Practicing Safety With Tools And Equipment

It is extremely important to observe safety procedures when you work with electrical and mechanical refrigeration equipment.  Do not work on electrical equipment with live power applied while standing in puddles of water.  If you must work in equipment in wet, moist, or humid conditions, turn off the power first. 

Use insulated tools and rubber gloves to take off covers whenever chances are high for electrical shock.

When using electrical test measuring instruments, be sure to only touch the rubber test probes with your hands.  If possible, keep one hand behind your back, ground one end with an alligator clip, and use the other hand to test the electrical circuits.  In case of an accidental electrical shock, this will help to prevent electricity from going through your heat.

Inspect power tools for worn electrical cords or poor grounding.  When an extension cord is required, be sure to ground the equipment.  Avoid using small gauge extension cords.  They create too much voltage drop and generate heat, thus overloading circuit protectors.  Don’t use accessories that convert three prong plugs into two prong adaptors.  They do not provide the necessary grounding required for electrical safety.

Test equipment and electronic instruments such as gas analyzers, power meters, vacuum pups, and gauges that need maintenance and calibration on an annual basis.  If these instruments have been used rigorously, they may need to be checked twice a year. 

Tools needing maintenance usually need to be shipped back to the manufacturer’s factory or dealer.  Seasons when work is slow can be the best time to do this.  Equipment that is not properly maintained is prone to damage and can shorten the life span of the tools.  It is best to develop a “testing schedule” to rotate all tools and equipment that should be checked regularly.