Even planned plumbing jobs by an emergency plumber in Salt Lake City present some level of risks that are difficult to avoid. Even if you have applied the necessary measures for hazard minimization, you are still required to be extra vigilant. For that purpose, it is essential to understand the role played by power tools in any plumbing job as far as hazards are concerned.
Power tools can be dangerous in a variety of ways, with some hazards being specific to some tools and others general. That is why avoiding hazards can be a tough call.
Types of Plumbing Power Tools
The danger levels of power tools vary a lot, but some dangers will be present no matter the tool you are using. A perfect case is that of power cables and cords. Tripping hazards are always present whenever you are using a tool that is tethered to a socket. Working at elevations only increases this danger.
A solution to this challenge did not exist for many years. Cordless power tools were there, but they often had the shortcoming of consistent power. The arrival of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries seems to have laid the matter to rest.
Dust and Safety
When talking about unavoidable hazards in plumbing, dust often features. Most plumbing jobs will have dust generated and the creation of uncomfortable working conditions. The health of the plumber and others is at risk as well. Worse still, dust renders the tools less effective and shortens their expected life. Past tools did not give high regard to this hazard, instead of considering it as part of the job.
Today, several technologies handle the problem effectively for safer performance and cleaner results. A good example is the dust removal system (DRS), a solution that incorporates a vacuum removal component. Tools are now able to get rid of the dust from the source.
Tool Shape
Arm and wrist postures depend a lot on the handle shape of a power tool. Task type and orientation, as well as the workplace setting, determine the ideal shape of a tool. The idea is to ensure that the arm remains at a neutral position that minimizes extension and flexion of the wrist. Force on the tool may be applied horizontally, perpendicularly, or vertically, and the tool handle must be designed to accommodate a comfortable grip for each case.
Tool Vibration
Hand-arm vibration is related to handheld tools. It could lead to serious conditions such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sensory nerve damage. When choosing a pneumatic plumbing tool, check its frequency and amplitude, as these determine the hazard level. The specific solution is to go for anti-vibration tools, even if they may be costlier than others. Such tools are designed to transmit minimal or no vibration to the body. Workers are free to use such tools for a long time without the risk of injury.
The plumber is exposed to all manner of hazards, so being mindful of them can be worthwhile. A huge percentage of these hazards come with the tool, either in the manner of use or the design of the tool itself. As part of safe working procedures, choose power tools carefully and use them appropriately.
