Safety Practices Flashcards
7 cards from real HVAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety Practices flashcards as text
What is the maximum fill level (by weight) allowed when filling a refrigerant recovery cylinder?
Answer: 80% of the cylinder's rated capacity
Recovery cylinders must not be filled beyond 80% of their rated capacity to allow for liquid refrigerant expansion with temperature changes.
A technician is servicing a rooftop unit during a lightning storm. What is the safest course of action?
Answer: Descend from the roof and wait for the storm to pass before resuming
Rooftops are extremely dangerous during lightning storms due to exposure height and proximity to HVAC equipment that can attract lightning strikes.
Which type of respirator is required when working in an area where refrigerant concentrations may exceed IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) levels?
Answer: A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied-air respirator
IDLH concentrations require a SCBA or supplied-air respirator because air-purifying respirators cannot provide adequate protection at such high concentrations.
What safety information must HVAC technicians review before handling any new chemical, including refrigerants and cleaners?
Answer: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that specific chemical
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides chemical-specific hazard information, safe handling procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response guidance.
An HVAC technician is asked to service a split system in a confined crawlspace. Which atmospheric hazard should be tested for BEFORE entering?
Answer: Oxygen deficiency, flammable gases, and toxic gases
Confined space entry requires testing for oxygen deficiency, flammable/explosive gases, and toxic gases before any worker enters.
Why is it dangerous to heat a refrigerant cylinder with an open flame to increase pressure for charging?
Answer: It can cause the cylinder to over-pressurize, rupture, or explode
Applying open flame to a refrigerant cylinder dramatically increases internal pressure beyond safe limits, creating a risk of catastrophic cylinder failure.
When installing a new HVAC system that requires brazing in a space with existing insulation, what precaution must be taken to prevent fire?
Answer: Use a heat shield or wet cloth to protect surrounding materials and have a fire watch
A heat shield or wet cloth protects flammable surrounding materials, and a fire watch ensures any smoldering materials are caught after the torch is extinguished.