I work for a consumer safety office that deals with several types of commercial industries, one which is the HVAC industry.
If something goes wrong with a commercial HVAC system, there can be serious problems, such as carbon dioxide poisoning. Commercial HVAC systems contain hazardous chemicals, such as refrigerants. If individuals come into contact with these, it can lead to serious health problems. If the HVAC system isn’t set up properly, carbon monoxide could leak into the air. This can also occur if there’s poor ventilation for employees working with the Heating, Ventilation and Cooling system itself. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a dull headache, nausea and dizziness. Individuals require immediate care if any or all these symptoms arise. Improper air filtration is another potential hazard of a commercial HVAC system. If the air filter is clogged, for example, harmful particles will be released into the air. Commercial HVAC systems also have complex electrical components which can be dangerous in the event of a malfunction. There’s always the potential for the risk of fire with electrical problems with any aspect of the heating, ventilation or cooling system. In an attempt to assist companies, my office provides a safety checklist for all commercial users of HVAC systems. It includes items such as complete adherence to manufacturer’s safety guidelines, a list of chemicals that should not be used near the HVAC system, and warning posters to be placed in strategic locations of the buildings. We also offer services such as safety presentations and pamphlets, confidential safety counseling, and resources that include contact information for government offices such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. I enjoy the work that I do because I know that it has been important in preventing harm to employees.