Yearly Archives: 2013

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

FIRE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

The Law 

According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, if you’re an employer, owner, landlord or occupier of a business in England and Wales, you are legally responsible for fire safety within that building. This means you have an obligation to protect the building, and everyone within it, from the threat of fire as far as possible and, under the Fire Safety Order, this makes you the ‘responsible person’. 

As the ‘responsible person’ there are a host of tasks you must undertake and steps you must implement to: reduce the likelihood of fire, put an efficient evacuation process in place and ensure all of your employees are aware and informed of fire safety and your building’s procedures. 

Fire Risk Assessments 

Conducting a Fire Risk Assessment is one of the first, and most important, things businesses must do in order to comply with fire safety laws. If your business has five or more employees, your Risk Assessment must be kept as a written record and this should then be regularly reviewed and subsequently updated. 

The aim of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify the fire hazards within your environment and the people at risk and then implement changes to eradicate or reduce these risks. There are five steps to a Risk Assessment and, due to the meticulous nature of each one, most companies choose to hire a professional fire safety company to conduct theirs. 

Planning for an Emergency 

Once the risks and hazards within your property have been identified, it is vital to plan exactly what would happen in the event of an actual emergency. This means carefully and comprehensively planning evacuation routes and ensuring they are as safe and efficient as possible. 

This should include making sure there are enough clear and unblocked exits for everyone to escape from – experts recommend at least two alternatives from each room in case the fire is blocking one – and that there are designated meeting points. You should also consider anyone who may be more vulnerable during an evacuation, such as children, people with disabilities and the elderly. 

Equipment, such as fire safety signs and emergency lighting, should also be installed where appropriate to make the evacuation routes immediately obvious, easy to understand and safe to navigate through. 

Installing Fire Equipment 

One of the best ways to remove or reduce the fire risks within your environment is to install high quality fire equipment. All business environments must contain a fire detection and warning system which, for most commercial premises, means installing a fire alarm system. Reputable fire alarm suppliers will tailor a system to the requirements of your environment. 

Most businesses also require fire fighting equipment and this includes fire extinguishers, fire blankets and sprinkler systems, conditional to the environment you work in. For example, there are a  variety of fire extinguishers available, depending on the application and type of fire being tackled. Again, fire equipment suppliers can advise you on the types of fire extinguisher required for your business. 

Provide Information, Instruction and Training

All new staff members should be trained on fire safety, including evacuation procedures, fire alarm system instructions and the location and use of fire extinguishers. Fire safety signage is also a great way to conform to regulations regarding information as they offer a permanent, tangible method of instruction. 

Fire drills should also be conducted to make sure everyone is thoroughly aware of evacuation procedures. These should be done regularly – at least once a year – and also provide an ideal opportunity to make sure your evacuation routes are suitable. Any findings from the fire drill should be recorded and any remedial action necessary should be taken. Additionally, any new risks identified within your environment should be communicated to all employees. 

Professional fire safety training programmes are also recommended for larger businesses, as it involves nominating Fire Safety Wardens who then also become responsible for overseeing fire safety and will learn valuable skills, including how to use a fire extinguisher. 

This post was written on behalf of City Fire Protection & Maintenance Services LLP by George Musson.

General Safety Issues

RUNNING A VENDING BUSINESS: SAFETY TIPS FOR VENDING MACHINES (GUEST POST)

     Many of today’s new businessmen prefer to start a vending business. When it comes to ROI (return on investment) you can expect higher returns with a vending machine, than other business ventures. Basically, you have two options – starting your own business or going for franchise. Either way, you have to ensure safety at all times. 

An owner of a vending machine should set priorities and on top must be safety and security. Perhaps you’ve heard about theft and damages, such things can happen unexpectedly and it pays to be prepared at all times. Follow the top ten tips below and you don’t have to worry about your machine. 

1.      When it comes to the proper installation of the vending machines, follow the steps carefully and make it a point to read the manual firsthand.

