As a plumber, you're likely used to working in all kinds of environments - from below freezing temperatures to sweltering hot ones. But no matter the conditions, one thing is always important: your safety. That's why it's crucial to have personal protection equipment (PPE) on hand at all times. Here are five must-haves for any apprentice.

Nice, Clean Uniform

Looking presentable is important for any plumber, especially when you're just starting out as an apprentice. It not only makes you look more professional, but it also shows that you're serious about your work. I like to wear long sleeve shirts and jeans when I'm out in the field, because they're durable and easy to clean. And if I need to protect myself from getting dirty, I can always roll the sleeves down. I prefer Wrangler heavy shirts because they're comfortable and they hold up well. And starched jeans are a must - they help me look sharp and stay presentable, even when I'm working in difficult conditions. So if you're starting out as a plumber, remember to dress for the job you want - not the one you have. By dressing like a professional plumber, you’ll be more likely to land those big jobs.

PPE Safety Glasses

As a plumber, it's important to always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Indoor plumbers should wear clear glasses, while plumbers working outdoors or under bright lights should opt for foggy or tinted glasses. I've seen some plumbers who even wear yellow glasses to help lighten things up. I remember one time I was edging and a pebble flew up and hit my eye, and for months it created a black spot that I couldn't see out of. I always wore safety glasses after that. So, if you're an apprentice plumber or someone just getting started in the field, always remember to wear your safety glasses!

Gloves: Vinyl, Jersey, Leather

As a plumber and apprentice, I know how important it is to wear gloves. Working in the field, we come across some pretty nasty stuff that can really cause damage to our hands if we're not careful. To protect myself, I like wearing vinyl gloves; they keep my hands clean and provide enough of a grip that I'm able to do most of my work without any slips or drops. But when it comes down to soldering pipes in tight spaces, nothing beats good 'ol brown Jersey gloves - not only do they protect your hands from burns and cuts, but their cotton material also serves as a rag for getting rid of solder residue. 

If I have to work with cast iron, I recommend wearing gloves with rubber grips - they will make your life so much easier! When it comes to grabbing a piece of pipe or your tools, having a good grip is essential and can even give you an edge in colder weather when your hands are naturally colder and more likely to tighten up so you don't have as much strength as usual. Besides that, I personally like getting gloves with extra padding around the knuckles which helps me grip tough objects without worrying about bruised knuckles (ouch!). In general though, for any heavy duty tasks, such as using sledgehammers or shovels, I always reach for my leather gloves to protect my hands and keep my grip from slipping.

Head Protection

When it comes to plumbing and other manual trades (especially those involving a plumber's apprentice!) wearing the right head protection is absolutely essential. Keep those hard hats on! They protect you from getting cut, burned, and hit in the head no matter what kind of trades job you're doing. Not only should you select a hard hat that you can proudly wear, but one that offers overall comfort during your long days at work, too. The last thing you want when on the job or training on the job is for that uncomfortable hard hat to become a distraction, ruining what could have been an otherwise productive day. Plus, good hard hats provide protection and peace of mind for both you and your employer. 

Hearing Protection

If you work in the trades, hearing protection is the last thing on your checklist for any job. From chipping away at pipes to firing up a magical torch, projects can get pretty noisy - and not just for the neighbors! That’s why it’s important to have the proper equipment when you're working hard: a good pair of headphones. Not only can they help you beat out the background noise, but some models come with built-in Bluetooth which lets you rock out to your favorite songs while you get the job done. When all is said and done, no plumber should be without these essential pieces of needed hearing protection.

The next time you head out to a job, make sure you have all of the necessary PPE. Not only will this protect you and keep you safe, but it will also help you look professional in your uniform. By taking the time to properly prepare for your job, you can ensure that the work gets done safely and efficiently. Want to get into the trades? Check out my YouTube channel to find out which trade is best for you!