Air Conditioning

1. Keep all equipment clean and work areas free of dust and debris.
   
   
2. Wear proper PPE when working with compressed gases.
   
   
3. Report all accidents to your supervisor immediately.
   
   
4. Store all flammables in the proper containers.
   
   
5. Technicians must use every precaution when working with pressures, electrical energy, heat, cold, rotating machinery, chemicals and when moving heavy objects.
   
   
6. Pressure Vessels and Piping - Keep protective cap on all cylinders while they are being moved. Do not apply heat to refrigerant cylinders. Keep eyes and skin away from liquid refrigerant by wearing gloves and side shield goggles. All cylinders into which refrigerant is transferred should be approved DOT recovery cylinders. Always use regulators on nitrogen, oxygen and acetylene cylinders.
   
   
7. Electrical Hazards - Electrical power should always be shut off at the distribution panel and locked in an approved manner when installing or servicing equipment. (See Lockout/Tagout Procedure and NOTE on page 14 of this Manual) do not stand in a damp or wet area while working on electrical components. Use only properly grounded power tools connected to properly grounded circuits. Non-conducting ladders should be used on all jobs. Be careful of jewelry around live electrical circuits. Use hand tools with approved insulated handles.
   
   
8. Heat - When soldering or using concentrated heat, a fire extinguisher should always be close by on the job site. Use an appropriate shield when solder connections are made next to combustible materials or a finished surface. Never solder tubing lines that are sealed. Hot refrigerant lines, heat exchangers and motors can cause severe burns. Gloves should always be worn.
   
   
9. Cold - Liquid refrigerant can freeze your skin or eyes instantaneously. Do not let refrigerant come in contact with your skin. While working in walls in freezers, always wear appropriate coat and gloves.
   
   
10. Mechanical Equipment - Loose clothing should never be worn around rotating machinery. Have all pump coupling and fan guards installed on equipment. Never attempt to stop a motor or other mechanism by gripping the belt. Use 1face shield while using grinders. Always keep tool rest on grinder adjusted properly.
    
    
11. Moving Heavy Objects - When you lift objects, use your legs not your back. Use proper tools such as pry bar, refrigerator hand truck, portable dolly, lever truck and lift gate on truck to help move heavy objects.
    
    
12. Refrigerant Vapors - Refrigerants are heavier than air and can displace the oxygen in a closed space. Proper ventilation must be used at all times to prevent being overcome by the lack of oxygen. Use fans for cross ventilation and fresh air. While repairing (soldering) refrigerant piping, since the fumes are toxic and may cause harm, keep your head below the rising fumes and make sure there is plenty of ventilation.
    
    
13. Chemicals - All chemicals should be handled according to manufacturer's directions. Read the entire label before starting a job. Know the location of the MSDS book and how to read an MSDS. Conduct a chemical inventory each year in September (Refer to the FM Hazcom Procedure, I:12). Handle all chemicals with rubber gloves, face, and eye protection. Contaminated refrigerant and oil from compressor burn out may be hazardous to your skin, eyes, and lungs because they contain acid.