2.      Check on the machine regularly to see if there are issues or problems. You can make a rotating schedule so that criminals will have second thoughts in committing crimes.

3.      If you can afford a CCTV camera, then you need to have it installed around the machine. This is a good idea, but it can also be costly.

4.      Make use of anti-theft alarms and devices. Before buying a vending machine, you can check for pre-built alarms or devices; modern machines are equipped with the latest safety technologies that will ensure security even nobody’s around.

5.      The part where the cash is kept must be fully secured, and it is better if you collect the earnings every day, or you can use an unpredictable schedule to get the money.

6.      Check the machine for possible damage, cracks, and other problems that can compromise its safety. Fix any potential problem and don’t wait until it becomes worse.

7.      Install the vending machine in a secured location. Even if a certain place has many potential customers, you should look for another location if the area is not secured especially at night.

8.      Don’t buy used and beat up machines. Older models of machines don’t offer much in terms of security.

9.      Check the location to see if the machine is well-lit. This is needed to help people find what they need.

10.  Online reporting system for effective management of the vending business. This is for those who plan to get a franchise vending machine. 

As long as you follow these tips, you can never go wrong with your choice. 

Vending machines can also cause injuries. You have to make sure that the machine doesn’t tip over easily. The surface where the machine is installed must be flat and leveled. Many customers tend to shake or kick the machine when something goes wrong. Accidents like this will hold the owner liable, so be extra cautious when choosing a machine. 

It is always a good idea to buy the latest or newer vending machines. New models usually consider safety of users and the owner. Don’t forget to put warning stickers. By doing so, the consumer is warned in advance and will also exercise care while handling the machine. 

Author Bio:

Victor McNamara works at Vending World. Vending World is a leading distributor of vending machines. They have been selling vending machines since 1968 and can fill almost all of your general vending machine needs.

A tip to all of us who use vending machines: keep hand sanitizer in your car or purse, because germs are waiting for us on machines, and any other place used by the public. pb

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

OSHA AND ELECTRICITY: KEEPING THE FACTORY FLOOR SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations to ensure employees’ safety. These requirements apply to all industries, especially construction and factory work.

In addition to an employer following safety guidelines, employees working on or around electrical equipment should have safety training. OSHA regulations align with the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 70E.

General OSHA regulations for electrical use in any industry

  • Electrical cords may not be modified.
  • Ground prongs can’t be removed from any cord or plug.
  • Extension cords must have three wires, one wire being grounded.
  • Cords, fittings and connections must have a strain relief.
  • Shut-offs or disconnects must be clearly identified on all equipment.
  • All electrical equipment must be inspected before use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service.
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) must be used in typically wet locations.

Requirements for wiring and safe operation

  • All electrical wire, equipment and conduit must be approved by either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Corporation (FMC).
  • When energized equipment or lines are exposed, effective barriers or temporary fencing must be used.
  • High-voltage equipment (600 volts or more) must be isolated.
  • Temporary wiring, used during construction, remodeling or repairs, must meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
  • Temporary wiring must be removed immediately after the work is completed.
  • Exposed electrical wires must be protected.

When it comes to protecting electrical wires, a metal or plastic conduit is the best choice. Conduit materials include aluminum, cast zinc, galvanized steel, steel and PVC.

Partial list of conduit requirements

  • Any wiring installed in a conduit must be protected by bushings at the end of the conduit.
  • Liquid tight conduit and weatherproof connections must be used in outdoor locations.
  • The NEC has regulations for the maximum number of wires allowed in any given conduit. The number of wires depends on the diameter, American Wire Gauge and type of wire.
  • Most metal conduits can be used as equipment ground conductors. Plastic conduits must have a separate ground conductor. The ground conductor must also be identified.
  • Spacing between conduits is required for safe access during repair work.

