Maintenance Tools Your Technicians Need To Stay Safe

In any industry, the right tools help to get the job done — right. In the HVAC industry, the right maintenance tools can mean the difference between not only a job well done, but also a job safely done.

Do your coworkers feel equipped with the proper maintenance tools? Without the right tools, the overall performance level of your crews can decrease — especially if they don’t feel safe.

Here are a few of the basic maintenance tools ever coworker should have:

• Safety goggles – Accidents happen, but with HVAC equipment, where many components are under high pressure and where fuel is used, protecting your coworker’s eyes is paramount. Consider making it a requirement for your coworkers.
• Gloves – Because of the specialized, often toxic, cleaning solutions used to remove HVAC-system buildup, as well as the soot and soil that go along with the job, all coworkers should wear these. Latex gloves are one option, but you can also provide coworkers with the option of purchasing fitted work gloves.
• Hard hat – Some HVAC contractors require coworkers to wear a hard hat, which may seem extreme to some. However, because your coworkers spend the majority of their field time in a cramped basement, crouching and then getting up, the likelihood of a head injury -- which your insurance must cover -- occurring is high.
• Footwear – To protect your coworkers’ feet, protective footwear should be worn. This can prevent an injury should someone drop heavy equipment or a tool.
• Masks – It’s common for HVAC workers to get respiratory infections, because of the environments in which we work. Wearing a mask will protect the respiratory system when cleaning boilers, furnaces and ductwork. In some cases, it’s recommended that HVAC workers wear a respirator with a HEPA filter to prevent illness due to factors such as asbestos.

The importance of safety cannot be underestimated. When your coworkers feel safe, and they have the right maintenance tools, you can expect them to perform well. If you’d like to discuss further the idea of creating a safe working environment, I’m happy to help! Contact me anytime.

By Ron Smith