Month: July 2023

Working as an HVACR tech during the summer presents some very specific hazards. Beyond spending long hours outdoors in the heat, you could also work in cramped, hot environments with exposed power lines and hazardous leaking refrigerants. Here are a few dangers to look out for this summer and ways to avoid them.

Stay safe around power

Safety around electrical equipment is critical and since we’re in HVAC, it’s part of the job – especially during the summer. This is when AC systems are overtaxed and are prone to failure and burning out. When repairing these systems or replacing components like fan motors and compressors, be sure to turn the power off at the breaker, not just at the unit. This minimizes the risk of accidental shock. As a final precaution, using a meter with non-contact voltage sensing can confirm the system is deenergized. Also, whenever you come across an exposed wire, use your electrical test tools to ensure safety and tape it off.

Be careful with refrigerants

Recharging a system is a frequent job for techs, especially during the summer months. During a recharge, techs are often inadvertently exposed to hazardous chemicals by breathing them in or absorbing them through the skin. Minimizing this contact is essential. To ensure your safety, wear the correct protective gear like gloves and safety glasses, and follow all manufacturer recommendations. If you need to recharge a system, be sure to use A2L-compatible tools like the Fieldpiece MR45 – Digital Refrigerant Recovery Machine and the Fieldpiece VPX7 – 10 CFM Vacuum Pump. Both are designed to work with the latest refrigerants.

Have the right tools in your bag

To work safely this summer, start by working smarter. Wearing the correct protective gear is a great place to start. Make sure that your bag includes PPE, gloves, helmets, hard-toed boots, and other equipment to defend you from potential hazards. Also, ensure that your bag has all the tools that you need for every job. Trips back and forth to the truck or the shop cause unnecessary delays and extend your time on the job site. Packing the right gear reduces exposure to dangerous heat and other potentially harmful weather conditions.

Work smart. Be safe.

Paying attention to the dangers of working around electricity and refrigerants is important. That’s why you should keep all potential hazards in mind. Avoid or minimize any risk by coming to work prepared with the right equipment, HVACR test tools and protective gear to keep you safe through the summer months.

Now that it’s getting warm out, customers are going to be pushing the limits of their AC systems more. It also means techs expect to be spending more time working outside. Here are a few ways for everyone to stay safe while working in the heat.

Drink up

First, stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is if you’re feeling thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. It’s recommended to drink water before working outside and then drink one cup, or eight ounces, of water or electrolyte-rich liquids for every 15 minutes spent working outside. Also, stay hydrated after work as well – especially if you work outside in the heat on a regular basis. One word of caution is to not drink more than 48 ounces of water per hour. This may cause a medical problem if salt in the blood gets too low.

Dress for it

If you’re going to be outside all day, you need to wear appropriate gear and clothing. This means wearing breathable, comfortable clothing that’s protective, lightweight, and light-colored. Dark-colored clothing absorbs heat from sunlight, and heavy clothing also traps heat and wears you down faster. If you’re able, set up an umbrella or shade tent over your outside workspace. Some umbrellas, specifically designed with magnetic bases, easily stick to outdoor HVAC systems, and eliminate the need for bulky or cumbersome stands. This relief from the direct sunlight makes a world of difference.

Take breaks

If you’re working outside all day, taking breaks helps prevent heat exhaustion and workplace accidents. Don’t just tough it out. Build breaks into your daily schedule to encourage you and your team to stay cool, hydrated, and rested. Also, by utilizing wireless system monitoring technologies, it’s easy to connect tools on an outdoor unit and follow its readings from a shaded area or from indoors. The latest wireless tech sends a signal up to 1000’.

Know what to look for

Sometimes, just taking precautions isn’t enough. It’s important to know what symptoms to look for in both heat exhaustion and heatstroke. With heat exhaustion, keep an eye out for heavy sweating, paleness, and muscle cramps. If you start to notice these, head to a cool place and drink some fluids. More serious symptoms can include headaches, nausea, vomiting and fainting. These symptoms should be dealt with immediately. If you have a rapid heart rate, high body temperature or become confused, you could have heatstroke. This is a dangerous condition that could result in seizures or loss of consciousness.

Be safe out there

To learn more about signs of heat exhaustion, check out resources like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic for more information. We hope these pointers help you and your team stay safe and cool all summer long. If you want other ways to work faster and smarter, explore our catalog of products at Fieldpiece.com.