SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Maintaining both safety and sustainability
Refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are often raised as an environmental and health hazard, owing to the chemicals and gases used in their operation and the risks should disaster happen. With more businesses implementing stricter health and safety policies and looking for a sustainable approach in their operations, it is no surprise the refrigeration and HVAC industry is embracing this mindset. Shaun Evers managing director of Stonegate Instruments, discusses the potential threats and health and safety concerns associated with refrigerants and how the latest detection technology is supporting the sustainable way of thinking.
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ustainability is a subject that gets pushed around a lot and is often mistakenly linked to renewable fuel sources alone. In fact, sustainability is about linking human and environmental health with technology of the future. Businesses are striving to balance the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit to achieve long-term success and viability. Therefore, companies cannot be sustainable without protecting the health, safety and welfare of their employees. In turn their operations become sustainable in a challenging and competitive market place.
With this in mind it is worth noting that workplace health and safety is often overlooked, which is dangerous in regards to the health of the business as well as the workers upon whom the business depends.
Many industries rely on refrigeration and HVAC systems to support their operations. They play a critical role in many businesses from factories and warehouses to transportation and offices. Throughout the pandemic, and to keep up with increasing demand, refrigeration units have been extremely important in the storage and transportation of temperature-
28 May 2021
sensitive products such as fresh food produce and delicate pharmaceuticals, including vaccinations.
The refrigerant gases used in all refrigerant and HVAC systems can pose a significant threat to workers should a leak occur. For example, if exposed to these leaking gases for prolonged periods of time employees may be at risk of frostbite, chemical burns and even organ damage. However, it is not just the gases that are a concern as extended periods of time in cold environments, without the suitable protective clothing, can lead to arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis and more seriously, hypothermia.
Ventilation is another concern – cold stores, warehouses and other business units often have poor ventilation, which presents a further potential hazard. Any gases or contaminants in the atmosphere, will not easily escape and could be dangerous for those working in the room. These dangers are often the result of poorly maintained equipment, leading to a gas leak, or from human error and employees becoming trapped within a refrigerated space. In an effort to support environmental sustainability and
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