Every Tech Should Be Aware of These HVAC Safety Risks

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As an HVAC tech, safety is your top priority. Maintaining safety minimizes the risks of HVAC accidents and injuries.

As a result, you must adhere to current servicing best practices while looking for potential hazards. This includes paying attention to the following HVAC safety risks.

 

 

Remain aware of these HVAC safety risks when filling a job order.


Inadequate Equipment

Ensure the proper equipment is in your truck before leaving to fill job orders. This prevents having to use the wrong tools to complete the tasks.

  • Determine which tools you need for the day.
  • Test your tools to make sure they properly function.
  • Follow the proper procedures for tools that need maintenance or repair.
  • Replace the tools that are not functioning.

Dangerous Driving

You must drive with care to arrive at each job site on time.

  • Allow adequate time to get from one job to another.
  • Let your dispatcher know if you need your schedule changed to fit your driving route.

Chemical Exposure

Refrigerants, cleaning liquids, solvents, and gases can cause burns. Refrigerants can be especially toxic if exposed to heat.

  • Undergo safety training before working with toxic chemicals.
  • Wear safety glasses, protective footwear, HVAC work gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals.

R-410A refrigerant is a type of pressurized gas cylinder commonly transported in HVAC techs’ trucks. These cylinders may be exposed to heat from summer temperatures. Driving over bumps can cause the cylinders to explode.

  • Use chains or straps to secure the cylinders upright in a cylinder cart.
  • Ensure the valves are closed and protection devices secured.
  • Keep the cylinders in a cool, ventilated location away from electrical circuits.
  • Use a cart or hand truck to move the cylinders.

Respiratory Hazards

Many homes have old air filters full of mold, bacteria, and fungi. If a pilot light is faulty or heat exchangers are leaking on the furnace, carbon monoxide poisoning can result.

  • Wear an industrial-grade face mask, cartridge-style mask, or self-contained breathing mask to avoid inhaling poisonous gas.
  • Mask-wearing is especially important if you work in a confined or contaminated space for an extended period.

Electrical Hazards

Deenergize equipment before inspecting, testing, repairing, or servicing it.

  • Turn off the power to the circuit in the breaker panel.
  • Use a meter that is rated for the type of circuit to test whether the circuit is energized before you begin working.
  • Follow the proper lockout/tagout procedures so the power remains off while you work.

Ladder Hazards

Properly securing your ladder can prevent falls, the leading cause of injury for construction workers.

  • Place the ladder base one-fourth of its working length from the dwelling to maintain a safe angle.
  • Ensure the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the point of support.
  • Make sure the locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
  • Keep either both feet and at least one hand or both hands and at least one foot on the ladder at all times.

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