Safety, Tools, and Rigging

Module Introduction

This chapter covers the fundamentals of safety on plumbing job sites, the proper use of hand and power tools, as well as the principles of rigging and lifting. For the Red Seal exam, these topics represent approximately 8 to 12% of the questions. Mastering these concepts is essential not only to pass the exam but also to ensure your safety and that of your colleagues in the field.

Safety Legislation and Responsibilities

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

WHMIS is a national system designed to communicate information about hazardous materials. Since 2015, Canada has aligned its system with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System). You must know:

GHS pictograms: 10 standardized pictograms (flame, gas cylinder, corrosion, exploding bomb, flame over circle, skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard, environment, biohazard).

Hazard statements: standardized phrases describing the nature of the hazard (e.g., "Toxic if swallowed").

Precautionary statements: phrases describing measures to take (e.g., "Wear protective gloves").

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): document detailing physical properties, hazards, storage, first aid, and emergency measures. The employer must make SDSs accessible to all workers.

Table 1 — Common GHS pictograms in plumbing

Pictogram	Meaning	Plumbing Example
Flame	Flammable	Solvents, PVC cements
Skull and crossbones	Acute toxicity	Antifreeze, chemical drain cleaners
Corrosion	Corrosive	Muriatic acid, caustic soda
Exclamation mark	Lesser hazard	Skin irritants
Environment	Environmental hazard	Drain cleaning products

The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

Under the Canada Labour Code (Part II), every worker has the right to refuse to perform work if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the work constitutes a danger to their health or safety, or to that of other people. The three steps of refusal:

16.Report: immediately inform the supervisor of the hazard.

17.Investigation: the supervisor must investigate in the presence of the worker.

18.Resolution: if the hazard persists, the worker may contact the health and safety committee or representative.

Exception: this right does not apply if the refusal directly endangers the life of another person or if the hazard is inherent to the normal function of the job.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is the last line of defense against hazards. You must know:

Safety helmet: Class E (electrical), Class G (general), Class C (conduction). In plumbing, Class G helmets are the most common. Check the date of manufacture — the recommended service life is 5 years.

Safety glasses: must bear the CAN/CSA Z94.3 mark. Glasses with side shields are mandatory when cutting pipe, welding, or grinding.

Hearing protection: earplugs (NRR 25-33 dB) or earmuffs (NRR 20-30 dB). Mandatory above 85 dB(A) over 8 hours.

Gloves: leather gloves for material handling, nitrile gloves for chemicals, insulating gloves for electrical work (class 0 to 4).

Safety footwear: CSA Z195 standard. Steel or composite toe, reinforced upper. Footwear must be worn at all times on a job site.

Safety harness: mandatory from 3 m (10 ft) in height, or 1.2 m (4 ft) if working above dangerous machinery. The anchor point must support 22 kN (5,000 lb) per worker.

Job Site Safety

Confined Spaces

A confined space is a space that, at the same time:

Is totally or partially enclosed;

Is not designed for continuous occupancy;

Presents a risk of restricted access;

May contain a hazardous atmosphere.

Plumbing examples: hot water tanks, sump pits, sewer manholes, ventilation ducts.

Confined space entry procedure:

38.Hazard assessment: identify risks (atmosphere, drowning, collapse).

39.Atmospheric testing: measure O₂ (19.5% to 23.5%), LEL (lower explosive limit), CO, H₂S. Testing must be done before entry and continuously during work.

40.Entry permit: written document signed by the supervisor, valid for a specified duration.

41.Ventilation: ensure adequate air exchange (4 volumes/hour minimum).

42.Attendant: a trained person must remain outside in constant communication with the worker.

43.Rescue equipment: harness, lifeline, tripod.

