Safety Tips For Pipe Fittings

As pipe fitters install or repair pipes used in heating, cooling, steam, hot water, lubricating and processing systems, they are susceptible to a high degree of risk. Despite the risks, pipe fittings are used in various industries, including chemicals, gas, liquids, etc., and its significance is undeniable.

What are the potential risks faced by pipe fitters? And what safety precautions can they take to minimize them? Let’s have a look at some of these risks and safety measures: 

Hazardous material

Installing or repairing pipes, for domestic or industrial application, exposes workers to flammable products, chemicals and other hazardous materials which can put their life at risk. Being exposed to chemical fumes increases the likelihood of workers inhaling harmful fuels, and thereby damaging their respiratory tract as well as skin. Flammable materials, specifically, increases the risk for fires that can cause heat burns. 

Equipment

Pipe fitters use unsafe equipment to alter the size of pipes. In the process, they can get cuts, deep wounds, nerve damage or even amputated limbs. For instance, the sparks from a welding torch can burn one’s skin or cause injury to the eyes. Similarly, heavy machines used by workers can cause injuries, or bruises to them.

Falling accidents

If a worker has to install or repair a pipe system from a great height, they face the risk of falling down from a ladder or building roofs. 

Particle release

Fragments of metal come off when workers hammer pipes to alter their size or shape. These fragments can enter one’s eyes and damage the retina, or pierce the skin. 

Musculoskeletal injuries

As workers carry heavy loads, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders refer to painful disorders of bones, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues. The most common examples include thoracic outlet syndrome and tension neck syndrome.

Safety precautions

Workers should take the following measures to ensure safety: 

• Wear safety goggles, gloves, masks and other protective equipment to protect themselves from loose particles. Wear fully covered  clothing when performing hazardous tasks to protect themselves from cuts and wounds.
• Use proper lifting techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.  Workers should assess each load before lifting it, and make use of their leg muscles,  rather than back muscles for lifting purposes.
• If the load is heavy, they should ask for assistance or use a lifting equipment to prevent injury.
• Use a fall arrest system, such as harness or webbing to avoid falling from heights.
• Ensure the ladder is placed on a firm surface to reduce the risk of falling.
• Make use of ventilation when joining PVC and other solvent welded pipe and fittings due to fumes being present in solvent chemicals.
• Use a flame shield to keep the propane flame from setting fire to nearby areas.
• Wear safety goggles when soldering pipe fitting to a joint above your head. It is advisable to use lead-free solder on water lines.
• In order to avoid gas or water leaks, install flexible pipe fittings. Flexible pipe fittings are less likely to break.
• If the system is under pressure, DO NOT install, tighten or loosen a pipe fitting.
• Use a back-up wrench to hold the pipe fitting body at the time of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.
• Don’t loosen a pipe fitting to relieve or bleed system pressure.
• Proper thread lubricants should be used on tapered pipe threads.
• Do not weld tube assembled fittings. Remove all components, such as ferrules, o-ring, etc., prior to welding. Use a plug to over the thread areas and the sealing of the pipe fitting. 

Pipe fitting and its material should be similar. Furthermore, the tubing fittings material should be fully annealed.

 

The above-mentioned steps are simple measures that will guarantee workers’ safety and proper functioning of pipe fittings. Find out more about pipe fittings on sealexcel.com. SEALEXCEL has been providing world-class quality valves and fittings at the best possible prices for different applications.