Professional Practices, Safety, and Environmental Regulations
Workplace safety, WHMIS, lockout procedures, refrigerant handling regulations, customer service, documentation, appliance installation, and warranty.
- Describe lockout/tagout procedures for electrical appliance service
- Explain refrigerant handling and recovery regulations
- Demonstrate proper appliance installation and leveling techniques
- Apply professional customer service and documentation practices
- Identify environmental regulations for appliance technicians
Lesson 1
Workplace Safety and Lockout Procedures
Electrical Safety Before Service
The safe procedure before working on an electrical appliance is to disconnect the power source - either unplug the appliance or lock out and tag out the circuit breaker. This is the single most important safety step for every service call. Never rely on turning off a switch or control - always verify the power is disconnected using a voltage tester at the appliance terminals.
WHMIS and Hazard Communication
Appliance technicians must be familiar with WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Canada's national hazard communication standard aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7. The compliance deadline for the current WHMIS framework (sometimes called "WHMIS 2022") passed on December 14, 2025 - all workplaces and suppliers must now use updated labeling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) formats. Key changes from the previous framework include the new Chemicals Under Pressure hazard class, revised flammable gas subcategories, and additional SDS Section 9 data elements. Common hazardous materials encountered in appliance service include refrigerants, brazing fluxes, cleaning solvents, and propane.
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear appropriate PPE during appliance service: safety glasses when brazing or working with refrigerants, insulated gloves for electrical testing, and cut-resistant gloves when handling sheet metal panels. Use hearing protection when working near running compressors for extended periods.
The safe procedure before working on any electrical appliance is to disconnect power and verify it is off with a voltage tester. Never rely on switches alone. Follow lockout/tagout procedures and be familiar with WHMIS requirements for hazardous materials.