Exposure limit values (ELVs) to know:

Substance	ELV (8 h)	Effect
Oxygen (O₂)	19.5% – 23.5%	Asphyxiation below 19.5%
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)	10 ppm	Rotten egg odour, loss of smell at 100 ppm
Carbon monoxide (CO)	25 ppm	Headache, confusion, death
Methane (CH₄)	LEL = 5%	Explosion

Lockout/Tagout

Lockout is a procedure that involves neutralizing all hazardous energy sources before performing maintenance or repair work. The five steps:

48.Prepare: identify all energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, gravitational).

49.Shut down: de-energize the equipment.

50.Isolate: open disconnects, close valves, remove fuses.

51.Lock and tag: each worker applies their own lock and tag. A group lock may be used with a lock box.

52.Verify: attempt to start the equipment to confirm the absence of energy.

Golden rule: one lock per worker, one key per lock. Removing a lock that does not belong to the person who installed it is prohibited, except in an emergency and according to a documented procedure.

Fire Safety

Fire classes:

Class A: solid materials (wood, paper, fabric).

Class B: flammable liquids (gasoline, solvents).

Class C: energized electrical equipment.

Class D: combustible metals (magnesium, sodium).

Class K: cooking oils and greases.

Extinguishers: plumbing primarily uses ABC extinguishers (dry chemical powder) and CO₂. An ABC extinguisher has a range of 3 to 6 m, with a discharge duration of 8 to 25 seconds. P.A.S.S. technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

Hand and Power Tools

Measuring and Marking Tools

Tape measure: Class 1 (± 0.3 mm over 3 m) for precision work. Always check the end hook — a 1.6 mm play is normal.

Spirit level: accuracy of 0.5 mm/m for drainage slopes. For drainage slopes, a 300 mm (12 in) level with slope graduations is often used.

Laser level: Class 2 (visible laser) or Class 3A (infrared laser). Never look directly into the beam.

Combination square: used for marking 45° and 90° angles.

Plumb bob: for checking the verticality of pipes and fixtures.

Cutting Tools

Pipe cutter: for copper, the cutting wheel must be high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide. Tighten a quarter turn for each complete rotation. For steel, use a three-wheel pipe cutter.

Hacksaw: 24 teeth per inch (TPI) blade for copper, 18 TPI for steel. The blade must be installed with teeth facing forward.

PVC shears: for PVC pipe up to 50 mm (2 in). Cut in a single pass to avoid burrs.

Angle grinder: 115 mm (4.5 in) or 230 mm (9 in) disc. Always use the guard and gloves. The direction of rotation must direct sparks away from your body.

Wrenches and Assembly Tools

Adjustable wrench: never use as a hammer or lever. The jaw must be tightened onto the nut, never on the rounded portion.

Pipe wrench (Stillson): toothed jaws that grip the pipe. The movable jaw must be oriented in the direction of rotation. For a 25 mm (1 in) pipe, use a 350 mm (14 in) wrench.

Chain wrench: for large-diameter pipes or fragile surfaces.

Tongue-and-groove pliers: for chrome nuts (faucets, drain fittings).

Screwdrivers: the tip must match the screw slot exactly. A screwdriver that is too small will damage the screw head.

Torque wrench: for assemblies where torque is critical (flanges, mechanical joints). Typical values range from 20 N·m to 200 N·m depending on diameter.

Portable Power Tools

Drill/driver: 10 mm (3/8 in) or 13 mm (1/2 in) chuck. For drilling concrete, use a carbide bit with hammer action.

Rotary hammer drill: for concrete and masonry. The bit must be withdrawn periodically to clear dust.

Reciprocating saw: for cutting PVC, wood, and nails. Use bimetal blades for metal.

Drain auger: 15 mm (5/8 in) cable for drains from 40 to 75 mm (1.5 to 3 in). Always wear leather gloves and safety glasses.

Safety rules for power tools:

Inspect the power cord before each use (cuts, fraying).

Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) on job sites — mandatory under the Canadian Electrical Code, Rule 26-700.

Never carry a power tool by its cord.

Unplug the tool before changing any accessory.

Tools must be double-insulated (symbol □) or grounded (three-prong plug).

