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To ensure our technicians’ safety, we provide them with training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the knowledge they need to perform their jobs without harm. PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high visibility clothing, footwear, and fall protection harnesses to name a few.
Within the first week of employment, all new HVAC Service Technicians will undergo a full-day training session covering the basics of safety as well as the issuance of PPE. It is recommended that new hire employees work with an experienced technician until they can be considered competent by their immediate supervisor and the Safety Director. The new hire training includes the following:
Accident/incident/injury reporting
Bloodborne pathogens
Evacuation plans
Fire extinguishers
Hazardous communications
PPE
Hearing protection o Anyone that is exposed to >85 decibels is expected to wear some type of hearing protection. We provide both foam inserts and ear-type muffs for all employees.
Ladders (both step + extension ladders) o We provide all applicable employees with ladders (Type IA 300 lb. capacity) and require that all ladders are inspected monthly and before each use. All ladders must have legible safety labels affixed to the side rails.
Fall protection o We teach our technicians about all conventional and specialized fall protection systems, such as guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, or warning lines to name a few. We require the use of a harness and lanyard when operating a man lift or scissor lift. We also require fall protection when working on an unprotected edge of a roof or floor, that has no permanent or temporary handrails. o All fall protection must be inspected and recorded monthly. o OSHA requires fall protection to be worn when working above the following heights: General Industry 4’, Construction 6’, Scaffolding 10’.
First aid
Hazard recognition
Emergency eyewash
Ergonomics
Machine + portable electric equipment
“Arc Flash” safety o Arc Flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electrical current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. The results are often violent and when a human is close to the arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur. We require the use of Arc Flash PPE any time an employee must service or test live energized equipment above 50 volts.
We require technicians to complete safety training every month and complete a quiz to document said training. Ongoing training is critical to keeping our employees safe and complying with our customers’ job site requirements.
Hoffman Mechanical Solutions (HMS) is in compliance with the following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards:
General Industry OSHA 1910: Refers to all industries not included in agriculture, construction, or maritime. General Industries are regulated by OSHA General Standards and Directives.
Construction OSHA 1926: Standard that covers all construction, which may include alteration, some repair, painting, and decorating.
General Duty Clause Statement: Employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that is “free” from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm.
In conclusion, our employees’ safety is our TOP priority. We value our team members and do everything we can to provide the best protection for them to safely get their work done.