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In the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry, hazards consist of three basic types:
Sharp edges, moving machine parts and tools pose mechanical hazards. When lifting and moving heavy equipment, workers are exposed to the hazard of falling on slippery surfaces and to injury from overexertion. Workers using ladders and scaffolds are also exposed to the hazard of falling. Electrical hazards are associated with power tools and electrically driven mechanical equipment with complex automatic control systems. There are also dangers of electrical contact and shock under damp and wet conditions or during installation and repair near live apparatus. Chemical hazards in the industry are widespread and diverse. Mechanical refrigeration and air-conditioning require the use of several potentially hazardous gases and/or liquids under pressure which, present the danger of burns, asphyxiation, fire and explosion. Workers may also suffer short and long term health effects from accidental or repeated exposure to some of these substances. Each year, about 25% of all injuries in the industry involve overexertion during installation and servicing. Another 25% are due to slips and falls, whether from one level to another or on the same level. Up to 10% of the remaining injuries are caused by failure to wear adequate protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, hard hats and safety boots. Injuries occur during common trade activities such as lifting and carrying materials or equipment; installing or replacing equipment; climbing on ladders and steps; crossing work surfaces such as floors and rooftops; and working with metal or piping.Staying healthy through regular exercise and proper diet can help prevent or minimize injuries from overexertion and contribute to well being both on and off the job. By adhering to the legal responsibilities and recommended practices, labour and management can work together to reduce or eliminate many of these injuries and improve the health and safety of workers in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.
Of prime importance to ORAC and its Members, is its support and participation in the Industry’s Provincial Trade Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Labour – Management Health & Safety Committee. In January 1987, the Ontario Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Contractors and the United Association of Refrigeration Workers of Ontario formed a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trade Labour – Management Health and Safety Committee. The Committee provides a regular forum for discussing health and safety issues of concern to labour and management in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. One of the Committee’s major achievements is a safety manual prepared in co-operation with the Construction Safety Association of Ontario. That same co-operation has led to the development of a health and safety education program. Through this program participants will learn how to identify hazards and take action necessary to protect themselves and others from injury. The education program offers a valuable opportunity for improving and maximizing trade health and safety. This multi-level program is available to Apprentices, Journey-persons and Foremen. Topics include Health and Safety Legislation, protective equipment, tools of the trade, electrical hazards, access equipment, refrigerants and much more. The program content will change to accommodate issues, concerns and legislation.
1. Responsibilities
2. Personal Protective Equipment
3. Tagging and Locking-Out Procedures4. Access Equipment
5. Materials Handling6. Rigging7. Housekeeping8. Service Vehicles9. Tools
10. Barricades and Guardrails11. Personal Conduct
12. Hazardous Materials
13. Refrigerants
14. Refrigeration/Air Conditioning System
15. Work in Confined Spaces16. First Aid
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