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General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

Gear Up: Safety Tips for Professional Plumbers

Gear Up: Safety Tips for Professional Plumbers

Written by Sofia

For some countries, it can be easy to neglect the importance of health and safety practices due to lack of awareness, training and resources. Although plumbers have the option to choose between self-employment and working for businesses, your personal protective gears along with your compliance with Occupational Safety and Health standards deserve your time and attention.
Safety Issues
Plumbers may be one of the highest paid professionals in the trade industry but are more exposed to potential hazards and accidents. Like other professions such as builders, electricians and concreters, plumbers also battle with workplace risks. Some prominent ones include:
⦁ Exposure to toxins
⦁ Slips, trips and falls
⦁ Electric shocks and burns
⦁ Manual handling injuries
⦁ Eye hazards
Biohazard waste such as sewerage, mold and bacteria can also have a negative impact on your health. Without proper care and clothing, you may endanger not only your life but also your finances and investments.
Whether it involves a simple pipe repair or water supply installation, your safety shouldn’t be compromised. Here are plumbing safety tips to help prevent accidents around your home or at work:
Pick your hand wear. 
Generally, your hands get the majority of plumbing work. Covering them with either rubber or leather gloves can keep them from chemicals and heat exposures. Heat-insulating gloves are recommended when flame or soldering work is involved.
Before accepting any jobs, it’s important to understand the scope of work to help prepare the needed hand wear to use. If the process requires the use of handheld tools such as pipe wrenches and shovels, wearing protective gloves can be an option. However, taking note of this preventative measure can help safeguard your great asset.
Will you be needing power tools like circular saws and propane torches to accomplish the job? Using bare hands may be viable, but for your safety and convenience, it’s good to have your hands fully protected. You’ll thank these hand gloves when you do.
Mind your footwear.
You may have the best hand-eye coordination and balancing techniques, but without appropriate footwear, you’re bound to potential accidents.
Wet environments require a local plumber to wear a pair of boots with non-slip soles. When working at heights and confined areas, it’s also safe to use sturdy and non-skid shoes to avoid falling incidents.
Put on your headgear.
Wearing a pair of gloves and sturdy shoes won’t guarantee complete protection. Hard hats are recommended especially when doing large projects. A durable headpiece can keep you from acquiring head injuries caused by falling objects or solid materials.
Face protection is also good to consider. Make sure to wear respiratory masks when dealing with human waste, rodent droppings and other hazardous materials that could target your health.
Prepare your eyewear.
Eye injuries caused by chemical splashes, flying particles and falling objects can both affect your personal and professional lifestyle. Wearing safety goggles can protect your eyes especially when using high-pressure water jetters to clean drainage pipes. Likewise, if you’re dealing with hot water pipe repairs or maintenance, covering your eyes with proper eye shields can save you from acquiring extreme injuries.
Whether you’re involved with simple cleaning or installation jobs, wearing safety spectacles can keep you from dust and debris as well as material handling failures.
Wear your earpiece.
Just as your eyes need protective coverings, your ears also beg for proper protection. Hearing loss is one of the recorded safety hazards for plumbers. The World Health Organization’s Protection of the Human Environment released a 2004 report stating that 48 percent of plumbers suffer from hearing loss.
Wearing earplugs is essential especially when the job requires the use of extremely buzzing tools and procedures. This is common to a local plumber working in construction and other non-residential areas.
Workplace Safety Tips
⦁ Get proper training to increase your awareness
⦁ Refer to safety data sheets (SDS)
⦁ Keep your personal protective equipment in good condition
⦁ Follow safety orders and rules
⦁ Deodorise tools and equipment on a regular basis
⦁ Dispose gloves and clothing when necessary
⦁ Disinfect protective gears from head to toe
Gear Up, But Don’t Forget the Basics
In Australia, 8 percent of plumbers involved in construction sites acquire serious claims, with carpenters and joiners topping the list. Knowing the possible hazards and the best approach to avoid them helps to guarantee your safety. For instance, a local plumber who works in commercial projects should wear protective clothing such as hard hats and non-skid shoes to reduce accident rates.
Considering the temperature and climate condition also matters. Working in winter may not be ideal as it promotes high potential risks, but taking up assignments in cold temperate areas is still possible.
Responding to your client’s urgent need is important, but your safety must not suffer. It means that only qualified plumbers are expected to deal with any plumbing works to minimize the risks.
Do your part to protect your biggest asset. Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water and prioritize sufficient rest when necessary. Most importantly, invest in and wear high-quality protective gears to help lessen plumbing-related incidents and give you more time to enjoy the privilege of being a plumber.
When did you last check your protective clothing and equipment?
General Safety Issues

DO YOU HAVE PET PEEVES AT WORK?

