Some work environments present greater risks to workers than others might. In the HVAC industry, workers can potentially be exposed to numerous toxins. You should be aware of the risks and know what to do in order to keep your employees safe.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals. These fibers are extremely small and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

It is commonly used for insulation, as a fire retardant and for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials. Since the mid 1980's, many uses of asbestos have been banned in many countries but it may still be found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation, shingles, millboard, textured paints, other coating materials, and floor tiles.

Asbestos is now known to be highly toxic and has long been acknowledged as a health threat to humans, because the fibers can be inhaled and are not easy to remove from the lungs. The inhalation of these fibers can cause serious illnesses including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The troubling factor is that the symptoms may not occur for 20-30 years after having been exposed.

The heaviest exposures occur during the removal of asbestos during renovation/demolition when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Employees can also be exposed during the production of asbestos products (textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials). The best way to reduce exposure is to not disturb asbestos-laden products.

To keep your employees safe, ensure that the technicians are appropriately trained to identify asbestos covered pipes and duct work. Any workers that will be removing asbestos should receive special training. In addition, permits are necessary for any asbestos removal/disposal.

Lead

Lead is metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Lead can be found in our environment. Much of it comes from human actions including burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing. It is used in the manufacturing of batteries, ammunition, metal products, and devices to shield X-rays. Lead from paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been considerably reduced in current years due to health concerns.

In the United States, over three million workers are potentially exposed to lead. This can be an issue in the HVAC workplace when welding painted metal or pipes. Due to the known dangers, lead is regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Exposure can come from eating food or drinking water that contains lead, breathing in lead dust or fumes when spending time in areas with deteriorating lead-based paints, working on a job where lead is used, or with certain hobbies in which lead is used (i.e., making stained glass).

The effects of lead are the same whether it enters the body through breathing or swallowing. Once in the body, it remains there for a long time. Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Over time, even very small amounts of exposure can result in damage to brain, nerves, kidneys and blood. Sometimes, the damage that has been done can be permanent.

There are many possible symptoms of lead poisoning. The potential health problems get worse as the level of lead in the blood is elevated. Possible complications include:

• Reduced IQ
• Slowed body development
• Hearing problems
• Behavior problems
• Failure at school
• Kidney damage

The symptoms of lead poisoning are varied but can include:

• Irritability
• Muscle or joint pain
• Aggressive behavior
• Low appetite and fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dehydration
• Trouble concentrating
• Headaches
• Reduced sensations
• Loss of previous developmental skills (in young children)
• Anemia
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Very high levels may cause vomiting, staggering gait, muscle weakness, seizures, or coma

At work, you can protect yourself by washing your hands and face prior to eating or drinking. Always eat in areas free of lead dust/fumes. Make sure there is appropriate ventilation and try to avoid stirring up the lead dust when sweeping or blowing.

A blood test is available to measure the amount of lead in your blood. Blood tests are frequently used to screen children for lead poisoning. Lead in teeth or bones can be measured by X-ray techniques, but this process is not generally available.

People who survive toxic lead levels may suffer some permanent brain damage. Lead poisoning can be treated A complete recovery from chronic lead poisoning may take months to years.

Mold

The HVAC industry knows the importance of keeping the customer's home and workplace free of mold.

Molds are the most common forms of fungi found on earth. Molds can grow anywhere there is moisture and all molds are capable of producing toxins.

For more information, please see my other Hub on Mold www.hubpages.com/hub/Protecting-Your-Home-From-Mold

Legionnaire's Disease

This is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophilia. The bacteria grows best in warm water, cooling towers, hot water tanks, plumbing systems, and air conditioning units.

For more information, please see my other Hub on Legionnaires' Disease www.hubpages.com/hub/Legionnaires

Here are some suggestions regarding personal protective equipment that should be used by anyone attempting to do any type of serious work:

Eye and face protection- Eye protection (glasses/goggles) or face shields should be worn where there are possibilities of injury (flying particles/splashes from liquids).

Head protection- Hard hats or helmets should be worn when there is the possibility of injury from falling objects. They should be replaced after any heavy blow or electrical shock, and should be inspected for dents, cracks or deterioration.

Foot protection- When looking at safety footwear, you should consider the environment in which you'll be working and the specific tasks you'll be performing. Consider elements like a protective toe cap and a protective toe overlay of rubber or another abrasion-resistant material.

Clothing- Appropriate clothing should be worn. Gloves should be used to protect against dangerous materials and prevent lacerations.

Respiratory protection- Respirators/protective facial gear should be used whenever the air is contaminated with extreme concentrations of dust, fumes, mist, gases or vapors.

You should also make sure that there is a first aid kit readily available should the need arise. If there are company vehicles, ensure that each is equipped with one.

Proper training is also a key factor. It is important to know and have a full understanding of the hazards you may face on the job. To further protect yourself, inspect tools to guarantee protective guards are in good condition.