There are a lot of safety standards and regulations for plumbers to maintain their safety at all times but still, there are times when a plumber gets hurt due to an accident on the site or falls sick due to coming in contact with any harmful contaminants. So if you do not know about such risk associated with the plumbing services then you must hire a professional plumber. 

6 Things To Know When You Do Some Plumbing Work: 

If you are thinking of becoming a plumber it’s also good to know the risks involved. We have listed down some of the common dangers a plumber faces. 

• Heights 

Many times plumbers have to work on roofs or at greater heights. With all the certified safety equipment and harness, accidents can still happen. There are chances when you may slip or something can fall on you, even you can get injured by falling from a ladder. Even weather conditions play a major role in the safety of the plumbers. Heavy rains, storms are not the ideal situations to work on in heights. So if you do not want to work on height with risk then you can hire a plumber. 

• Enclosed Spaces 

These are places with less supply of oxygen like sewers, drains, hot boiler rooms, etc. there is a chance the plumber may develop serious breathing issues. If you afraid of enclosed places or have breathing issues, this job is not for you. You need to use a mask and you may require an oxygen source for working at the underground level. In this case, you can rely on professional plumbers because they are trained to work in such a situation. 

• Chemicals 

Asbestos and lead are some of the chemicals that a plumber will come across and cause some serious breathing issues. Asbestos is the top reason for respiratory issues that may even cause death. With prolonged exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma – cancer caused by asbestos. Back in the day asbestos was used as insulation for pipes, pumps, valves, etc. plumbers are required to wear PPE kits and respiratory masks while working in such buildings. So before you work on the gutters installed on the roof, you need to check the asbestos substances available on the roof. It can be done by an experienced plumber only. 

• Contamination

A plumber will be exposed to different type of contaminations in water, air, soil. The presence of bacteria, viruses, molds, rodents etc. are causes of contamination. These can cause some serious health issues and gastrointestinal problems. It is essential to wear, gloves, respiratory masks, protective goggles, and you need to use personal protective equipment if required. It is advised to take a thorough shower as soon as you have finished working in the contaminated area. 

• Loss Of Hearing 

According to World Health Organization, approx. 48% of plumbers suffer major hearing loss, it can be temporary or even permanent, partial or complete loss. You must be wondering how? Well, many people think that a plumber’s only job is to clean drains, pipes and fix these issues but they also work around noisy environment too. 

• Burns 

Plumbers have to work on pipes that are close to gas lines and electrical lines and systems. Working around hot boilers can cause burns, if there is an open electric system near water it can electrocute them, so the plumbers have to be very careful while they conduct their work in such environments.  

These are just some of the risks a plumber has to face. Hence before you decide to become a plumber, be sure to do your research on the risks involved. Else, you can hire a plumber who is licensed, skilled, and insured.