The problem of safe access to HVACR equipment has been highlighted in a safety report prepared by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH).
Access problems are creating safety issues when servicing and repairing systems. This includes accessing plant on roofs and in roof spaces (e.g., condensing units), in ceiling spaces (e.g,. fan coil units) and in plantrooms and plant cupboards.
The report found the plant is often (commonly) installed in inaccessible positions increasing risks for the service person.
"Working at heights presents fall hazards and appropriate safety solutions are often not provided or the solutions that are provided are inadequate and not used correctly," the report said.
"This is predominately related to rooftop and high wall installations but also mezzanine plantrooms in warehousing."
Access is often compromised because "ladders are cheaper than steps". Another problem is inadequate access panels into ceiling spaces requiring dangerous ladder-based work.
"Lack of access to roof-mounted or high-wall plant requires scissors lift or scaffolding. Safety risks are imposed on service personnel for the working life of the installation, simply through poor design choices," the report said.
The Safety in the HVACR Industry Report also found:
Working in confined spaces is a common issue, particularly in difficult to access, poorly lit and unventilated plantrooms and plant enclosures;
Poor lighting in service areas is another access failing that can have serious safety implications for the HVAC&R technician;
Safe access is not simply about physical attributes such as steps, harness points and rails, but also includes environmental parameters such as ambient noise levels, lighting, air quality parameters and ventilation levels.
Access for HVAC&R maintenance must be provided as part of the National Construction Code (NCC) building certification process, making it a legal imperative although this is not understood by all stakeholders in the building supply chain.
The report attributes access problems to poor planning and poor integration of HVACR plant and equipment into the overall building design process.
"Rooftop mounted equipment that is also located too close to the roof edge for example, or multiple rooftop units installed independently and without consideration of each other leading to erratic and hazardous electrical wiring and refrigerant piping distribution networks on the roof," it said.
In response to the report findings, AIRAH is preparing a HVACR Industry Safety Strategy to create a clear vision and direction to improve safety in the HVACR industry.
The report recommends awareness raising, harmonising of existing licensing and registration regulations and more regulatory enforcement.
AIRAH is also working on a combined industry/government workshop as part of its strategy to be attended by designers, installers, equipment owners, facility managers and maintenance service providers.
The report also recommends sign-off for all new and modified RAC systems on the final install. It should be the same level of certification that is required for plumbing and electrical installations.
RAC system owners and operators need to be aware of the impact that the quality of a RAC installation can have on safety and life-time performance levels.
More training is also required for refrigeration technicians on new refrigerants, safety procedures for installation and maintenance including short courses and seminars.
To address access issues, designers and installers need to consider and allow for future access in their designs. This is a requirement of legislation and should be addressed by a mandatory pre-construction review step to assess access arrangements.
"Access reviews for buildings and facilities should be integrated into project management to detect issues early in the design phase," the report recommends.
"Trades people need to be empowered to require that either the job is made safe or they can refuse to undertake the work until the risks are mitigated."