From HVAC electrical hazards and combustible gases to HVAC safety hazards presented by the work environment itself, there are major HVAC safety hazards to consider while you’re on the job. Whether you run an HVAC business or are a field tech yourself, safety must be a central focus in your day-to-day operations to avoid dangerous and costly accidents.
To prevent common accidents, HVAC technicians should follow these HVAC equipment safety tips to help mitigate HVAC safety hazards:
HVAC Electrical Hazards
HVAC electrical hazards are an extremely common part of the job. To practice proper HVAC electrical safety, be sure to follow these tips when performing installations or routine maintenance:
- Assume that every circuit or system is energized.
- Never stand on wet floors or lean against a wet wall or other wet surfaces.
- Always make sure your hands, clothes and gloves are dry.
- Turn off power to the corresponding circuit in the breaker panel.
- Use proper lockout and tag procedures to ensure no one tries to turn on the power while you are working.
- Before performing the work, test the circuit with a meter that is properly rated for the type of circuit you’re testing to determine if it’s still energized.
Following these steps will help maintain HVAC electrical safety for jobs of all shapes and sizes. Remember, no matter how small or routine the task may seem, always take the time to do the job safely.
HVAC Chemical Hazards
Exposure to dangerous chemicals is another of the top HVAC safety hazards we see across the industry. Technicians commonly work with a variety of chemicals that can cause serious burns, such as refrigerants, cleaning liquids, solvents and gases.
HVAC chemical safety starts with proper safety training. Follow these HVAC chemical safety steps to stay safe when handling such materials:
- Exercise caution and take your time.
- Always wear reliable protective personal equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, protective footwear, and HVAC work gloves.
- A type of pressurized gas cylinder commonly found in the back of a technician’s truck is R-410A refrigerant. For proper HVAC equipment safety when handling and storing these cylinders, the American Welding Society (AWS) recommends the following:
- Secure cylinders upright with a chain or strap in a proper cylinder cart.
- Ensure valves are completely closed and any protection devices are secured.
- Keep cylinders in a ventilated location free from excessive heat and electrical circuits.
- Ensure safety measures, such as caps or guards, are securely installed.
- Use a cart or hand truck. Do NOT drag or roll cylinders.
While HVAC chemical hazards are very real, the proper training and equipment can help maintain HVAC chemical safety for you and your crew.
HVAC Equipment Hazards
HVAC residential and commercial equipment safety is equally important to the other HVAC safety hazards on this list. Before you set out for the day, make sure the tools in your van or truck are ready for the task at hand. Ensuring the condition of your tools and other equipment not only improves HVAC equipment safety, it also helps better prepare you to complete the job as efficiently and effectively as possible.
You should also be prepared to take proper inventory of your equipment. Along with your common tools and gear, don’t forget to stock up on your PPE, including:
- Steel-toed work boots
- Full-coverage clothing
- Thick HVAC work gloves
- Hard hat
- Safety goggles
- Face shield
- Respirator
- Earplugs
Respiratory HVAC Safety Hazards
Some of the most common HVAC safety hazards all technicians face are respiratory related. Many homes contain dirty air filters and air ducts, creating HVAC system hazards like mold, bacteria, and fungus. Additional HVAC system hazards like a faulty pilot light or a leaking heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
For these HVAC safety hazards, we refer back to our HVAC equipment safety. Wearing an industrial-grade face mask helps prevent inhaling these toxins in close proximity, especially if you’ll be exposed for extended periods of time. You can ensure that you have the right equipment by referencing OSHA’s guide to respiratory protection here.
Extreme Weather Conditions
HVAC technicians frequently work outside in extreme heat or cold, leaving them at risk for fatigue, dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia and frostbite.
For these HVAC safety hazards, it’s crucial to know your limits, wear the proper clothing, hydrate and take breaks as needed. Taking care of yourself is the first step in mitigating these and other common HVAC safety hazards while in the field.
COVID-19 & More
A typical day in the life of an HVAC tech involves entering a home or business to perform routine maintenance or repairs. In the wake of COVID-19, the industry has been faced with an added layer of HVAC safety hazards that must be accounted for.
While much of the administrative work can be completed remotely, follow these tips for staying safe and healthy during the actual visit:
- Wear a properly fitted mask.
- Have disinfectants for your hands and equipment readily available.
- Maintain a 6 feet distance if the client is present.
- Wash your hands after the job is finished.
With flu season in full swing and plenty of other contagions to be wary of, proper self-care is critical to keeping yourself healthy year-round.
Regardless of your years of experience, we hope you’ll keep these tips in mind to practice better HVAC safety out in the field. Take your time, remember your training and, above all else, safety first.
