Fall is here and winter is approaching. That means we are officially in heating season. While accidents happen, there are a few ways to remain cautious for a safer, incident-free winter. Working in colder climates has some obvious challenges. For one, HVACR professionals deal with extreme weather while working long, tiresome hours near components that could be red hot. They also deal with potentially deadly gasses like carbon monoxide, propane and natural gas. Here are some ways to make sure technicians work safely around the most common HVACR industry hazards we face:
This is the biggest danger, both to you and to the homeowner or building occupants. Carbon monoxide (CO), a natural byproduct of burning natural gas, is an odorless, colorless gas that is rightly known as the silent killer. While prolonged exposure can lead to death, breathing air saturated with CO for even a short time can quickly overwhelm and incapacitate you. When working around heating equipment, you should use a CO tester to confirm you’re not being exposed. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines while installing a system to ensure no CO gets into the home or the conditioned space.