Hazard:
The two technicians seen here are replacing sprinkler heads in a large apartment complex. The suppression system had been drained. However, residual water drained out when each head was replaced. Draining water overfilled the 5 gallon buckets used and the water leaked onto the floor. No precautions were taken to prevent water damage to carpet, furniture, or the customer’s computer equipment sitting on the desk below the work zone.
Preventative measures:
- Cover furniture, carpet, and other items within range of water leaks with plastic.
- Have the customer move small, unheavy items away from the work zone.
- Ask the customer to remove power plugs from electrical outlets beneath sprinkler head/work zone.
- Cover small appliances and electronic devices that the customer has not relocated away from the work zone.
- Check the bottoms of ladders, shoes and buckets for substances that can stain customer carpet/floor coverings.
Ensure the following items are in the vehicle before performing tasks such as relocating heads:
- Wet vacuum
- Large and small sections of plastic
- Empty clean 5 gallon buckets to catch water
- Clean towels or cloth to wipe down surfaces
Upon Completion of the Work:
- Clean up water.
- Put any furniture and items back in place that the customer permitted you to move.
- Plug in all removed power cords that the customer allowed you to unplug.