Safety Technical Bulletin

Air Conditioning-Heating Contractors

Workplace Safety Tips

 The installation of air conditioning equipment can provide several potential hazards that can cause serious injury.

FFVA-MIC Loss Control consultants can assist you in evaluating your workplace exposures and provide you with appropriate loss control recommendations.

Air Conditioning-Heating-Workplace Exposures

• Moving and lifting heavy materials
• Working in awkward positions or confined areas such as rooftops or ceiling installations
• Ladders and material lifting equipment
• Improperly grounded electrical tools and equipment
• Welding and cutting

Developing A Loss Control Program  

To successfully implement a workplace safety program, management must be willing to reduce and eliminate workplace injuries. There has to be a 100% commitment to establish an injury free environment.

Workplace Safety Tips-Lifting  

• All employees should be properly trained in lifting and carrying materials to avoid muscle strain and back injuries.
• Proper lifting includes:
• Always checking the weight of the object to be lifted, “it’s O.K. to ask for help” and whenever possible lift heavy objects mechanically.
• Placing feet close to the load, bending knees, getting a firm grip and lifting straight up keeping the load close to your body.
• Make sure you have a clear path to your final destination.
• Set the load down slowly bending at the knees and keeping back straight.
• For manual lifting of compressor units, air units, and air handlers, weight restrictions should be developed in written safety rules.

Workplace Safety Tips-Residential and Commercial  

• New hires should receive proper on-the-job training.
• Supervision and training of new hires should include the following:
• Proper lifting practices
• Safe material handling practices
• Proper use of power hand tools
• Proper use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, hard hats, eye protection
• Ensure that all crane operators are certified.
• Lift straps and cables on cranes should be inspected before lifting large compressor units onto rooftops.
• Ground employees should be instructed in proper hand signals to use with crane operation.
• Only certified personnel should operate scissor lifts.
• Fall protection harnesses should be utilized when installing roof top units.
• Ensure that all ladders and scaffolding meets OSHA safety requirements (refer to OSHA 1926.25 sub part L).
• All ladders should be inspected daily for possible fractures.
• All employees should be trained in proper placement and positioning of ladders.
• Portable power hand tools should be inspected regularly for proper grounding and worn surfaces.
• All hand tools should be checked regularly for wear and operational efficiency.
• Eye protection and or face shields should be used when performing welding, cutting or grinding functions.
• Commercial projects require that all sub contractors follow safety requirements of general contractor.
• Contact utility company to determine if there is power line exposure in the work area.

Workplace Safety Tips-Fleet Safety

• Only certified drivers should be permitted to drive company vehicles.
• Motor vehicle reports should be required every 6 months.
• Driving personal vehicles to job site should be discouraged.
• Authorized drivers should have an annual defensive driving course.
• Criteria for determining an adverse driving record should be developed such as # of points per year, DUI, chargeable accidents, etc.
• Vehicle inspections should be the responsibility of the driver. A documented inspection form should be used.
• Maintenance department should have authority to remove a vehicle from service until recommended repairs are made.

Related Links

• www.NSC.org