Top Ten Safety Hazards for Apartment Maintenance Technicians

1. Ladders-Do not try and use the top step or rung on a ladder.  Make sure the ladder is either securely tied off and/or has a firm footing on the ground.
2. Tools-Aged tools can be quite a hazard.  Inspect your tools regularly to make sure they are the safest tool for performing a task.  Whether they are power or hand tools, using defective or aged equipment can cause serious injury.
3. Electrical-When repairing electrical items in an apartment, the safest way to do this is to simply have the circuit breaker turned off for the item you are working on.  Other hazards involve the use of electrical cords that have more patches on it than 20 year old jeans
4. Pool-There are dangers and hazards everywhere from electrical to chemical and bio.  Not following specific procedures and guidelines can make you really sick and/or severely injured from caustic substances and poorly maintained or monitored electrical equipment.
5. Pilot Lights-There are times when you are required to do cabinet repair in kitchens.  The materials used to do touch ups and finishes are extremely flammable.  If the stove is run on natural gas, make sure it is turned off prior to your repair work.  Don’t learn the hard way like this apartment maintenance tech did.
6. Back Injuries- It takes one wrong step and one inappropriate method of lifting an object and you can be in some serious pain.  It takes very little weight to cause an injury.  The misconception that it’s only heavy objects that can get us in trouble has led to many long term chronic back injuries.
7. Blood borne Pathogens-Do not ever kid yourself about this hazard.  Whenever you are working on plumbing, working anywhere in a bathroom or kitchen, removing trash involving a turn, personal protective equipment is an absolute must!  Bio hazards can be anywhere.  Make sure you have appropriate gloves, eye protection and even masks in the case of dealing with mold.  It is also imperative that you have a first aid kit with you at all times in case of a flesh wound or other injury that exposes you to any bio hazard.
8. Eye Care- There is very few maintenance situations that would not require eye protection.  Just being exposed to the sun all day can have damaging effects on your eyes.  It is important that your eye wash station is always well maintained and ready for these emergency situations.
9. Combustible Liquids- Keep a well maintained and clean shop area.  Wherever you store your liquid materials, regular inspections of those containers is necessary.  Keep your eye out for corroded containers and leaks.  The wrong combination of liquids can lead to corrosive gases and/or explosions.
10. Fire Protection- Plan for the best but prepare for the worst.  Your maintenance vehicle and work kit should have included a fire extinguisher.  The shop area should have them in place as well.  Make sure you have the correct extinguisher for the correct application.  It is also imperative that you follow the strict guidelines and maintenance schedules for these items.

Those are my top ten but I am sure there are many more.  OSHA has numerous requirements that apply to property management companies.  Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below.

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