Plumbing tasks can often involve the use of chemicals for cleaning joints or flushing systems. Many of these chemicals can be hazardous if not treated with respect and some basic safety considerations should be adopted for any task.

The following is a list of some obvious chemical safety practices although the list is not exhaustive and common sense should always be applied.

Protective Clothing:

• Wear protective goggles when handling liquids or where there is a possibility of a substances entering into the eyes eg dusts.
• Wear impervious gloves when handling liquids and powders.
• Always use any other appropriate protective clothing specified (e.g. dust mask), and always ensure that it is suitable for the purpose. Any defects in personal protective equipment should result in the article being thrown away and a replacement obtained.

Hygiene:

• Wash your hands after work and after visiting the toilet.
• Always dry your hands afterwards.
• Remove any PPE (e.g. gloves, overalls) before eating.
• Eat meals outside work areas.
• Do not smoke or you may ingest hazardous substances by transferring them from your fingers via your cigarette to your mouth.
• Always cover cuts and abrasions.