ESSENTIAL PPE FOR A PLUMBER

Personal protective equipment (PPE) essential for a plumber

Plumbers have to work in very different situations from each other, with all the resulting risks: noise, harmful substances, heat, humidity….

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is therefore strongly recommended for this profession or even imposed depending on the case. The price to pay to ensure health and safety at work.

What is PPE?

PPE are “devices or means intended to be worn or held by a person in order to protect him against one or more risks likely to threaten his health or safety” (Labour Code).

The employer has an obligation to provide the necessary PPE to its employees and to renew it if necessary.

What PPE for plumbers?

The head

Depending on the site conditions, it will be necessary to protect the plumber's head from shocks, falls, or various projections and wear a helmet.

Construction helmets have a limited lifespan of between 3 and 5 years. The duration is specified on the product leaflet. It will be necessary to ensure the good condition of the exterior, the interior, the retaining strap or even removable parts such as the visor.

The eyes

Fine particles of plastic or metal when cutting or welding, sparks or flames when using a torch… protective goggles prevent dangerous projectiles and splinters and will protect eyes and eyelids. Some glasses are also designed to protect the eyes from sources of heat and intense light.

Ears

Several protections are possible for the ears depending on the sound volume to which the plumber is exposed (workshop or construction site): disposable or reusable earplugs, headbands or noise-canceling helmets equipped with active or semi-active attenuation noises.

This equipment will protect against auditory discomfort and sound trauma.

The respiratory tracts

To avoid the risk of irritation and respiratory ailments, and if the plumber is regularly exposed to toxic fumes, splashes or dust, a disposable or reusable mask worn over the nose and mouth will provide effective protection. A mask with filtration system and cartridge to be renewed may even be required.

Body and knees

The plumber is required to work on sites that are sometimes uncomfortable: cold, rain, high temperatures... and in often perilous positions, especially for the knees. Body protection in risk prevention is therefore highly recommended: fleece, waterproof or, on the contrary, breathable jacket to regulate the temperature, work trousers with pockets for tools, knee pads, etc.

For the specific work of welding and brazing copper, the plumber can wear a complete welder's outfit: welder's apron, welder's gloves, welder's hood or mask, gaiters and welder's jacket.

Hands

To avoid hand injuries, wearing gloves is the best solution! Depending on the work environment, gloves are highly recommended.

For work in a dry environment, anti-cut and anti-injury gloves are recommended when handling sharp objects. For work in contact with water or toxic substances during disgorging, waterproof gloves will be essential to protect the hands. For risks related to welding, welding gloves are recommended.

The feet

As on all construction sites, the plumber must be equipped with safety shoes. Falling objects, sharp objects on the ground, projection of hot fluids... safety shoes will provide essential flexibility for adopting different postures (standing, kneeling, sitting, etc.) while protecting against various risks.