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HVAC workers can encounter various hazardous materials daily including cleaning fluids, refrigerants, detergents, and solvents. Under the right circumstances, each of these can be a serious risk to life and health.
Chemical exposure occurs in four different ways:
- Inhalation – breathing in dust, mists, and vapors.
- Ingestion – eating contaminated food (food exposed to airborne contaminants).
- Absorption – skin contact with a chemical.
- Injection – forcing an agent into the body through a needle or high-pressure device.
Protect against chemical hazards by:
- Reading container labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and safe-work instructions before handling a chemical.
- Using specified personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include chemical-splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, an apron, steel-toed shoes, or safety glasses with side shields.
- Inspect all PPE before use; look for defects in the equipment such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc.
- Know where the safety showers and eyewash stations are located and how to use them.
- Wash hands before eating, especially after handling chemicals
- Leave contaminated clothing at work to eliminate the possibility of exposing others to hazards.
- Always be familiar with the chemicals that are being used, safe transportation, and storage guidelines.
- New technicians should take extra time to become familiar with the chemicals before using them.