We hope these words bring a smile to your face, rather than a frown!  Having worked in several vocations, I can think back to little things going on at each place that irritated me to no end. 

Sometimes these pet peeves get under our skin so much, that it can cause us to lose our cool, and possibly have an accident that otherwise could be prevented.  There’s an old saying, “The customer is always right.”  I am of the opinion this can’t be true.  It seems that customers of department stores and other retail stores can be rude to the employees.  They are busy talking on their cell phone while ignoring the clerk, who is there to help them.  That can go both ways, however, because sometimes clerks are downright rude to the customers. 

While working at an oilfield construction company, the workers would gather in the back room before time to go to work, the office would be full of smoke, and then, when they left to go to their job, they would throw their coffee cups on the floor, and even worse, the sugar in the coffee would drip down the wall!  Having a blunt talk with my supervisor, he put a stop to it. (I was a one-woman secretary in a company of about 100 employees.)  They complied for a while, which made it much more pleasant.  I often wondered if they treated their wives and homes the same way. 

I am betting that each one of you has a story to tell.  As you drive to work, do drivers who don’t use turn signals irritate you?  Don’t you know you are supposed to read their minds?  How about people that read the paper or their text mails while operating their vehicle?  What about the guy you are behind that won’t turn right on a red light, when it is permissible?

Some drivers ignore yield or stop signs, which can be bad for them and the other person.  Or, have you encountered that driver who zigzags in and out of lanes on the expressway?  Or the driver who drives 20 mph lower than the speed limit, and you are stuck behind him/her?  I especially don’t appreciate the jerks that take up two parking spaces, or a handicapped parking spot.  That extra wide parking place is there for a reason, so please don’t violate this courtesy to those who need them.  Last, but not least, in the driving/parking category, put your cart in the cart corral instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot.  Thank You! 

Let’s talk about some disturbing facts that may annoy you in your workplace.  First, the B.O. (body odor) factor isn’t pleasant for anyone who has to work with that person.  Second, if someone is sick and coughing/sneezing, wouldn’t it be better for them to take a sick day, rather than sharing their problem with everyone else?  At one of my workplaces we had a couple of clowns (IT people) that thought it was really clever to adjust our computers where the picture on the monitor was upside down when we turned them on in the morning.  Thanks, guys.  Do you know someone at your workplace that thinks he/she is the only one with the background for understanding an issue?  Do you have a boss that won’t introduce you to an important customer?  Nice to feel invisible, isn’t it?  How about that know-it-all across the hall that is always right and has the last word? 

It is not unusual to be irked about things that happen at work.  Some workers think they don’t have to pay attention to important things, like safety training.  They are usually the ones who get hurt or hurt someone else.  It would be hard to find a person that doesn’t have some sort of pet peeve against a coworker, unless they are perfect.  It might be a good idea, though, to go to your supervisor if a coworker is doing annoying things that take your mind off your job. 

There is always going to be some horseplay at most businesses:  those are the ones who may cause someone else to be injured.  By telling someone else about irritating habits, the solution may be simple.  Try to count to ten and think about something you are looking forward to, instead of simmering. 

One thing that always bothered me, was to be reprimanded in front of coworkers.  There’s a time and place for everything, and it is in a private area, where your supervisor explains a mistake you may have made (especially in a new job), and helps you correct it. 

Habitually tardy employees make it hard on the others.  This constant habit of showing up late, could cause a shortage of personnel, someone else having to do their work, and general resentment all around.  If that person has to drive too fast to make it to work on time, they are risking safety of themselves and others just to get their day started.  My advice:  set your alarm thirty minutes early.

Well, you know, I feel much better having placed some of my pet peeves on your shoulders!  If you have a friend or coworker that you can share your concerns, it really helps to have that person to talk it over with.  Thanks for letting me share things that have bothered me in the past, but didn’t amount to a hill of beans when it was all said and done.  You have better things to do with your time, so try not to let these little “pet peeves” get to you.  One hundred years from now, who will know anyway?