Rigging and Lifting

Terminology and Principles

Load: total weight of the object to be lifted, including lifting accessories.

Working Load Limit (WLL): maximum load that equipment can support under normal conditions. Never exceed the WLL.

Safety factor: ratio between the breaking strength and the WLL. For slings, the factor is generally 5:1.

Sling angle: angle between the sling and the vertical. The smaller the angle, the greater the tension in the sling.

Table 2 — Tension factor based on sling angle

Angle from vertical	Tension factor per leg	Example: 100 kg load
0°	1.00	100 kg per leg
30°	1.15	115 kg per leg
45°	1.41	141 kg per leg
60°	2.00	200 kg per leg
90°	∞	Impossible — never use

Calculation formula: Tension per leg = (Load ÷ Number of legs) × Tension factor

Example: A 500 kg load is lifted with two slings forming a 45° angle with the vertical.

Tension per leg = (500 ÷ 2) × 1.41 = 352.5 kg per leg.

Rule of thumb: the angle between two legs of the same sling must never exceed 90° (total angle). Beyond this, the load on each leg increases dangerously.

Types of Slings

Chain slings: Grade 80 (T) or Grade 100 (V). Resistant to abrasion and heat. Never weld a damaged chain.

Wire rope slings: 6 × 19 or 6 × 37 (strands × wires). Flexible and strong. Check for broken wires — removal criteria: 6 broken wires over a length of 6 diameters, or 3 broken wires in one strand.

Polyester slings (web): lightweight, will not scratch surfaces. Sensitive to cuts and chemicals. The label must indicate the WLL and serial number.

Synthetic fibre slings (rope): for light loads. Do not use with sharp edges without protection.

Sling Inspection

Inspection must be done before each use, with a detailed inspection every 12 months by a competent person. Removal criteria:

Chain: elongation greater than 5%, cracked link, deformation, wear greater than 10% of diameter.

Wire rope: broken wires, corrosion, kinks, crushing, exposed core.

Web sling: cuts, torn stitching, discolouration from UV, illegible label.

Lifting Accessories

Hooks: must have a functioning safety latch. A hook opened more than 15% of its original opening must be removed.

Shackles: verify that the pin diameter matches the hole. Never replace the pin with an ordinary bolt.

Eye slings: the eyes must be fitted with protective sleeves at contact points.

Safe Lifting Procedures

121.Plan: determine the weight of the load, the centre of gravity, and the lifting path.

122.Inspect: check the lifting equipment, work area, and obstacles.

123.Rig: position slings symmetrically, protect sharp edges with sleeves.

124.Lift: raise slowly (10 cm) to check balance, then continue.

125.Guide: use guide ropes to control rotation. Never place your hands under the load.

126.Set down: use cribbing to stabilize the load on the ground.

Prohibitions:

Never stand under a suspended load.

Never leave a suspended load unattended.

Never use a twisted or knotted sling.

Never drag a load with a sling.

Manual Lifting

The safe lifting technique:

134.Assess the load (weight, size, stability).

135.Position your feet on either side of the load, shoulder-width apart.

136.Bend your knees, keep your back straight.

137.Grip the load with both hands, palms up if possible.

138.Lift using your legs, keeping the load close to your body.

139.Move by pivoting with your feet, never twisting your torso.

Recommended manual lifting limits (according to CNESST guidelines, applicable nationally):

Condition	Male (kg)	Female (kg)
Occasional lifting (less than 2 times/min)	25	15
Repetitive lifting (more than 2 times/min)	15	10

Beyond these limits, use mechanical equipment.

Applicable Standards and Codes

Relevant Canadian Standards

CSA Z259.10: safety harnesses and lanyards.

CSA Z94.3: protective eyewear and face shields.

CSA Z195: protective footwear.

CSA Z94.1: protective headwear.

CSA Z460: lockout — control of hazardous energies.

CSA B149.1: Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code (relevant for plumbing work on gas appliances).

