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7 WELLNESS AND SAFETY TIPS FOR HVAC SCHOOL AND BEYOND

websitebuilder • Mar 16, 2020

HVAC is a growing field, and technicians with the right skills are in high demand. Developing good safety and wellness habits early in your career can help you be prepared for a long and successful life as an HVAC technician. HVAC contractors must have the physical ability to work with large pieces of equipment. To be successful, they need strength and a healthy body.

If you’re in HVAC school, now is the time to start developing good habits that will help you throughout your career as an HVAC technician.

1. DEVELOP YOUR PHYSICAL STRENGTH

The more physical strength you have, the easier you can handle the demands of your job. People who want to become HVAC professionals must develop upper body and lower body strength to help them when lifting, pushing, pulling, and drilling pieces of equipment.

HVAC Technician — Chicago, IL — HVAC Technical Institute

You can do many things to develop your physical strength, and you don’t need a gym membership to develop that strength. For example, you can:

  • Lift weights at home
  • Walk up stairs
  • Go for brisk walks in the evening
  • Ride a bicycle
  • Do push-ups

As a bonus, exercising can also relieve stress, which will help you manage any anxiety that might come with going to school and taking tests. As you exercise, you’ll likely feel better and will be better prepared for a life as an HVAC tech.

2. LEARN TO LIFT PROPERLY

Lifting heavy pieces of equipment comes with the job when you install a furnace or an air conditioner. You can easily injure yourself if you don’t learn to lift properly. Lift with your legs and arms to reduce pressure on your back. Keep anything that you lift close to your body.

If you must jerk your body to lift an object, it’s too heavy to lift on your own. Know when to get help.

3. STRETCH EACH DAY

Stretching before performing intense physical activity can help you avoid injuries. Get in the habit of stretching each day before going to school. Once you start your future job as an HVAC contractor, these habits can help you avoid on-the-job accidents and pain from injuries:

  • Roll your shoulders.
  • Twist your upper body gently with hands on your hips.
  • Stretch your arms over your body, and hold the position for a few seconds.

If you have any existing injuries or chronic pain, work with a chiropractor or doctor to identify stretches specific to your needs that will help you avoid any further injury.

4. USE PROPER BODY PROTECTION

Squatting, squeezing through tight spaces, cutting wires, and drilling through walls can be hazardous activities that lead to injuries if you don’t use the proper body protection. Acquire a good pair of kneepads for kneeling on the ground. Purchase protective eye equipment to protect your eyes from airborne particles, and buy a pair of flexible safety gloves that can offer protection while you work with your hands.

Use these items daily when in school. Take them to class when working on mechanical objects. This will help you get in the habit of using this protective equipment. Using this equipment routinely will help you avoid injuries on the job in the future.

5. BUY THE RIGHT SHOES

HVAC professionals must sometimes work on rooftops and climb ladders. Buy construction work boots with steel-tipped toes and ladder treads on the soles to grip ladders when you climb. Wearing these shoes will prevent ladder falls, and the steel-tipped toes will protect your feet in the event that you drop something heavy on your foot.

6. TAKE A FIRST AID COURSE

Knowing what to do in the event of an accident on the job can help you protect yourself and co-workers. Take the time while you’re in trade school to learn first aid. When you leave school, this certification will be a bonus on your resume. Your first aid skills will also help protect you and your co-workers.

7. SLEEP WELL

Develop good sleeping habits. Getting enough sleep at night can help you think clearly in class and during tests, which can affect your performance. The better you do in school, the more attractive you’ll be as a job candidate when you look for your first position. Developing good sleeping habits now will also affect your ability to perform on the job after graduation.

If sleeping is difficult for you, examine environmental factors that might affect your ability to sleep at night. Block out sounds and noise that could prevent you from falling asleep. Avoid looking at the television or your phone about a half hour before bed.

TALK TO YOUR HVAC SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR MORE TIPS

For more information about what you need to succeed in HVAC, contact the professionals at HVAC Technical Institute. We’ll be happy to give you advice that can help you further your future career.

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