General Safety Issues

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS AT 2 a.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

For those who live in the Daylight Saving Time zone, be sure to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 4th!   (Go ahead and set your clocks back Saturday night.) The pros and cons of this decision made by the government are debated year after year.  Many people enjoy having extra daylight to enjoy outdoor activities, and others wish it were just left alone and not changed. 

During World War I, Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the U.S. in order to save energy for war production, by taking advantage of the daylight between April and October.  Between the wars and after World War II, communities and states were able to choose whether they wanted to observe DST.  During World War II, the government again required the states to observe this change.    In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time.    

Since 2007, DST is four weeks longer, due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005.  This act extended four weeks – from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, hoping that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours.   Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine energy savings from this plan, based on a variety of factors.  Many persons speculate that little or no energy is saved by this time change.  Power usage increases in the early morning hours, as people must get up for work while it is still dark to prepare for their day.  Some even have to commute before daylight. 

Although research shows that traffic fatalities are reduced when there is more daylight, (DST), the early morning darkness brings more danger for workers driving to work, and children walking to catch the school bus while it’s still dark.  With the time change, statistics show an increase in evening traffic accidents immediately following the time change in November, as drivers face going home in a darker environment, and possibly children are on their bikes returning home from after-school activities.

To ensure that we don’t “fall backward” on safety, this marks an excellent time to do a home safety evaluation.  The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be checked once a year.  Their figures show that around ninety per cent of homes in the United States have smoke alarms; however one-third of those are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.  They also recommend that smoke alarms be replaced after 10 years.  Some newer types of alarms have remote controls, making it easier than ever to check them. 

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be:

  •        Installed on every level of the home, and in sleeping areas
  •        Tested once a month
  •        Equipped with new batteries annually 

Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and have a fire escape plan for every member of the family.  While you are doing your home safety evaluation, also ensure that your door locks function properly, 

Enjoy that extra hour of sleep we lost in the spring!

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

Five Serious Issues To Be Aware Of In Older Homes (Guest Post)

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Sent to us courtesy of Cormac Reynolds.
 
Older homes come with a lot of character, especially when compared to the relatively dull designs of the modern day. However, whether you want a Victorian house in Brighton or a classical abode in Devon, there are a number of issues that continuingly rear their heads with old homes.
 
However, don’t let the thought of this put you off your dream – just make sure that the house is checked out before you purchase it. So, what are the issues to watch out for?
 
Piping and Wiring
 
One of the most common problems found with older homes comes in the shape of the pipes and wires used to bring utilities into the home. Lead pipes are very common in older homes that were built before the 1940s, however in some cases lead was used to join copper pipes until the 1980s. A filtration system is the best way to take care of issues caused by these pipes. A full refit will demand parts of the home to be destroyed and also costs significant amounts of money.
 
Old wiring can also be a serious issue in older homes and in many cases it is not grounded. This can be seen if the home has two prongs instead of three. Many parts of these older homes also didn’t come with ground fault interrupters in areas with water. This means that the power would not be cut off completely if it comes in touch with water. Building surveys can help with this sort of cable avoidance.
 
Cesspools and Septic Tanks
 
Many older homes that now run on the mains originally had wells or septic tanks on the property. This can cause all sorts of problems if a contractor unearths one unknowingly. They may need to be removed if you are intending on extending to a new area and it’s always best to have an underground utility detection survey before building onto any area of an old home.
 
Radon Gas
 
Considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer, radon gas enters the home through cracks in the floor. In the USA the Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 5 per cent of homes have Radon gas issues and advise a building survey to be done by contractors or home inspectors before moving in.
 
Asbestos
 
This material has been used since ancient times as an insulator and causes all sorts of problems. The material is often safe depending on the context it is used in. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and get it checked out. Asbestos was used for furnaces and boiler insulation and also for water pipes. If it needs to be removed a professional is required to do so.
 
Lead Paint
 
Another common problem from days of yore is the use of lead paint in homes, though is not harmful unless it is ingested. However, if you have small children around the home they tend to nibble on things such as work surfaces and this has been known to cause issues.  Exterior lead paint is also known to flake and end up becoming airborne and landing in vegetable patches, causing issues for plants and food stuffs.
 
