Servicing Air Conditioners Risk Assessment

Last Updated: February 7th, 2023/Views: 4263/3.9 min read/
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Servicing air conditioners (ACs) refers to the process of inspecting, cleaning, repairing, and maintaining an AC system to ensure it is functioning properly and efficiently. This can include tasks such as checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, checking electrical connections, and tightening screws and bolts. The goal of servicing ACs is to improve the performance of the system, extend its lifespan, and reduce the risk of breakdowns or malfunctions. Regular servicing of ACs can also improve indoor air quality by reducing the accumulation of dirt and debris in the system. It is important to follow proper safety procedures and guidelines when servicing ACs to minimize the risk of injury or harm to oneself or others.

Operations, Tasks or Steps in Servicing ACs
  1. Preparation:
    • Turn off power: Before starting any service work, turn off the power to the AC system to prevent electrical shock.
    • Gather tools: Gather the necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a refrigerant gauge, to complete the service work.
    • Locate the AC unit: Identify the location of the AC unit and ensure that it is accessible for service.
  2. Inspection:
    • Check refrigerant levels: Check the refrigerant levels using a refrigerant gauge to determine if the AC is low on refrigerant.
    • Inspect the condenser and evaporator coils: Check the condenser and evaporator coils for any signs of damage or dirt build-up, which can reduce the efficiency of the AC system.
    • Inspect the air filter: Check the air filter to ensure that it is clean and replace if necessary. A dirty air filter can reduce the efficiency of the AC system.
  3. Cleaning:
    • Clean the condenser and evaporator coils: Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris from the coils. A dirty coil can reduce the efficiency of the AC system.
    • Clean the air filter: Replace the air filter if it is dirty.
  4. Maintenance:
    • Check the refrigerant system: Check for any leaks in the refrigerant system and repair as necessary.
    • Check the fan: Check the fan for proper operation and repair if necessary. The fan is responsible for circulating air through the AC system.
    • Check the ducts: Check the ducts for any signs of damage or leaks and repair as necessary.
  5. Testing:
    • Test the AC system: Turn the power back on and test the AC system to ensure that it is operating correctly. Check the refrigerant levels, fan operation, and temperature output.
Hazards in Servicing ACs
  1. Preparation:
    • Electrical shock: Turning off the power to the AC system prevents electrical shock while servicing the unit.
    • Physical injury: Accessing the AC unit can be physically hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken, such as using a ladder or scaffold.
  2. Inspection:
    • Chemical exposure: Handling refrigerants can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken, such as wearing gloves and eye protection.
    • Physical injury: Inspecting the AC unit involves working at height or in confined spaces, which can be physically hazardous.
  3. Cleaning:
    • Chemical exposure: Cleaning the AC unit can result in exposure to cleaning chemicals.
    • Physical injury: Cleaning the AC unit can involve working at height or in confined spaces, which can be physically hazardous.
  4. Maintenance:
    • Chemical exposure: Refrigerants can be hazardous if not handled properly. Leaks can result in exposure to refrigerants, which can be toxic.
    • Physical injury: Repairing the refrigerant system, fan, or ducts can be physically hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken, such as wearing gloves and eye protection.
  5. Testing:
    • Electrical shock: Turning on the power to the AC system after servicing it can result in electrical shock if proper safety precautions are not taken.
Health and Safety Control Measures in Servicing ACs
  1. Electrical shock:
    • Turn off the power: Before starting any service work, turn off the power to the AC system to prevent electrical shock.
    • Use proper PPE: Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect against electrical shock.
  2. Physical injury:
    • Use proper access equipment: Use a ladder or scaffold to access the AC unit, as needed.
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for servicing the AC unit, which may include guidelines for working at height or in confined spaces.
  3. Chemical exposure:
    • Wear PPE: Wear gloves and eye protection when handling refrigerants.
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling refrigerants, including proper disposal methods.
  4. Physical injury:
    • Use proper tools: Use the proper tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a refrigerant gauge, to complete the service work.
    • Wear PPE: Wear gloves and safety glasses when repairing the refrigerant system, fan, or ducts.
  5. Electrical shock:
    • Turn off the power: Before testing the AC system, turn off the power to prevent electrical shock.
    • Use proper PPE: Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses to protect against electrical shock.
Recovery Measures
Good Practices in Servicing ACs
Incidents in Servicing ACs
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