Air Conditioning Service and Repairs Safe Work Method Statement

Yes, Australian refrigerant regulations require refrigerant recovery before opening refrigerant circuits except in very limited circumstances. Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations, venting refrigerant to atmosphere is prohibited with significant penalties including fines exceeding $13,000 for individuals and $65,000 for companies. Even if system appears to have lost refrigerant charge, residual refrigerant remains in compressor and low points that must be recovered. Use certified recovery equipment meeting AS/NZS 1677 standards capable of achieving 90% recovery efficiency. Recovery equipment must include oil separator preventing compressor oil contamination of recovered refrigerant. After recovery, wait minimum 5 minutes for residual refrigerant to equilibrate before opening connections. Document refrigerant quantities recovered in compliance records. The only exception allowing refrigerant release without recovery is for systems containing less than 1kg of refrigerant in emergency situations where recovery is impractical, but this exemption should rarely be relied upon.

Minimise live electrical testing by conducting as many measurements as possible with power isolated. With power off, measure compressor motor winding resistance, check capacitor condition using capacitance meter, verify wiring continuity, and inspect connection condition. Only restore power for specific tests requiring energised circuits such as measuring supply voltage at compressor terminals, testing control board operation, verifying contactor pull-in voltage, or checking capacitor voltage under load. Always work with a second person present when conducting live circuit testing - second person must remain at safe distance with clear view of worker and ability to isolate power in emergency. Use appropriate test equipment with insulated test probes rated for voltage being measured. Work with one hand where possible to avoid current path through chest. Wear Class 0 insulated electrical gloves rated to 1000V when measuring voltages. Re-isolate power immediately after completing necessary measurements. Never rush electrical testing - systematic approach with proper isolation procedures is essential for safety.

Replace extension ladders with platform ladders providing larger standing platform and handrail support. Platform ladders rated to 150kg industrial capacity with minimum 450mm x 450mm platform allow both hands free for filter removal and coil cleaning while maintaining three points of contact. Position platform ladder on level, stable surface with base positioned to allow facing work without twisting. Verify ladder feet are secure before climbing. For commercial installations with multiple indoor units requiring servicing, use mobile scaffold platforms with guardrails providing continuous work height access. Schedule adequate time for proper access equipment setup - never rush access setup to meet service call time targets. Additional minutes required for safer access equipment is offset by eliminated fall injury risk. Service vehicles should carry appropriate platform ladders for routine residential work rather than relying on extension ladders that provide unstable working platform. Train service technicians on platform ladder setup and three points of contact principle. For indoor units located in very high positions or difficult access locations, consider elevating work platform or recommend unit relocation to more accessible position.

When visible mould contamination is present on cooling coils, drain pans, or internal surfaces, implement enhanced controls before proceeding with cleaning. First, don P2 particulate respirator conforming to AS/NZS 1716 before opening indoor unit covers to prevent mould spore inhalation. Second, establish containment using drop sheets beneath indoor unit to capture contaminated water and debris. Third, use HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner to remove loose mould and debris before wet cleaning - never use compressed air that aerosolises mould spores throughout the room. Fourth, apply appropriate anti-fungal coil cleaner following manufacturer contact time requirements before rinsing. Fifth, collect all contaminated rinse water and dispose down drain with adequate flushing. Sixth, place used cleaning materials and replaced filters in sealed plastic bags before disposal. If mould contamination is extensive covering large areas of ductwork or air handler interiors, the work exceeds routine service capabilities and specialist mould remediation contractor should be recommended. Provide client with written advice about mould contamination including causes (typically poor ventilation, humidity control, or drain blockages) and recommendations to prevent recurrence. Document mould findings in service records. Repeated exposure to mould can cause respiratory sensitisation in service technicians, making proper respiratory protection essential for long-term health.

Roof access for condenser servicing requires comprehensive risk assessment before entry. Safe roof access without fall arrest harness requires all of the following conditions: roof pitch less than 22 degrees, no fragile materials present, work location more than 2 metres from any roof edge or penetration, stable roof surface with no loose materials, and no adverse weather conditions. Even when these conditions are met, conduct walk-through inspection before commencing work to verify roof conditions. For roofs not meeting these criteria, implement additional controls including fall arrest harness attached to rated anchor point, edge protection installation, or use elevating work platform for external condenser access instead of roof entry. Tile roofs require particular caution as broken or loose tiles create slip hazards. Metal roofs become extremely hot during summer - verify surface temperature before contact and consider scheduling service work during cooler morning hours. Never access roofs alone when fall hazards exist. If roof access risk assessment identifies unacceptable hazards and no safe access method is available, decline roof access and recommend condenser relocation to ground level as alternative solution. Time pressure and client expectations do not justify unsafe roof access - service technician has right to refuse unsafe work.

Emergency breakdown repairs during extreme heat require enhanced heat stress controls beyond routine work. First, brief client or site contact on requirement for work breaks and extended repair timeframe due to heat conditions - clients generally understand when explained. Second, request second technician attendance to share physical work load and monitor for heat stress symptoms. Third, measure roof space temperature before entry - if temperature exceeds 50 degrees Celsius, implement maximum 10-minute work periods followed by 10-minute rest breaks in air-conditioned area. Fourth, position cold drinking water in roof space access area and consume 200ml every 10 minutes regardless of thirst sensation. Fifth, use personal cooling equipment including cooling vest or cooling towels to reduce core body temperature. Sixth, schedule most physically demanding tasks during brief work periods and use rest breaks for planning and preparation work. Seventh, monitor continuously for heat stress symptoms including confusion, weakness, cessation of sweating, or disorientation. If symptoms develop, immediately exit roof space, move to air-conditioned area, drink water, and seek medical attention. If outdoor temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius and non-emergency service can be delayed, reschedule for cooler conditions. For emergency repairs that cannot be delayed, consider working during cooler evening or early morning hours if client agrees. Heat stroke can develop rapidly in extreme roof space temperatures - conservative approach to heat exposure is essential for safety.