In April 2012, Thornhill, Ont., heating, ventilation and air conditioning company sent supervisor and apprentice to repair HVAC unit, located on the roof at the rear of house.
It's labour type of job, says Glenn Walsh, instructor, department, British Columbia Institute of Technology Burnaby, B.C., adding these hazards exist for HVAC workers on all kinds of projects...
Ken Strohan, says situation can arise with the use of tools such as torches, especially in confined spaces...
You may have to walk away from job says Strohan, estimator and project co-ordinator at Saskatoon-based Razor Heating and Air Conditioning..
By the manufacturers the toxicity of some refrigerants does pose hazard, While most of the day-to-day refrigerants workers deal with are classified, says Lee Blakely, instructor and program head, refrigeration and air conditioning in School of Construction at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon.
they require lot of expertise, says Ryan Quinn, health and adviser at Construction Safety Nova Scotia Dartmouth, N.S.
By the students through the rest of the course, At BCIT, Walsh says, they spend two to three weeks on safety alone then, the safety procedures needed for specific kinds of work, are discussed and practised.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic's refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic students not only receive basic skills and training, they also complete three-day first-aid course, introductory course on OHS, WHMIS and PPE training, says Blakely..
To determine what regulations apply in any situation, employers of HVAC workers should look at the section dealing with the hazard involved, such as confined spaces if workers are required to work inside ductwork or fall protection if they are required to work on roof..
Two years the employer, Thornhill, Ont.-based Design Air, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure worker was protected by fall-arrest system as required by law.
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