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Tag: safety
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Untrained AC cleaners creating health and safety risks
Untrained operators are common in the air conditioner wet wash industry, and the consequences of substandard work are potentially deadly.
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Managing asbestos in HVAC retrofits: an expert’s guide
Workplace hazard-management expert Sebastian Tiller from Octfolio.com.au shares his tips on managing asbestos in HVAC retrofits of older buildings.
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SA refrigeration mechanic fined for causing burn injuries
A refrigeration mechanic has been fined $33,000 by the South Australia Employment Tribunal (SAET) for unsafe work practices at a food outlet shop, that caused significant burns to himself and the shop owner. Angus Roberts pleaded guilty in the SAET for failing to comply with his duty under section 32 of the Work Health and […]
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Tesuco highlights gas welding safety
Tesuco has been highlighting the importance of safe equipment for HVAC&R practitioners, in particular for gas welding. “Since starting 1988, Tesuco has been focussed on supplying gas welding equipment which meets Australian Standards and complies with welding processes and codes of practice,” says the company. “Equipment developed overseas can be outside the scope of Australia […]
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Driver injured in explosion from AC system
The driver of a mining truck in Queensland has suffered serious burns in an explosion believed to be caused by an air conditioning system incorrectly charged with hydrocarbon refrigerant. According to the Queensland Mines Inspectorate, the explosion occurred in the truck cabin while the vehicle was being driven in an underground mine. It caused serious […]
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No changes to hydrocarbon rules says government
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, has responded to the parliamentary petition to “approve the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants and appliances in Queensland” tabled by One Nation member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew. The petition decried the “heavy-handed and completely unnecessary” rules surrounding hydrocarbon refrigerants in Queensland, and asked the government […]
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Free work health and safety resources online
To mark National Safe Work Month in October, Safe Work Australia (SWA) has published new work health and safety (WHS) resources on its website. The National Safe Work Month theme is “Work Health and Safety through COVID-19”. It highlights the WHS challenges, as well as the positive outcomes brought on by the pandemic and the […]
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Thailand runs R290 safety test for AC units
The Thailand Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (RAC NAMA) has conducted Thailand’s first live safety testing of R290 (propane) for AC units. The results, which support the safety of the flammable refrigerant, have been submitted to the Thai government to assist in its review of the country’s building code, says the organisation. […]
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US HVAC&R professionals weathering COVID-19 crisis
The results are in from a survey exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on US HVAC&R professionals. The survey was conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). About 3,000 of its members replied to “ASHRAE’s Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on Members Professionally and Their Businesses”, which explored […]
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The standard of safety
As the industry works towards delivering a safer and higher quality built environment, Standards Australia has highlighted AS/NZS ISO 45001: 2018 as an ideal tool for improving occupational health and safety. The standard ISO Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use was adopted by Standards Australia as AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 […]
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Free online Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has released an online, updated version of its Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide. The resource – which was developed by independent organisations and stakeholders with support from the Department of the Environment and Energy – provides vital information about the use and management of flammable refrigerants […]
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Contractor dies in Cairns workplace incident
On August 20, air conditioning contractor Sol Fagan tragically fell from a vent at James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns. Fagan, 40, died as a result of the fall. A spokesperson from JCU offered the following statement: “We can confirm that Mr Sol Fagan passed away while working at James Cook University’s Cairns Campus. “The […]