According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics is one of the occupations with the most electrically-related workplace fatalities. A total of 90% of these workplace fatalities occur when a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration mechanic comes in contact with energized equipment or parts on or near the device they are working on. 70% of all worker electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations.   

  • 90% of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic workplace fatalities were caused by contact with or working near energized conductors or parts.
  • 60% of fatalities occurred while a mechanic was troubleshooting or testing a device
  • Locate and identify utilities such as overhead power lines and underground wires before starting work. Call 811 before you dig.
  • Look for overhead power lines when operating or moving equipment
  • Always use ground-fault protection
  • Do not operate portable electric tools unless grounded or double-insulated
  • Know and maintain safe distances from power lines
    • <50v – 46 Kv: 10 feet safe distance
    • 41.41 Kv – 169 Kv: 10 – 12 feet safe distance
    • 230 Kv – 362 Kv: 13 – 16 feet safe distance
    • 500 Kv – 800 Kv: 19 – 24 feet safe distance
  • Be aware of energized equipment or parts near you. Many fatalities occur from workers accidentally coming in contact with energized equipment or parts near them

*Kilovolts (Kv)