Normally, if an accident occurs, OSHA will become involved and may conduct safety assessments. In addition to OSHA guidelines, the NEC applies to all construction work and all commercial electrical use. Compliance with NEC requirements is normally checked during stages of building inspection. Insurance companies may require further inspection for compliance.

Following the guidelines set by OSHA will help protect the health and safety of employees. A reduction in accidents may reduce insurance rates and will reduce lost time from work. While ignoring regulations may not result in an accident, the potential fines levied by OSHA can be significant.

All workers who work around electricity should be furnished dielectric personal protective equipment, such as dielectric glasses and gloves. pb

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

PREVENT AND ARREST FALLS FROM HEIGHTS

This article is  from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety monthly newsletter that we subscribe to: 
An apprentice carpenter was severely injured when he fell through a stairwell opening and landed on the concrete floor 37 feet below. In another incident, a roofer unhooked his lanyard from the lifeline and then slipped on frost, falling to his death, 53 feet below.

Every year workers die or are injured as a result of falling from ladders, scaffolds, roofs or other elevations. Falling is a risk faced by construction workers, painters, solar panel installers, window washers, firefighters, live performance workers, and others who work at heights. Ideally it would be safest to eliminate the risk all together by eliminating the need to work at heights, however in many occupations such as construction and other trades, this is not practical, and working at heights is a part of the job.

There are however, steps that employers and workers can take to minimize the risk, and help prevent falls and the injuries that go along with them.

Risk Assessment
Any work at heights should be properly planned, supervised, and not carried out in dangerous weather conditions. Conduct a risk assessment to identify and address any hazards related to the work to be performed. This information can help you select the right equipment for the job, and take adequate control measures and precautions to ensure the safety of workers and others.

Fall Protection Plan
When workers are working over 7.5 metres (25 feet) in height and are not protected by permanent guardrails the employee must develop a written, site-specific fall protection plan. The plan should include the fall hazards and fall protection systems that are in place in each area, and the procedures for using, maintaining, fitting and inspecting fall protection equipment. The plan should also include procedures for rescuing a worker who has fallen, and is suspended by a personal fall protection system or safety net.

Training and Supervision
People working at heights must be trained in practical fall prevention and fall arrest techniques. Whenever personal protective equipment is used, the employer must ensure that workers know how to properly select, fit, use, inspect, and maintain the gear they will be using. The employer is responsible for providing appropriate training, and safety equipment that complies with safety standards, and ensuring that workers use the fall protection system provided at all times.

Fall Protection
If you are at risk for falling three meters (ten feet) or more, you should use the appropriate fall protection system when working. There are various fall protection methods and devices to protect workers who are at risk of falling. Each has their appropriate uses; depending on the situation, use one or more of these fall protection methods:

Guardrails should be installed at the edges of construction sites, roofs, and scaffoldings whenever possible to prevent falls. Standards for guardrails dimensions may vary from province to province.  Fall restraint systems such as work positioning devices that prevent workers from travelling to the edge of the building or structure must be provided if the use of guardrails isn’t practicable.

Fall arrest systems (full body harnesses and safety nets) are used to stop workers in mid-fall to prevent them from hitting the surface below. Full body safety harnesses attached to secured lanyards are widely used, however to be effective, they must be fitted properly to each worker. Although a poorly fitting harness will stop a fall, it can injure the worker who is dangling in mid-air if the straps and metal supports are not contoured to the individual’s shape.

The lanyard, or line that stops the fall, and the anchor point for the lanyard are just as important as the harness. Anchor points must be carefully planned, usually in consultation with an engineer, and the length of the lanyard must allow for the stretch in the material resulting from the fall. Manufacturers can provide information to help you choose the correct length and avoid contact with the ground or other objects.

Safety netting can be used effectively in construction of industrial framed buildings. Trained personnel are required to install, dismantle and inspect the netting, and no worker should work above nets without proper training.

