health hazzards of hvac work

[captaincompressor]

As long term damage goes my hands after 30 years of doing this. Carpel tunnel and arthritis damage is starting to take its toll.

Neck problems from getting into strange positions is second.

I rarely get cold, flu, and allergy problems. I attribute that to breathing nasty air in AHU's etc. keeping my immune system active.

I currently have carpel tunnel in both hands.

[Apprenticanic]

I think i'm screwed for carpel tunnel for sure then, been boxing for 8 years and doing the HVAC gig for the last 6. Don't plan on stopping either of them anytime soon. We only get one ride, might be short but make it sweet.

[hvacker]

Not so bad. Riding bucking bulls is worse.

[cold coffee]

Chemicals in pvc glue and cleaner will make you sterile.
Neck pain from holding either a flashlight or phone to the ear.
The hazards of working alone, falls or electrocutions.
Dust, dirt, debris and funk in an old air handler you just tore out just got sucked into your lungs.
Catching a lung full of burning freons.
Lifting heavy things by yourself.
I would say the effects of stress as well.

Of course if you are lucky you will get mugged or killed while working in the hood, and not live to be old enough to have the aches and pains of old age.

[S.T.Ranger]

I think i'm screwed for carpel tunnel for sure then, been boxing for 8 years and doing the HVAC gig for the last 6. Don't plan on stopping either of them anytime soon. We only get one ride, might be short but make it sweet.

Knock 'em dead, Champ.

My father and grandfather were both boxers, though never professional. Still like to see a good fight now and then, but I don't care for the "ultimate fighting" that's popular these days.

[calubeda]

I removed a dead possum two months ago. I asked the dispatcher what to charge. My flat-rate book doesn't have a dead critter removal fee.

[calubeda]

going through a ceiling comes to mind

[dougfamous]

Let's see...after 22 years of this: bad back, blown out both knees, permanent ligament damage in my ankle from a fall, carpal tunnel in both hands, bad tendons in my arms, shoulder pain, foot pain, pain pain pain. Unfortunately for me (or maybe fortunately) narcotic painkillers don't work on me. I just sort of deal with it. My hands are so jacked there's days I can't cut tin at all, or I'll just drop things unexpectedly.

As a side note, I've had many lungfulls of phosgene from brazing compressors. It kinda tickles and clears my sinuses in a jiffy.

As for sickness, I do what I can to keep it to a minimum. I use rubber gloves for removing animals or nests, I keep alcohol wipes in the truck to sanitize, and when I am sick I stay home and recover rather than try to soldier on. No job is worth getting pneumonia over.

[nolefan]

The oil-based duct sealer can cause brain damage from prolonged use. Especially in areas without proper ventilation.

[S.T.Ranger]

The oil-based duct sealer can cause brain damage from prolonged use. Especially in areas without proper ventilation.

But, but...they said it would keep the Alien transmissions from getting through...

[S.T.Ranger]

...and when I am sick I stay home and recover rather than try to soldier on. No job is worth getting pneumonia over.

I think I have been dealing with that for the last couple of months. Was sick for about a month and then it cleared up, then got sick again with the same symptoms. But I didn't have the option of not working. I did take one day off last Friday after doing one service call. Went home and rested.

[nolefan]

Along with those transmissions no oxygen gets through either.