The Increased Need for Safe Practices among Field Service Professionals in a COIVD-Stricken Era

CIO Applications| Tuesday, September 29, 2020

As the global economy slowly resumes business, HVAC professionals need to enter various homes and interact with many people daily. This puts them at an increased of contracting the virus. They need to be extra careful and take adequate steps to protect themselves during these challenging times.

Fremont, CA: Remote work arrangements have become increasingly popular since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all workers have been able to leverage remote work privileges. Field service professionals like HVAC professionals cannot afford the luxury of remote work. Their whole livelihood depends on visiting people’s homes and public spaces and providing the essential repairs and maintenance for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units. The stay at home restrictions and social distancing norms have put these professionals at extreme risks. As the global economy slowly resumes business, HVAC professionals need to enter various homes and interact with many people daily. This puts them at an increased of contracting the virus. They need to be extra careful and take adequate steps to protect themselves during these challenging times. Here are a few tips for HVAC professionals to stay healthy and safe.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

This phrase is often taught to children at a young age to inculcate good hygiene habits. Given the correct scenario, this has become incredibly true. Before beginning work at any location, HVAC professionals need to wipe down any commonly used surfaces like doorknobs and tables with antibacterial wipes. Studies have shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for nearly 72 hours. When visiting a client’s home to provide the services, one can never be too careful. Keeping the tools and equipment clean is also necessary. They need to wipe down devices before and after use thoroughly.

Protecting Face and Hands

Face masks and shields have become an essential part of the attire for everyone due to the pandemic. However, a lot of questions have been asked about the functionality of the masks. Evidence suggests that these masks can prevent hand to mouth transmissions and help lower the risk of contracting the virus through a cough or a sneeze. A study by the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that masks are very effective in preventing the spread of viral infections when used correctly. The increased demand for these products has made it impossible to get hold of a mask. HVAC professionals should try and use N95 masks to reduce exposure to small particles at work. Wearing gloves to cover up any open cuts and wounds is also very important to prevent infection risk. This is particularly crucial to remember when driving between jobs. Lots of driving means lots of gas, and gas pumps are notoriously covered in germs. Wearing gloves will help to protect from contracting the virus from them.