Suspension Trauma
When fall arrest systems are used, the possibility of suspension trauma is a serious concern. This condition, which can be fatal, occurs when a person is suspended motionless in a vertical position in the harness while awaiting rescue. When a person is suspended vertically and perhaps in shock, blood tends to pool around the legs, putting extra pressure on the heart while it attempts to pump blood to the brain. The situation can be made worse by the constrictions of the harness. Suspended workers with head injuries or who are unconscious are particularly at risk. The person must be rescued quickly (under ten minutes) and gradually brought to a horizontal position to avoid potential cardiac arrest. This is why it is critical to have a rescue plan with procedures for rescuing a worker who is suspended by a personal fall protection system.

Preventing the fall, or rescuing the fallen, the best way to protect workers from injury is to create a culture of safety that values the input of both employers and workers.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues

ARE OLDER WORKERS RETIRING LATER IN LIFE?

Article by Chris Thomas, of Public News Service

PORTLAND, Ore. – If there’s something fun or carefree about getting older, it can’t be found in a new survey of people age 50 and older in Oregon. Instead, eight in ten respondents said they’re worried about their financial futures, health-care costs and having the ability to stay sharp and healthy as they age.

Chad Cheriel, an AARP volunteer and senior research associate at Portland State University’s Institute on Aging, says even those older Oregonians who once felt well-prepared for their golden years are not so sure today.

“They counted on their houses; the equity has gone down significantly because of the housing market. Whatever savings they have have been halved, or 30 to 40 percent wiped out. I know that’s being rebuilt, but it’s going to take a long time, and those who retired may not have the time to recover.”

Cheriel says 30 percent of retirees rely on Social Security as their primary source of income, and for 60 percent of retirees, it makes up about two-thirds of their monthly income. Oregon’s number of people age 65 and older is expected to double in the next 20 years.

Retirement doesn’t seem to be in the picture for many aged 50 and older, according to the AARP survey. More than 60 percent said they intend to work at least part-time because they have to for financial reasons. Gerontologist Vicki Schmall of West Linn, executive director of Aging Concerns, says many of the younger seniors are also caring for older relatives.

“The number-one resource in terms of support of older adults who become frail and need assistance comes from family – about 80 percent of all support. We need to support families when they are in that role, as well as looking at what we can do to strengthen our community-based services to older adults.”

Half of the survey respondents said they expect to face difficulty finding affordable long-term care if they need it, and two-thirds said they are worried about their ability to pay for any kind of major illness or injury. 

Chris, this isn’t happening just in Oregon; it seems thousands of senior citizens well over fifty years of age are continuing to work into their seventies.  Most need the income to supplement their Social Security income – and these are not benefits, as some in government describe: this is income that they have all paid into since they began working as young persons,  (Unless they were employed as teachers and paid into teachers retirement). 

Many companies have designed “phased retirement,” which allows workers to scale back on their hours.  Many U.S. employers have offered workers a softer landing into retirement, which lets them scale back hours as they prepare to move into a part-time position, until they decide to retire.  Phased retirement gives employees a way to maximize their retirement savings and the company gains by retaining a highly experienced employee who has often built close ties with coworkers and clients. 

Older workers take pride in their experience, and know exactly what they are capable of doing, especially if the job requires physical labor.  They should continue safety training, the same as new employees, and share their skills with newcomers. 

Congratulations to those who are able to retire when they desire, but for those who want to stay busy, everyone is a winner, the senior citizen and the employer.  Pat

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

HOME DEMO SAFETY TIPS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION CONTRACTOR (GUEST POST)

Safety is the first priority of any industrial demolition contractor. When a project is safe, employees are happier and the work finishes on time. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety regulations for demolition contractors for a reason – the work is risky. With this in mind, homeowners should also keep safety in mind when embarking on a demolition, remodeling or building project.  

Look for environmental hazards. Some construction materials contain toxins such as mold, formaldehyde, lead or asbestos. If you’re not sure what went into the building materials you’re demolishing, hire a professional to figure this out. If there are toxins in the environment, let the pros handle it. 

