Once a few companies start, others with follow

WaterSafe and CIPHE member Duncan Gordon, of Brimstone Gas & Oil, has signed up to WaterSafe’s pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder as part of our lead-free campaign.

In our latest plumber profile he shares why the campaign has prompted him to ditch lead solder from his bag.

You signed WaterSafe’s pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder – can you tell us why you did this and why it’s important?

With the health risks associated with using lead solder I think it’s important the risk of using lead solder in the wrong areas is removed as far as reasonably practical. 

Tell us about your use of lead-free solder and lead solder

I currently use unleaded solder for all water pipework and fittings that I install and I use lead solder for all gas pipework and fittings. This is a practice I will now stop doing by removing the lead solder from my heat/soldering bag.

Do you know the health risks of using lead solder

I do understand the risks to health from using lead solder, including nausea and headaches.

Do you think it’s an important campaign?

I think that once a few companies start to only use lead free solder others will follow.

Would you like to see the use of lead solder banned in the UK?

No, I still believe that lead solder has its place, manly on electronics boards, but not within the heat engineers domain.

How long have you worked in the plumbing industry and what are your qualifications?

I qualified in 2000 whilst in the British Army, Royal Engineers. But have only been in business for the past three years since retiring from the service after 24 years.

I have completed Water Regulations 1999, am a CIPHE Registered Plumber and member of WaterSafe, a Registered Heating Professional and a member of Gas Safe.

Please tell us about your business

I am a sole trader. My company name is Brimstone Gas & Oil and I work in Rugby and surrounding areas. I carry out bathroom and kitchen renovations, boiler installations and servicing and a scope of general plumbing tasks.

Describe a typical day in your working life

After doing the school run work would start. This week has been bathroom installation during the day and then boiler servicing in the evening.  

What are your plans for the future?

To remove lead solder from my kit and dispose of it safely. I will let my mates know about the campaign.

Quick-fire questions

Name three qualities that make a great plumber?

Honesty, compassion, diligence

Best way to unwind after a hard day’s work?

Relax with the family catching up on our day.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee

Plastic pipe or copper pipe?

Copper

Early bird or night owl?

Working late (depending on the school run)

Pipework or paperwork?

Pipework

Pipe wrench v spanner?

Spanner