Drain cleaning, like any other job or profession, entails risks and dangers which might not be apparent to everyone. Here is a quick look at the most common perils that drain cleaner and rooter face while on the job.
(Pixabay / jarmoluk)
Eye Injury: A drain cleaner’s eyesight is often susceptible to danger. Foreign objects, dirt, and bacteria can pose hazards to eye health. It is essential that drain cleaners wear safety glasses at all times to avoid unhealthy exposure.
Chemical/Asbestos Exposure: Many noxious chemicals are used in drain cleaning. These can include pipe thread sealants, PVC primer, cement, solder fluxes, and much more. It is vital to wear protective glasses and gloves while working to avoid any discomfort and health risk.
Asbestos leads to respiratory problems and can contribute to early death among workers who are exposed to it on a regular basis. Professional drain cleaner and rooter must ask the property owners whether or not the building was exposed to asbestos at some point to avoid inhaling any of these unhealthy chemicals.
Working in High Places: Working from high places is one of the most common causes of workplace accidents, and drain cleaners are not exempt from this danger. It is imperative to work with good weather conditions, have proper gears and harnesses, and ensure that there is adequate scaffolding for support. Slip and fall accidents are very common, so it is vital that a drain cleaner exercises extreme caution when working.
Closed Spaces: Enclosed spaces can trigger claustrophobia and panic attacks, but they can also facilitate a buildup of bad, uncirculated air. Storage tanks, sewers, ducts, pits, and boilers are among the places where drain cleaners and rooters work. The challenge here is to breathe and function normally, and extra precautions must be taken for adequate ventilation.
Loss of Hearing: The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that almost half of drain cleaners have reported some degree of hearing loss due to noisy pipes, electronic machinery, and the constant banging of tools. If drain cleaners aren’t careful, this can permanently impair their hearing and eventually cost them their job.
Tool-related Injuries: A lot of drain cleaning and rootering tools are heavy and unwieldy. If drain cleaners aren’t careful, these cumbersome tools can lead to injuries such as cuts, fractures, and even broken bones.
Mold Infestation: Unfortunately, drain cleaning and rootering problems produce a lot of water, and moisture invites mold growth. A drain cleaner must be quick in assessing if the area is infested with mold because mold can be found in bathrooms, paneling, kitchens, sinks, inside walls and other damp, dark places. Some molds can be fatal and lead to other health consequences, so a drain cleaner must use proper precautionary measures to avoid any mold-related health problems.
Extreme Weather or Temperature
Drain cleaners and rooters brave their way to work regardless of weather conditions. In cold areas that have snow, drain cleaners risk their lives to render quality service. Working outside in the hot or cold makes a drain cleaner susceptible to health problems such as flu, colds, heat stroke, high blood pressure, etc.
At Utah Rooter, we take the necessary steps to keep our work force safe. We know that this can be a risky business, but we’re thankful to our loyal customers and employees who keep our company running strong. Though drain cleaner has its risks, we’re grateful for the chance to help keep Utah homes free of drain cleaning problems and operating properly so that people can experience greater quality of life.