Analyze the materials. A sledge hammer isn’t the go-to tool for every type of building material. Before starting a project, analyze the materials so you can pinpoint the right demolition tools. 

Make a plan. If there aren’t any hazardous materials in your home, plan to work from the top down. In your plan, include a safety checklist with items like sealing off the area, shutting off the utilities, where to place chutes and so on.   

Prevent fall hazards. If you are ever going to be four feet or more off the ground, implement these fall protection measures: 

  • Install stair rails, handrails and guardrails.
  • Cover holes will floor boards or toe-boards.
  • Keep the floors dry.
  • Use a harness and lines whenever you’re four feet or more off the ground.
  • Learn how to use a ladder safely. (A ladder is one of the most deadly items on a demolition site.) 

Demolition Tools  

Pry bars: Use a pry bar to pull out nails, remove tiles and loosen flooring. If you need something stronger to loosen flooring, give a San Angelo bar a try. 

Hammers: A standard claw hammer is great for removing nails and making small holes in drywall. Use a mini-sledgehammer for tougher tasks, like removing interior framing and wood support beams. Reserve the full-size sledge hammer for materials like bricks or concrete. As you work with nails, take the time to knock them flat so they don’t end up lodged in a foot – or better yet, keep the area clean so you don’t step on piles of debris. 

Excavators: Excavators can increase the efficiency of your project when an experienced operator is in the driver’s seat.

Demolition Safety Equipment & Best Practices 

Spend a little money and save a lot – including your life – with PPE personal protective equipment and other safety materials. You should also consider implementing the demolition best practices below. Recommended safety equipment includes: 

  • Safety glasses
  • Hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • Ear protection
  • Respirators or dust masks
  • Shatterproof goggles
  • Steel-toed boots or boots with shanks in the soles
  • Harness for work on the roof or around open holes
  • Electrical tester (to make sure power lines are dead)
  • Fire hose
  • First aid kit
  • Safety buddy 

Put safety first. Always use safety gear, and inspect it prior to starting work. 

Obtain permits. Before your project, verify whether you need a demolition permit. 

Handle hazardous materials wisely. The EPA has standards for handling environmental hazards. Work with a licensed company to remove them from your site. 

Be a good neighbor. As you work, be mindful of noise levels, dust levels and the debris produced. 

Consider a green demolition. Divert what you can from the landfill by salvaging usable building materials and reusing or donating them. Recycle what you can, and sell scrap metal to recoup some of your costs 

Demolition is all about forethought and logic. Never hesitate to talk to a demolition contractor if you have any questions or safety concerns about your project. 

Elder Demolition, a fully licensed demolition contractor located in Portland, Oregon, has provided safe, top-notch demolition services throughout the western United States since 1997. Elder Demolition

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN HANDLING HEAVY EQUIPMENT (GUEST POST)

 

Manual handling causes over third of all workplace injuries, and if your job frequently requires you to lift, pull, push, hold or restrain heavy objects or equipment, you may be at risk.

However, heavy manual labor is not the only risk factor; manual handling injuries can also occur as a result of awkward postures or repetitive movements of the arms, legs and back.

With this in mind, it is important to identify any possible risks that may be present in your workplace, and take safety precautions to prevent injuries from occurring.

Here are five things to keep in mind when manual handling:

1. Maintain good posture at all times

Maintaining good posture is important whether you are sitting at your desk, waiting in line or lifting something heavy. Keeping your spine straight will protect your muscles, organs, make breathing easier and increase your energy.

Here are a few tips for maintaining good posture during different activities:

Sitting

While seated at your desk, make an effort to sit up straight with your shoulders pulled back. Keep your legs at 90-degree angle to your body in order to support your back. When you are seated correctly your neck, back and heels should be in alignment.

Standing

When standing or walking, keep your head up with your chin slightly tucked in rather than pointing outwards. Your shoulders should be back, your chest should be forward and your stomach should be pulled in. Also, remember to place your weight on the ball of your feel instead of your heels or toes.

