Professional HVAC technicians work in a wide array of environments, from cramped residential basements to the rooftops of commercial buildings, and everywhere in between. Each location brings with it certain hazards that can put a tech’s body at risk if the proper attention to care and safety techniques aren’t followed.

The unfortunate truth is that HVAC techs can often find themselves facing the same hazards as construction workers, but they rarely get the same level of safety training as their colleagues in construction. As a result,  understanding the potential risks associated with ductwork installation and maintenance is a must for anyone entering the HVAC profession.

In this post, we will shed more light on the most common risks associated with this part of an HVAC technician’s career, so you can be more aware of what to look out for.

Electrocution Risks

HVAC ducts are commonly installed within close proximity of electrical wiring and in some cases where the insulation on the wiring has become frayed, it can pose a risk of electrocution should the tech touch the metal ductwork and the exposed wire at the same time.

While this risk is relatively rare, it is a real threat that you will want to keep in mind when working on ductwork. To reduce the risk of electrocution, you should thoroughly inspect the area where you will be working and wear the appropriate safety gear.

Accidental Fall Risks

Installing or repairing ductwork often requires the use of ladders or aerial lifts. As a result, accidental falls make up the majority of injuries experienced by HVAC techs, and the worst of these cases can prove fatal. The best way to prevent injury or death by accidental fall is to receive proper OSHA training in fall arrest.

Lifting Injury Risks

There may be times when you have to manually raise and carry heavy materials when you’re working on HVAC ductwork and depending on how you lift those materials, you could be increasing your risk of causing injuries to your muscles and ligaments, and in worse cases even the nerves and discs of the lower back. To reduce these risks, follow proper lifting techniques and wear the right structural support gear.

Cutting Risks

Sheet metal can be dangerously sharp, especially after it is cut with sheet metal shears. Plus, the tools themselves can also pose risks for cutting your skin if you’re not careful. As a result, you should never work with sheet metal without first wearing protective gloves and safety glasses.

Incident Prevention Tips

The most important thing an HVAC technician needs to do before starting on any job involving ductwork fabrication, installation, or repair is to be aware of their surroundings. Take the time to inspect the area where you will be working to identify any potential cause of risk.

Before starting work, you should always use the correct personal protective equipment for the work you will be doing, especially when working at heights. When working at heights, take a moment to assess any potential fall hazards and determine your fall arrest strategies in case of an emergency.

Working in a confined space is unavoidable when you work in the HVAC sector, but being properly trained in ductwork fabrication will improve your skills to design and implement a system that provides you with adequate, non-cumbersome access.

Improve Your Fabrication Skills With BTrained’s Duct Design Workshop

Reducing your risk of injury is always easiest when you know what you’re doing. Enrolling in BTrained’s Metal Duct Design & Fabrication Workshop will help you enhance your duct fabrication skills, so you can work more confidently.

This is a comprehensive three-day program that is specially designed to provide you with the education and hands-on experience you need to become a better ductwork designer and fabricator. With the skills you learn, you will be able to work more efficiently and safer to get the results you’re looking for with fewer injury risks.

BTrained’s training courses have a limited number of seats available, and they tend to fill up quickly, so if you want to improve your metal duct fabrication skills, then it’s recommended to claim your spot early. Enroll today and secure your spot.