🔧 Plumbing Safety
Topic: Safe practices for plumbing work including soldering, confined spaces, and trench excavation Duration: 6-8 minutes Reference: OSHA 1926 Subpart P (Excavations), Subpart AA (Confined Spaces in Construction)
The Stats
- Burns from soldering/brazing cause hundreds of injuries annually
- Confined space incidents kill 100+ workers per year across industries
- Trench collapses can bury workers in seconds — zero survival if fully engulfed
- Exposure to sewage and biological hazards causes illness and infection
- Chemical burns from flux, cleaners, and solvents are common
OSHA requires: Permit-required confined space procedures; trench protection at 5' depth; SDS access for chemicals.
Soldering & Brazing Safety
Before Lighting the Torch
- Work area clear of combustibles
- Fire extinguisher readily available
- Adequate ventilation
- Flame-resistant gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves
- No flammables or solvents nearby
During Work
- Keep torch flame directed away from body and others
- Don't touch heated pipe or fittings until cooled
- Use heat-resistant pads when working in tight spaces
- Turn off torch when not in use — never leave unattended
Burns
- First degree: Cool with water, cover loosely
- Second/third degree: Seek medical attention immediately
- Never apply grease or butter to burns
Confined Space Entry
Permit-required confined spaces include: crawl spaces, vaults, manholes, tanks, utility tunnels.
Before Entry
- Entry permit completed and signed
- Atmosphere tested — oxygen, flammables, toxins
- Entrant/attendant/rescue roles assigned
- Communication method established
- Rescue equipment ready
Rules
- Never enter without permit and trained attendant
- Continuous ventilation may be required
- exit immediately if alarm sounds or you feel dizzy
- Attendant never leaves while entrant is inside
Biological Hazards (Sewage)
Working with drains, sewers, or wastewater:
| Hazard | Control |
|---|---|
| Bacteria, viruses, parasites | Wear gloves, eye protection; wash hands before eating |
| Needlestick (medical waste) | Never reach blindly; use tools to clear blockages |
| Inhalation | Use ventilation; consider respirator in enclosed spaces |
| Cuts/punctures | Wear cut-resistant gloves; get tetanus booster |
If exposed: Wash thoroughly; report to supervisor; seek medical evaluation if needed.
Trench Safety for Underground Work
| Depth | Requirement |
|---|---|
| < 5 ft | Competent person may allow without protection if soil stable |
| ≥ 5 ft | Protective system required (sloping, shoring, or shielding) |
| Any depth | Competent person inspects daily and after rain |
- Keep spoil pile 2+ feet from trench edge
- Never enter unshored trench in unstable soil
- Ladders every 25 ft of travel
- Never work alone in a trench
Chemical & Tool Safety
Chemicals
- Flux: Corrosive — wear gloves and goggles
- Pipe cleaners/solvents: Flammable — no ignition sources; read SDS
- Adhesives: Ventilation; skin and eye protection
Tools
- Pipe cutters: Secure pipe; watch fingers; deburr cut ends
- Threaders: Guard in place; use cutting oil; no loose clothing
- Power tools: GFCI required; inspect cords
Discussion Questions
- Do we have any permit-required confined spaces on this job? Who's our attendant?
- What's the depth of our trench work today? Is shoring in place?
- Where are the SDS for flux, cleaners, and solvents we use?
- What's our burn response procedure?
Today's Commitment
"I will follow confined space and trench procedures, protect myself from burns and chemicals, and never take shortcuts."
Sign-In
| Name | Signature | Company |
|---|---|---|
Presenter: _________________ Date: _________