Lifting

When stooping to lift something from a low shelf or off the ground, bend at the knees rather than at the waist so that your back stays straight. Use your legs to do the lifting and resist the urge to lean forward. Don’t forget to use your Back Support Belt

2. Lift and carry loads correctly

If you have to lift or carry a heavy load, it is important to follow the right protocol. This includes warming up your muscles with a few gentle stretches before engaging in any manual labor and keeping any objects you are carrying close to the body and lifting with your thigh muscles as opposed to your back.

Always assess whether or not a load can be broken down into smaller and lighter components that will be easier to lift. If you can, push rather than pull the load, as this will put less stress on your body.

Before lifting, adopt a stable position and keep your feet apart while placing one leg forwards in order to maintain your balance. Make sure you have a good grip before you start lifting, and avoid twisting your back or leaning to the side while your back is bent.

3. Use mechanical aids whenever possible

When you have a choice between carrying something yourself or using a mechanical aid such as a wheelbarrow, cart or conveyor belt, you should always choose the mechanical aid, even if you feel capable of lifting the object on your own.

This prevents you from putting an unnecessary strain on your back and means that when you do need to lift something on your own you won’t be worn out. Remember; there is a difference between what you can lift and what you can lift safely.

4. Change the nature of the work

Although this may not always be possible, you should look for opportunities to change the nature of the work you are doing from time to time. Alternating between different tasks throughout the day ensures that you are not carrying out the same movements repeatedly, or overworking certain muscle groups.

For example, if you are unloading boxes from a pallet and your colleague is taking inventory or unpacking the boxes, make a point of trading tasks every so often to give your muscles a break and avoid putting stress on your back.

5. Take frequent breaks

Whether you are sitting at your desk for a prolonged amount of time, lifting and carrying objects or carrying out a task that is repetitive in nature, such as packaging or assembling items, it is important that you take frequent breaks in order to stretch and loosen your muscles and recuperate your strength.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARE HOSPITALS TRUE TO SAFETY STANDARDS? THE INSIDE SCOOP! (GUEST POST)

Hospitals are supposed to put rigorous safety measures in place to ensure that all of the patients, visitors and staff will be kept safe at all times, but this does not always happen. In fact, many hospitals are shockingly lax in certain areas. Sadly, the usage of safety measures is sometimes skipped because of time or money constraints, which in-turn directly affects the staff and has a big impact on how the hospital’s operations are run. 

Hospital Safety Issues – If you observe any of these safety issues at your local hospital, it is a good idea to consider reporting them to a high-level employee or compliance officer.
 
1. Lack of Visitor Screening – Hospitals are supposed to check visitors in and out so that they can control the level of access that is given to their floors and each individual patient. However, there are several hospitals that fail to put someone in place at the information desk, and this causes several people to wander in and out without any staff members being aware of it. Although visitors are usually harmless, it is possible that someone could enter the hospital with ill intentions, so there should always be a sign-in procedure to protect the patients.
 
2. Locking Down Waiting Areas – During flu season, the flu will impact millions of people, but young children and the elderly run a much higher risk of dying as a result of contracting the illness. Therefore, it is a good policy to prohibit children who are not sick from sitting in the waiting area at the hospital during flu season. By putting this simple safety measure in place, it is possible to greatly reduce the total number of flu cases that originate at the hospital.
 
3. Proper Labeling – Hospitals have a lot of dangerous items, and there are also tests being performed on patients on a regular basis. To keep everyone safe, it is necessary to ensure that everything in the hospital is properly labeled. After all, without labeling, it would be very easy for someone to be accidentally exposed to a virus.
 
4. Slip and Fall Hazards – It is necessary to keep a hospital as clean as possible, and this requires the janitorial staff to quickly clean up spills. However, this means that there will be areas of the floor that are wet, and it is essential to properly mark them with signs in order to prevent people from slipping and falling. 
 
