January 9, 2017 - Plumbing & Restrooms
By Marty Silverman
For new owners of drain-cleaning equipment, we suggest 10 tips to follow for safe operation of the machines. Drain cleaning can be profitable and risk-free if you follow some simple safety precautions
1. Wear only leather gloves. Never wear rubber gloves.
2. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
3. Don't grasp the cable while it's spinning. You could lose a finger.
4. Check for damaged power cords before you start.
5. Be sure the machine is plugged into a properly grounded outlet.
6. Operate the machine within two feet of the drain opening to prevent cable whipping.
7. Don't force the cable through the blockage. Let the cutter do the work.
8. Make sure your machine has a belt guard in place.
9. Read and understand the operating instructions.
10. Use common sense.
No matter what safety features a machine has, no machine is safer than its operator. Make sure you and your personnel are well-versed in the proper safety procedures for your machine.
Does operating a drain cleaning machine have to be dangerous? No. Just like driving a car, don't run red lights, pay attention to what you're doing and, most important, use common sense.
For more information, or to ask a question, visit www.askthedrainbrains.com or email info@drainbrain.com.
Marty Silverman is the VP of Marketing for General Pipe Cleaners.
