Canadian Flag Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Government of Canada Wordmark
CCOHS: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Français Contact Us Help
        
Canada Site
Web Info Service Products & Services OSH Answers Education & Training
Canada's national Occupational Health & Safety Resource
Home About Us E-News Bringing Health to Work Events Resources
OSH Answers Lists
What's New!
Subject Categories
Occupations & Workplaces
Bottle Recycling Department of a Brewery
Cabinet Manufacturing
Caregiver/Housekeeper
Carpenter
Construction Worker: General
Cooks
Electrician
Fire Fighter
Fish Processing
Food and Beverage Servers
Glazier (Glass Worker)
Hotel Housekeeping
Hotel Laundry
Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
Landscapers
Nurse (Registered)
Office - General
Painter
Paramedics
Pest Controllers and Fumigators
Plumber
Police
Retail Sales and Service - General
Shipping & Receiving
Supermarket Meat Department
Telework / Telecommuting
Tree Planter
Welder
Related Products and Services

Management Systems:
OSH Works
More Information
About OSH Answers
Feedback
Disclaimer
Inquiries Service

The Inquiries Service at CCOHS answers questions on the health or safety concerns people have about the work they do.

About the Inquiries Service
Ask a Question

Plumber

What does a plumber do?
What are some health and safety issues for plumbers?
What are some preventive measures for plumbers?
What are some good general safe work practices?
Where can I get more information?


What does a plumber do?

A plumber is a person who installs, repairs and maintains plumbing fixtures or systems in businesses, industries or residences.

The main duties of a plumber are to:

  • Measure, cut, shape, assemble and join various materials
  • Use, clean and maintain various equipment
  • Read, prepare or interpret blueprints and drawings
  • Conform with building codes and other regulations
  • Prepare cost estimates and documentation for clients
  • Supervise apprentices or other workers
What are some health and safety issues for plumbers?

Plumbers work in a variety of settings, some of which may contain hazards. The main occupational hazards for plumbers to be aware of include:

What are some preventive measures for plumbers?

  • Follow safety procedures for confined space entry, trenches and excavations.
  • Use fall protection and other precautions when working at heights.
  • Install and maintain good ventilation.
  • Keep tools and equipment, and their safety features, in good working order.
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment for the task.
  • Wear appropriate footwear.
  • Keep work areas clear of clutter and equipment.
  • Avoid awkward body positions and repetitive manual tasks, or take frequent breaks.
  • Learn safe lifting techniques.
  • Follow a recommended shift work pattern, and know the associated hazards.
What are some good general safe work practices?

Where can I get more information?

General information is available in OSH Answers or through the CCOHS person-to-person Inquiries Service.

Document last updated on July 30, 2004

Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety


Important Notices and Disclaimers
©CCOHS, 2008
Technical Support
 
Client Services
Products & services info
Inquiries Service
Answers to workplace questions
Webmaster
Website feedback