Safe Installation and Maintenance of Aircon Systems in Highrise Buildings

Many of the air-conditioning (AC) systems of highrise apartments are mounted externally on the side of the building. An example is shown in the photos below.

The installation and maintenance of these external AC units pose various hazards. Access to the AC units is mostly through the windows which, if not managed carefully, can lead to fatal falls for the workers involved in the works. In addition, while work is being carried out, there is a risk of the AC unit, tools or brackets falling off and hitting passers-by below.

To ensure safe installation and maintenance of external AC units, please follow the safety recommendations listed below (list is not exhaustive):

1. Conduct risk assessment: Before the start of work, it is important to conduct an adequate risk assessment to identify all potential hazards and the risks involved. Control measures and safe work procedures must be established and implemented. In this situation of high-rise AC system installation or maintenance, the following should be considered and addressed before starting work:

a. Take steps to prevent the worker from falling from height;
b. Reduce the risk of falling objects;
c. Provide adequate supervision and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); and
d. Demarcate the hazardous area and place appropriate warning signs for the public.

2. Ensure proper supervision: It is important to appoint a competent person to supervise the workers. This person should ensure that :

a. Only trained and competent workers are allowed to work in such an elevated location;
b. Safe work procedures are being followed;
c. All reasonable precautions have been taken to mitigate the risk of the worker falling or being hit by falling objects (e.g. ensuring that workers don the appropriate PPE); and
d. Workers are not exposed to other hazards such as electrical hazards, ergonomic hazards, etc.

3. Provide personal protective equipment: Workers should be provided with a work restraint system. This would include the use of safety harnesses or restraint belts. When using safety harnesses or restraint belts, they must be securely anchored to a suitable anchor point or static line. Workers should also be equipped with an appropriate tool carrier harness. This is to secure the tools and prevents any tools from dropping accidentally while the work is being conducted.

4. Cordon off working area: It is necessary to cordon off the area underneath the working area so that it prevents inadvertent public access while work is being done above. Prominent signage is to be provided to alert the public.