Plumber in Billings, MT Advises on Handling Service Calls in a Socially Distanced World

Billings, Mont. – As Governor Bullock begins to slowly lift the statewide stay-at-home order, the public is reminded that the safety of workers and customers in the plumbing, HVAC and construction industries remain at risk. The leading plumbing company in Billings MT recognizes this risk and has recently offered those in their industry advice on safety measures to include on service calls. In March, Williams Plumbing & Civil Construction shared a list of precautions they’ve enforced in their company adapted from top health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). More recently, they have compiled a list of “best practices” and helpful resources for those in the trades industry to follow over the next several weeks and months.

Citizens across the country are advised by top health organizations to limit the amount they leave the home. When leaving the home is unavoidable, it is recommended to wear protective face masks when entering crowded areas. For trades professionals, commuting from home to home calls for additional measures protects service technicians from infection. Williams recommends pre-screening customers, prior to booking a job to reduce the risk of infection. They recommend “The Big 3” questions include: 1.  Have they traveled to an area with known local or international spread of COVID-19 in the past 14 days? 2.  Have they , or anyone in their residence, come into close contact (within 6 feet) with someone who has a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the past 14 days? 3.  Have they experienced a fever (greater than 100.4 F or 38.0 C) OR symptoms of lower respiratory illness such as cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing in the past 14 days?

If the customer should answer “Yes” to any of these questions, they advise that service be denied or delayed for a minimum of two weeks — as determined by the service technician.

The Billings, MT civil construction company goes on to recommend daily health updates from technicians to ensure that team members are not showing signs of infection. If a technician should report any symptoms such as fever, coughing or shortness of breath, that technician should stay or go home immediately and contact their doctor. Until a test can be administered, the individual should self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days and not come back in for work until cleared by a doctor.

For those that are working, service calls are advised to be properly outfitted with safety equipment for each and every job. All technicians should have safety gear such as bodysuits, disinfecting wipes, sanitizer and respirators. It is also advised that service tracks and vans be sanitized often. The use of UV lights is recommended as healthcare professionals use them as a standard cleaning method and are equally effective for removing germs. If technicians also use tablets or other touchscreen devices for signatures or invoices, those should be sanitized between uses.

Williams Plumbing and Civil Construction of Billings, MT remains committed to the safety and service of their customers and employees alike throughout this crisis. To read more about the steps Williams Plumbing is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of their community or to obtain their services, please contact them via their website www.willplumb.com or by phone at (406) 534-8075.