Workplace injuries are an unfortunate part of everyday life. The same applies to plumbing. For example, did you know that over 3300 plumbers suffered plumbing job-related injuries in 2020 in the USA? That’s why regulatory bodies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) emphasize wearing PPE kits at work.
PPE safety equipment kits refer to Personal Protective Equipment safety kits. They are specially designed to protect individuals against chemical, biological, and physical hazards.
So, as a plumber, if you’ve been looking for these PPE kits but don’t know how to choose them, you’re in the right place. That’s because you’ll learn about the 10 tips with the help of which you choose your PPE kits.
Plumbers Finding PPE with the Right Tips
Take a look at the following tips when choosing the right kind of PPE equipment:
#1: Always Start with a Plumbing-Specific Hazard Assessment
First of all, you should carry out a detailed risk assessment. In other words, you should determine the types of risks you can come across to choose the right PPE kit. For instance, some common plumbing risks are eye and ear injuries, slips, and exposure to toxic gases.
You can experience eye and ear injuries when working in hazardous environments. These injuries could be caused when you’re soldering pipes in normal situations or during gas leaks.
The light from the blowtorch during soldering may cause temporary blindness. On the other hand, the blowtorch may cause an explosion when it comes into contact with gas. The sound of the explosion can permanently affect your hearing. To counter these issues, you should choose protective eye goggles and earplugs.
You could also slip while working on wet surfaces. That’s why you should opt for waterproof boots.
#2: Choose PPE That Meets 2025 Compliance Standards
Choosing outdated PPE safety equipment can cause unwanted health issues. That’s why you should choose PPE kits that are compliant with the latest regulations by bodies like OSHA.
For instance, you should opt for safety shoes, earplugs, hard hats, and nitrile disposable gloves. You should ensure that the clothing you choose is flame and impact-resistant. Apart from that, the equipment should follow the requisite standards.
Consider the table below for a clear idea.
| Equipment | Relevant Safety Standards |
| Hard Hats | ANSI Z89.1-2020 |
| Face shields, protective glasses | ANSI Z87.1-2020 |
| Respirators | OSHA 1910.134 |
| Gloves | ANSI 105 |
Table 1: Safety Codes For PPE Equipment
#3: Prioritize Fit and Comfort—Especially for Long Jobs
Wearing ill-fitting PPE kits can cause discomfort and other issues due to the long hours of usage. Apart from that, poorly fitting PPE kits go against the regulations of bodies like OSHA.
So, you should opt for equipment that fits your dimensions, is made from comfortable, breathable fabric, and ensures ease of movement. For instance, wearing latex gloves can be uncomfortable and lead to skin infections.
On the other hand, wearing nitrile disposable gloves will prove comfortable and prevent allergies. That’s because nitrile gloves adjust to the shape of your hand.
You should consider contacting a reputable manufacturer to provide different shapes of gloves for your team members.
#4: Invest in Multi-Use, Durable Gear
Choosing PPE safety equipment that you can reuse will help you avoid spending lots of money on replacing it. So, you should look for parameters like reinforced stitching, washable materials, and chemical resistance.
For instance, you can opt for Kevlar gloves, which are flame-resistant and cut-resistant. Apart from that, you should check whether the gloves have additional padding, arc-flash protection, and cut-resistant properties.
These qualities will ensure that you can work with chemicals or pipes in a hassle-free manner. However, these gloves can be quite heavy, so if you find using them difficult, you should use nitrile disposable gloves. While you’ll have to keep replacing them, you’ll be able to use your hands easily.
#5: Opt for PPE That Works in Confined Spaces
Many plumbers commonly work in crawlspaces, basements, and tight areas. For instance, they work on pipes in basements of residential or commercial buildings. Apart from that, they also have to work in drains, access tunnels, and sewers.
The confined spaces here mean that you have to bend your body for long hours, which can lead to musculoskeletal issues. Apart from that, the air quality in these spaces is also not great. That’s why you should consider lightweight PPE safety equipment.
You should also consider respiratory protection like face masks, along with hard hats. The hard hats will protect your head from undue accidents or bumps.
#6: Keep Hearing Protection Handy for Noisy Job Sites
Plumbers are often subject to loud sounds when they use power tools or jackhammers in enclosed environments. For example, say when you’re using a power tool like a drill to make holes for pipe installation.
The sound of the drill in an enclosed environment will lead to long-term hearing loss risk.
So, you should opt for earplugs or noise-cancelling earmuffs that meet ANSI S3.19 standards.
#7: Source PPE from Reputable Suppliers
Lastly, you should source the PPE safety equipment from a well-known supplier. You should check parameters like the types and quality of the products offered, the customer reviews, and whether they offer bulk deals, warranties, and after-sales support. Consider the infographic below for a better idea.
Infographic: Parameters To Consider When Choosing a PPE Kit Supplier
Final Thoughts: Better Gear Means Safer, Smarter Plumbing
Choosing the right PPE safety equipment will help you save your life, reduce downtime, and protect your business. You should consider the various risks you might encounter on the job before you make up your mind.
For instance, you can choose disposable equipment to ensure ease of use. On the other hand, choosing reusable equipment will ensure long-term cost savings and enhanced protection against threats.
So, make your choice accordingly.
Ready for a Safe Plumbing Experience?
Browse PPE kits by getting in touch with a reputed supplier near you. Remember to ask them for quotes before finally purchasing the products.
