Plumbing: EPA lead-free rules and OSHA trenching
Plumber licenses are issued by States and local governments, and their exams are built on plumbing codes that goraedu does not cover. What we do cover is EPA's federal lead-free rules for pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder and flux in drinking water systems, and OSHA's excavation rules for trench work.
What this page covers
Plumbing codes, State and local plumbing rules, license exams, installation methods and apprenticeship coursework are not covered. These pages are not plumbing license exam prep. Licensing and certification rules differ by State and program, so check yours. goraedu is an independent study site built from official sources. It does not train, test, license or certify anyone, and its questions are not a license or certification exam. Not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA, the U.S. EPA, any State or any certification body.
Practice sets for this trade
Drinking water operator: Secondary standards and lead free plumbing
Lead-free pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder and flux, 40 CFR 143 Subpart B
OSHA Construction: Excavations
Excavations and trenching, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P
OSHA General Industry: Permit-required confined spaces
Permit-required confined spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146
Key rules, in the regulation's words
To be lead free under the federal rule, the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures may contain no more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead.
“Not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.”
40 CFR 143.12(a)(2)In an excavation, each worker must be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system, except in the cases the rule lists.
“Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when:”
29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1)
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