Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technicians are diligent workers who install, repair, and maintain HVAC to ease their convenience. They spend their workdays working with various indoor climate control systems daily. While they may seem to be fast and professional at their job, they may also be at significant risk of injuring themselves.
HVAC accidents are not only dangerous, but they may also be pretty expensive to recover from if you get into one. Since these dangers exist, technicians must be extra cautious during work hours and should avoid a few essential things at all costs to protect themselves from dangerous situations.
Read this article if you are looking to obtain a career as an HVAC technician in a safe space.
Making A Rush
No matter how many other essential tasks you have to look into, rushing with your HVAC work is the last thing you should do. Hurrying may make you deal with many technical issues quickly, making you skip focus on the essential details. Even if this doesn’t cause problems right away, it may be detrimental for your clients in the long run. Also, in many cases, technicians who hurry may be more susceptible to electric shocks and genuine cuts and burns. That is why it is significant to maintain safety at all times and keep all your worries at bay. Remember, health is wealth.
Keeping Equipments Activated
Many AC technicians pay minimal attention to the electrical circuit when they work. Most of them feel that they are too experienced to get injured or fall into an accident. But that is wrong. As most injuries are uncalled-for, they can be life-taking if not dealt with responsibly. More so, working with activated electrical circuits and appliances puts you and your customer’s lives in colossal danger. Electric shocks and fire are some common problems that may occur due to this purpose. So, you want to ensure you have them de-energized when working with them.
Experimenting With Unsafe Chemicals
Technicians are responsible for working with numerous chemicals on an everyday note. No matter how well-equipped they may be with such harmful materials, it is always wise to abstain from them as far as possible. Experimenting with these toxic chemicals without any safety measures can put you at a legitimate threat against accidents and injuries. As a technician, you have to deal with various cleaning liquids, solvents, gases, and refrigerants; you must make sure that you take care of it at all costs.
Not Having Your Mask On
Generally, technicians are expected to work under several difficult circumstances that put their respiratory health at potential risk. As most homes are filled with filthy air filters, technicians may be more susceptible to mold, bacteria, and fungus infections. Any leakage or gas exchangers may also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. As a result, you may face several breathing problems that may last a long time. Technicians who do not wear a mask during these times can lose themselves to these problems forever. That is why having your mask on is an essential part of maintaining AC safety.
Not Taking Ladder Work Seriously
Sometimes, technicians may have to indulge in stair work when repairing an air conditioner installed on a high surface. Although no one likes to work in the scorching heat, rushing with the stair work can cause instant accidents. As a result, you may end up in the hospital bed with a broken bone or something. That is why one must always pay ample attention to the ladder locks. Make sure you step up and down the ladder with ease and patience. Never make a rush.
Indulging in Dangerous Driving
You can be an expert at your air conditioning repair, and everyone loves you, but if you are a terrible driver, you may end up being at the worst risk. Since technicians have to maintain paramount punctuality, some of them end up rash driving all the time. If you haven’t faced an accident yet, you are lucky. But you have to stop rash driving to stay safe and keep going. If anything, try to wake up early in the morning and leave early for work so you don’t have to drive fast. Also, ensure you always have your seat belt on for utmost safety.
Presenting An Untrained Technician Conduct
When you are called upon to repair someone’s air conditioner, you are expected to behave like professionals. If you do not know the main aspects of solving the AC problem, chances are you will never be called again. Also, not practicing safety, cleaning up after the work is done and behaving rudely are signs of an untrained technician. So, make sure you refrain from these behaviors and make your customers happy. Establish proper protocols for the safety of both yourself and your customers.
Leaving Yourself Dehydrated
Air conditioner career requires potential hard work. You may have to work in the scorching heat for long hours. Also, the chemicals and dirty filters that release from the AC may put your health at risk. That is why ensuring you have good immunity is essential. One of the significant ways to have a robust immune system is by drinking plenty of water. If you work dehydrated, you may end up feeling sick during your work hours. As a result, you may also be at a high risk of falling off the ladder or fainting in the middle of work.
Important Safety Precautions For All AC Technicians
- Turn off the power circuit and work.
- Before you work, test the circuit with a meter that is accurately rated.
- Wear a reliable PPE kit, including safety glasses, work gloves, and protective footwear to prevent any accidents.
- Make sure that the caps and guards are installed.
- Keep in mind that the stair extension extends at least 3 feet above the point of support.
- Schedule time properly, so you do not have to rush between the work.
- If your schedule is not feasible, discuss it with your dispatcher properly.
- Stay healthy and keep hydrated at all times.