If you are looking into purchasing an old home ensuring a good survey is done can help prevent any surprises or issues and ensure you home is perfect to live in.
 
Cormac Reynolds works for Sumo Services a UK company that provides underground survey and services all over the UK.
 
 For those folks who want to do certain repair jobs on their older home, there are all types of home safety PPEthat will be a good investment, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.  In buildings with asbestos, one can never be too careful.
 
 
General Safety Issues

GETTING YOUR CHILD READY TO RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS (GUEST POST)

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 Sent to us by Molly Cunningham.

Since school has already started you may have already experienced this transition; however, it’s never too late to be aware of safety for your child who may be riding a school bus for the first time. pb

When the time comes for your little one to begin attending school, it can be heart-wrenching to watch his tiny little form clamber up the steps of the massive school bus, knowing that he’s growing up no matter how much you may not want him to. Even though you can’t stop him from getting older, you can help him prepare for this transitional age in his life, starting with what to expect when riding the school bus. There are a wide variety of things that your little scholar should know before he takes his first school bus ride, but these five are among the most important.

  1. How to Follow the Rules – Though some rules can seem unnecessarily strict to young children, your child should understand that those rules are in place to protect him and ensure his safety, as well as the safety of others. Shouting, standing up, roughhousing, or otherwise misbehaving can cause him to be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including suspension of bus privileges. Your child’s school will inform you about the rules governing bus behavior and will usually include a dedicated section in the school handbook. Taking the time to go over these rules and ensuring that your child understands what is and is not allowed when riding the bus can help him avoid any disciplinary problems and ensure a safe riding experience.
  2. What to Do if the Bus Is Late – While the system governing school transportation is usually an efficient and effective one, it’s important for parents and kids to understand that the system is run by human beings, who are not infallible. Buses can be late, delayed by inclement weather or other situations out of the drivers’ control. A late bus can cause children who are eagerly waiting to return home from school to panic. To prepare your children for this situation, be sure that they know what they should do and who they should contact to notify them of the situation.  Instill in them the notion that the most important thing to do is follow the instructions of their teachers and school administrators until the bus arrives. Almost all schools will have a contingency plan in place for just such an event, but your child needs to know that he will be taken care of and that the event, while new and scary to him, is one that the school staff is trained to handle.
  3. Pay Attention At All Stops – Very few experiences that your child has on the bus are as disconcerting as realizing that their stop has been passed and that they’re now in unfamiliar territory. While many drivers will keep in mind that a very young, inexperienced rider could be distracted by socializing and the novelty of riding a school bus, most will only wait so long to see if a child is present for their stop before heading to the next. Sleeping children are particularly difficult for a driver to see, so your child should be taught the importance of paying attention, staying awake, and getting off at the right stop.

4.        General School Bus Safety – Kids should know general bus safety guidelines before their first bus trip to ensure that they don’t inadvertently engage in unsafe behavior. It’s important to teach your child that he should always step away from the curb as the bus is approaching, and should only walk towards it after the bus has come to a complete stop. He should also know that he should never stoop to pick up objects that have fallen under the bus, and that he should only cross the street in front of the bus and at a distance of at least ten feet to ensure that the driver can see him. The small stature and quick movements of younger children make it difficult for drivers to spot them, and also makes it harder for a child to spot oncoming vehicles and other obstacles.

5.  The Dangers of Bullying – Bullying is a very serious problem, and it’s one that often occurs in the raucous environment of the school bus. Because bus drivers can have difficulty hearing everything that’s being said to an individual child over the collective din of many little voices, you simply cannot rely on the bus driver’s ability to detect and prevent bullying. Your child should understand the dangers of being a bully themselves, and know what to do if they’re the victim of bullying from other children on the bus. Assuring him that he can always tell an adult about any problems that he’s having or difficulties he’s forced to endure on the school bus is very important, because he may feel as if he has nowhere to turn if he becomes a target of school bus bullies.  The school principal should be notified, as well.

To get children prepared for their first trip on the school bus, role play various scenarios and talk about what to expect from the trip. Be sure to include everything from boarding the bus, to paying attention at each stop, to exiting the bus safely, and everything that could happen in between.  This is a very big step for your child.

Our thanks to Molly Cunningham, of Liveinnanny.com  for these excellent words of advice.  pb