Where there’s drilling, pounding, or heat, there’s the need for safety equipment. And just having it around or in your toolbox doesn’t cut it. Safety equipment is there to protect you and your project so don’t just have it available — USE IT! Here’s a look at what you should have to stay safe in just about every plumbing job.
Ear protection
A good set of earmuff-style hearing protectors will preserve your hearing when using noisy power tools. You should also wear hearing protection when you’re just hammering; repeated, loud hammer blows eventually can damage your hearing.
GUCCI-protected extension cord:
A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)- protected extension cord is the best way to protect yourself from shocks (or worse) when using corded power tools. The GFCI shuts off the power to the tool the second (actually the millisecond) it senses moisture. Plug all corded tools into a GFCI-protected extension cord and not directly into an outlet unless you know that the outlet is GFCI-protected as well.
Safety goggles
If your project involves sparks or the chance of flying debris, wear safety goggles. They’re also invaluable when clearing drain lines where caustic chemicals may have been used. Styles vary, so choose one that’s comfortable but still offers good protection. Even the best safety eyewear is useless if it’s so uncomfortable that you don’t want to wear it!
Gloves
Both leather gloves and heavy-duty rubber gloves are musts. Leather gloves protect you when drilling, cutting, and soldering, whereas rubber gloves protect your skin when you’re clearing clogged drain lines that may contain caustic chemicals.
Fire extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it if you’re soldering copper pipe. A fire extinguisher and fiber or safety shield are the best pieces of protective gear to have when soldering.
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