Every trade job comes with its own unique health and safety challenges. Working as an HVAC technician is no exception. For HVAC business owners, keeping yourself, your team, and your customers safe is a big responsibility. Here are the five most common health and safety risks in the HVAC industry and how you can avoid them.
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- 1. Stress
- 2. Electrical hazards
- 3. Chemical exposure
- 4. Respiratory hazards
- 5. Working at heights
- 6. Tradify job management software
1. Stress
There are lots of perks that come with starting an HVAC business, but perhaps the most serious health and well-being risk is the one you can’t see. You’re constantly juggling customer expectations while managing staff and the behind-the-scenes work that comes with business owner status. Over time, that pressure can take its toll, causing burnout and mental health strain.
Here’s how you can stop stress before it causes harm:
- The first step is recognising when the pressure is getting too much. Don’t feel like you can’t step back and switch off — there are ways to keep your business running while on a break. The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to make a costly mistake. So, make sure you set aside time to relax so you can come back to work refreshed, with renewed energy and greater productivity.
- The average tradesperson spends 18 hours per week on admin work. Investing in decent job management software like Tradify will help reduce the paperwork burden so that you can focus on more important tasks that will improve the profitability of your business.
2. Electrical hazards
Most electrical hazards involving HVAC systems have to do with wiring. This work can be dangerous, so it’s important that you take all necessary safety precautions before performing routine inspections or repairs.
- De-energise all equipment and make sure it’s properly grounded.
- Use proper lockout procedures to avoid power being turned on while you’re working.
- Wear insulated gloves and other PPE to minimise the risk of electric shocks.
3. Chemical exposure
HVAC technicians work with a variety of chemicals such as refrigerants, cleaning liquids, solvents, and gases. While these substances are essential for keeping the air quality high, they can also cause serious burns if not handled properly.
- Ensure employees get regular training on working with and storing these chemicals.
- Proper ventilation will stop chemical fumes from building up and posing a health hazard.
4. Respiratory hazards
Airborne illnesses can also be a major problem in the HVAC workplace. Technicians often work on HVAC systems with dirty air filters, which can be the perfect breeding ground for mould, bacteria and fungus. A faulty pilot light and heat exchanger leaks can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Always wear an industrial-grade face mask — particularly when working in a contaminated or confined space.
- Make sure there is adequate airflow - work in an open space whenever possible.
5. Working at heights
Many HVAC systems are in difficult-to-reach places, such as on top of roofs or high up on walls. This can make repairs and maintenance a dangerous task.
When working with ladders:
- Always maintain three-point contact. That means having both feet with at least one hand or both hands with at least one foot on the ladder at all times.
When working at heights:
- Make sure employees have the proper training and safety equipment — harnesses and hard hats can be the difference between a safe job and a serious accident.
6. Get your life back with Tradify job management software
All your hard work is paying off. Your HVAC business is growing. But the more work you take on, the more admin you need to keep on top of. Scheduling jobs, managing staff and subcontractors, sending quotes and invoices on time — all that paperwork can easily keep you from doing the things you love.
If this sounds like you, then you’re not alone. It’s why HVAC business owners use HVAC job management software to help automate those daily processes into one streamlined hub. Job management software like Tradify can eliminate your paperwork and get your business organised.
Sign up for a 14-day free trial with Tradify or visit one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.