Canadian Electrical Code, Part I: applicable for work near electricity (Rule 26-700 for GFCIs on job sites).

National Building Code of Canada (NBC): requirements for plumbing installations (Chapter 7).

Canadian Electrical Code — Key Rules for Plumbers

Rule 26-700: receptacles on construction sites must be protected by a Class A ground fault circuit interrupter.

Rule 2-300: minimum distance of 3 m between a metal scaffold and an overhead electrical line of less than 75 kV; 5 m for more than 75 kV.

Rule 36-204: metal conduit must be grounded.

CSA B149.1 — Essential Points for Plumbers

Article 4.2.1: gas appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Article 5.8.1: gas piping must be supported at maximum intervals of 2.4 m for pipes 25 mm and smaller.

Article 6.2.1: threaded joints must be sealed with a compound approved for gas.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

164.Confusing WLL and breaking strength: WLL is the maximum working load; breaking strength is 5 times higher. The exam tests this distinction.

165.Forgetting the angle factor: a sling at 60° from the vertical doubles the tension on each leg. Exam questions often include this calculation.

166.Neglecting atmospheric testing: in a confined space, testing must be done BEFORE entry, not during. The order of steps is a frequent question.

167.Using a group lock without procedure: each worker must have their own lock. A group lock is only permitted with a lock box and a documented procedure.

168.Confusing fire classes: a solvent fire (Class B) cannot be extinguished with water. An ABC extinguisher is versatile, but CO₂ is preferable for electrical equipment.

169.Ignoring the helmet date of manufacture: a helmet older than 5 years must be replaced, even if it appears to be in good condition.

170.Using a pipe wrench on a chrome nut: the toothed jaws will damage the finish. Use tongue-and-groove pliers.

171.Forgetting the hook safety latch: a hook without a functioning latch is an immediate removal criterion.

172.Standing under a load: even for a "quick" lift, this is prohibited. Exam questions often present scenarios where this rule is violated.

173.Confusing standards: CSA Z259.10 (harness) is not the same as CSA Z94.3 (eyewear). Memorize the numbers.

Summary

WHMIS/GHS: 10 pictograms, accessible SDS, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.

Right to refuse: three steps — report, investigate, resolve.

PPE: helmet (5-year max), CSA Z94.3 eyewear, CSA Z195 footwear, harness at 3 m.

Confined spaces: atmospheric testing before entry (O₂ 19.5–23.5%, H₂S < 10 ppm), permit, attendant.

Lockout: five steps — prepare, shut down, isolate, lock, verify.

Extinguishers: Classes A, B, C, D, K; P.A.S.S. technique.

Tools: check condition, use the right tool for the right job, GFCI mandatory on job sites.

Rigging: maximum 90° angle between legs, tension factor (1.41 at 45°), inspection before each use.

Manual lifting: bent knees, straight back, load close to body; limits of 25 kg (male) and 15 kg (female) for occasional lifting.

Standards: CSA Z259.10, Z94.3, Z195, Z94.1, Z460, B149.1, Canadian Electrical Code Rule 26-700.

Practice Questions

188.Calculation: A 300 kg load is lifted with two slings forming a 60° angle with the vertical. What is the tension on each leg?

Answer: (300 ÷ 2) × 2.00 = 300 kg per leg.

190.Scenario: You must enter a sewer manhole 2.5 m deep. The atmospheric test indicates 18% O₂. What do you do?

Answer: You do not enter. O₂ must be between 19.5% and 23.5%. Ventilate and retest.

192.True or false: A group lock can be used without a written procedure if all workers are present.

Answer: False. A documented procedure is always required.

194.Identification: Which GHS pictogram appears on a container of muriatic acid?

Answer: Corrosion.

196.Standard: Which CSA standard governs safety harnesses?

Answer: CSA Z259.10.

This chapter forms the foundation of your preparation. Master the rigging calculations, confined space procedures, and CSA standards — these are the most frequently tested topics in this section of the exam. Happy studying.

Safety, Tools, and Rigging