid inhaling harmful vapours by using properly fitted respirators and ventilation systems, and use eye protection while working with chemicals and in areas where foreign materials may enter your eyes. 
  • There is an increased risk of injury while working with different tools
    Keep your equipment and tools organized and work in a clutter-free area. Inspect the different equipment for safety hazards before each use. All bench and hand grinders should be checked prior to use and should have the proper safety guards in place. 
  • Working in different awkward positions, and lifting heavy or awkward objects could cause back injury
    Work in a clutter-free area and work with your back hunched as little as possible. If lifting heavy objects, bend at the knee and keep a straight back, and do not try to lift something that’s too heavy. 
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures might lead to burns from steam or hot water
    Secure cut off valves prior to working with steam lines or hot water lines. 
  • Plumbers risk electrocution by working with electrical equipment in close proximity to water
    Do not work with electrical equipment while in water or if the equipment is wet, and inspect all electrical cords and plugs for exposed wires or cracks in the insulation before each use. 
  • There is a risk of slipping, tripping or falling on wet surfaces especially while working at heights
    Ensure that you use fall protection and that you take extra care while working at heights.  

Although challenging, there are a lot of benefits to a career in plumbing. You’ll be able to start your own business and set your own work timings, and can therefore set different appointments to fit your work schedule. You’ll never be short of work – plumbing is not an industry that can ever go out of fashion, nor can the need for plumbers ever dwindle. The profession also ensures a fairly good income, as you’ll be able to charge for your skills on an hourly basis. 

Sent to us by Ram Seth, writing for Plumbing specialists Plumbers 4 U ensure that all of their engineers adhere to the industry’s safety standards to avoid or mitigate some of the above risks, and as long as an accident-free plumbing workplace is maintained, which requires a commitment from everyone within a company, the profession of plumbing is a lucrative one.

We appreciate these safety tips, and all understand that plumbers do many jobs that none of us want to do. They know what they are doing, and are worth the charge. pb

PROS AND CONS OF TAKING CHILDREN ON CRUISES (Guest Post)

 With the holidays coming up, and kids out of school for a couple of weeks, some families may be considering taking a cruise.  Here are some thoughts sent to us by Jeralyn Nelson of HouseSittingJobs:
 
Cruises have become a popular vacation option lately because they offer multiple stops and plenty of activities both onboard the ship and off, and many of them have started catering to families, planning the entire cruise around kid-friendly events.  If you’re toying with the idea of taking the kids on a cruise for your next family vacation, then check out these pros and cons and see if they help if your decision making.

Pros

  1. More and more cruise lines are taking families into consideration and ships are more kid friendly now.
  2. Many of the cruise lines (Norwegian, Royal, Disney, and MSC) are catering to kids with ships that have attractions such as water slides, kids’ clubs, kids’ camps, mini-golf, outdoor movies, and video arcades.
  3. There are plenty of things for the kids to do so parents can enjoy some time alone.  Cruise lines have increased their staff to include camp counselors and others to work strictly with the kids on board.
  4. There are teen clubs where teens are free to dance the night away in a non-alcoholic environment or just hang out and make new friends.
  5. One cruise line (MSC) even lets kids cruise for free.
  6. Most cruise lines will accommodate the tastes of your child and several even make their own baby food, but you will need to request this ahead of time.
  7. Room service is free so if you would rather feed your child away from the crowds and distractions of the dining room you can.
  8. Staff members are willing to babysit on the ship during their off hours so that you can get out and take in a show.  Some parents prefer to bring their nanny or a babysitter with them on the cruise, and the cost for an on board babysitter can vary.
  9. High chairs are available in the dining room, or you can have one brought to your state room.
  10. Some cruise lines even have classes geared toward teenagers like photography and film making.

Cons

  1. Some cruise lines have not gone the extra mile to include very many kid friendly activities, so you’ll need to do some research ahead of time to see if they have or not.
  2. Even on the cruise lines that have been touted for their kid friendly programs there is often not enough for the kids to do.
  3. Typically kids have to be at least 3 to go into the kids’ clubs and they have to be potty trained.
  4. The tweens (8 to 12) struggle to find their place.  They are too old for many of the kid areas where they are doing crafts and games, but they are too young for the teen club areas.  Depending on the kid you may still find them saying that they are bored.
  5. While some cruise lines have added many kid-specific things to do there aren’t very many family friendly activities.  So if you are looking for a place that you can do something as a family the cruise ship may not be the place.
  6. Most cruise lines charge full price for kids.
  7. Most of the state rooms only have a stand up shower so if your child can’t take a shower you will need to bring an inflatable bathtub with you.
  8. Toddlers who are not potty trained cannot use the pools. Pools on the cruise ship are usually highly chlorinated and it probably wouldn’t be good for young kids anyway.
  9. There aren’t many outlets in the room so you will want to bring your own outlet strip to plug in cell phones, iPods, DVD players and the like.
  10. Closets are very small and filled with shelves, so keep that in mind when you are packing.  There are a few drawers, but not enough for everyone to have their own if you’re all in the same room.

Before booking a cruise with kids in tow, consider the pros and cons to evaluate if family cruising is right for you.