Page 625 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 9 Sanitation systems

The old sanitary pipework HEALTH AND SAFETY
Old sanitary pipework can be made from a variety of materials, including
cast iron, lead and asbestos. Each of these materials has its own health and Remember: old sanitary
pipework can be made of
safety issues, which must be observed. We will look at the methods of removal a variety of materials, and
individually. each one has particular
health and safety
Cast iron: health and safety considerations considerations.
Cast iron is a heavy material. As you will be working at height when removing
this kind of pipework, precautions must be taken so that the pathway around
you is blocked off and signs posted warning of the dangers of falling debris. The KEY POINT
most common type of fixing for cast iron was nails and bobbins fixed through A risk assessment must
lugs on the cast iron pipe sockets, known as ears. It is usual practice to break the be carried out when
ears of the pipe to free it from the wall. Care should be taken as these can fly dealing with the removal
of all old sanitary
off when being broken. Breaking the pipe in sections, working from the top, is pipework materials.
the best way of removing this pipe but you must take care that pieces of broken
pipe do not enter and block the drain. The correct PPE should be worn during
this process, which includes hard hat, goggles, gauntlets and eye protection.

VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS

All metals, like cast iron and lead, have scrap value. They should be disposed
of for recycling purposes so ensure you are working with the environment
and sustainability in mind.

Asbestos: health and safety considerations
If you suspect that the soil and vent pipes are made from asbestos, you must INDUSTRY TIP
seek advice from your supervisor. On no account must you break the pipe or If the material is asbestos,
you risk releasing potentially dangerous fibres into the atmosphere. it is the law that this is
removed by a specialist
Lead: health and safety considerations asbestos removal company
Traditionally, lead pipe was used for WC branches and waste pipes. Occasionally, (see Chapter 1, Health and
soil and vent pipes made from lead can be found, though this is extremely safety practices and systems,
rare. As with all lead, it should be handled with great care. Lead can sometimes page 26).
corrode, leaving a fine white powder residue known as lead oxide. This material
is extremely dangerous as it offers the quickest way of being ingested into
the body through breathing in the powder. Always wear the correct PPE when
handling lead, such as barrier cream on the hands, or wear gloves, a face mask
and goggles. Lead is also a heavy material so, again, take care when lifting.

General points about decommissioning

● When working at height, place barriers and warning notices around where
you are working.
● Large systems should be decommissioned in sections to minimise any
disruption.

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