5. Product Audits – In the medical world, equipment and medication recalls are often made. Although most people associate malpractice cases with physicians, it is not uncommon for injuries to occur due to medical device and equipment issues. A prominent personal injury attorney, West Palm Beach based, states this warning, “Medical malpractice happens more often than you think and the repercussions can be serious.” Therefore, it is important for hospitals to have an auditing procedure that ensures that all of the recalled products are removed immediately, and for patrons to be made aware of the risks.
 
Sadly, there are several staff members, visitors and patients who will end up with a personal injury claim each year as a result of the hospital’s negligence. However, if the staff becomes committed to following the necessary safety guidelines, they can easily reduce the hospital’s potential liability and protect everyone who enters the building.
 
Researcher and writer Nickey Williams contributes this article to those concerned with hospital safety standards. The personal injury attorney West Palm Beach based firm of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is dependable and experienced in matters concerning negligence. They work hard to hold healthcare providers and hospitals responsible for negligence.
General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

PREVENTING AIR CONDITIONING HAZARDS IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

Jason Wall is an HVAC technician with over 23 years of experience.  His free time is usually spent watching a baseball game or grilling up some steak.  He writes for Griffith Energy Services, which provides air conditioning services and heating maintenance.

If you work in an office full of people and computers, you are probably well aware of the need for a working air conditioning system.  If the air conditioner isn’t working properly, productivity inevitably slows down and employees become increasingly uncomfortable and in some cases irritable.  Sweat stains showing up in the armpits of suits and blouses and flushed faces are a sign that something needs to be done to improve the air conditioning system.

Knowing how air conditioners work will help you to understand the hazards of a poorly working unit.  Air conditioners are part of the building HVAC system (heating, ventilations, and air condition).  What HVAC systems do is essentially draw air in from the outside and into the building through ductwork.  The ductwork is connected to air supply fans, which push the air through a filter to remove particles and to heat or cool the air depending on the thermostat setting.  The air is then sent into the workplace through air vents before it is drawn back into the ductwork by the buildings’ exhaust fans.  This system is intended to create a comfortable work environment and protect against small amounts of toxic materials.  When the system isn’t running efficiently, it not only makes the temperature unpleasant but can create a hazardous environment. (You’d hate to walk in and see all your employees wearing respirators!)

Here’s a small breakdown of what can happen when the system isn’t working properly in the workplace:

Employees become drowsy-partly from the heat and partly from the buildup of carbon dioxide in the air.  Solvent vapors can begin to build up depending on the workplace and can cause headaches and nausea.  Dirty filters can increase the presence of allergens which can affect sinuses and cause skin infections.  These symptoms are all part of what is known as “Tight Building Syndrome”.  All in all, a poorly working air conditioner results in a pretty miserable work environment, not to mention potentially dangerous.

Maintenance Matters

The only way to prevent this from happening is to keep up on maintenance and do regular checks to make sure that the air conditioner is functioning properly.  Don’t just let any employee who offers try to fix the air conditioner.  While it might seem like a good idea in the heat of the moment, it can lead to further damage of the air conditioner, not to mention accidents and potential injury at the responsibility of the company.  Unless you have someone who really knows what they are doing when it comes to air conditioners, it is best that any repairs that need done are left to professionals.

You can, however, perform basic maintenance tasks.  The first thing you should always check when evaluating an air conditioners’ performance is the filter.  Dirty filters not only make the air conditioner have to work twice as hard and use more energy, but they also circulate allergens and skin irritants throughout every room in the building.  Once you determine that the filters are sufficiently clean and that they are the right size, check the outdoor air intake openings.  Make sure that they are clear of all obstructions and that the wire-mesh screens are still in good condition.  The last thing you want is some sort of rodent making its way into your air conditioning system.  Trust me when I say that it’s a terrifying experience.

If you ever come across something that you are not sure how to deal with, make sure to consult a professional to prevent injury or further damage.