The HVAC industry is mourning the loss of Matt Nelson, an HVAC technician from Phoenix who died from extreme heat exposure on July 1. Nelson was 58.
According to the family’s GoFundMe page, Nelson was on an HVAC call in Dewey, Arizona, and was working in attic temperatures over 150 degrees when he became unresponsive. Despite CPR from this partner and the tireless efforts of medics, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Nelson had just recently launched his HVAC business.
A description of Nelson on the Go Fund Me page stated, “Matt was the youngest of six kids and the first to make everyone laugh. He was the glue in so many relationships, the one who always showed up, whether it was to fix a busted AC unit, lend a listening ear, or make you laugh so hard you forgot what you were sad about.
“He was a devoted husband, bonus dad, Papa, Army veteran, fishing buddy, and diehard Chargers fan (even when they broke his heart). His love for his country ran deep. He served 21 months in Germany and proudly visited our nation’s capital this year, fulfilling a lifelong dream.”
This tragedy is a reminder to HVAC contractors and technicians that they need to take precautions in this intense summer heat.
In the midst of a heat wave, technicians must rely on their training, and each other, to stay safe.
Below are a few quick tips based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But remember, when in doubt, contact a medical professional.
When the body becomes too hot, it will begin exhibiting some tell-tale signs.
According to the CDC, these include: muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and weakness
Some other signs may include slurred speech, nausea or vomiting, and rapid heart rate.
Seek medical care immediately if you or a coworker is exhibiting any of these symptoms.
Heat-impaired judgement can also appear before a technician even starts to feel “sick,” so it is also encouraged to take frequent breaks for prevention’s sake.
Other items to think about…
Hydration: While each situation/individual may vary, the CDC recommends drinking 8 oz. of water every 15-20 minutes during moderate activities in the heat. If sweating lasts for more than a few hours, sports drinks are recommended. Alcohol and drinks with a lot of caffeine or sugar should be avoided.
Acclimation: For new technicians, other than training, the CDC recommends an acclimatization schedule, in which the tech’s time in the heat is gradually increased over seven-to-14 days. For new workers, the CDC recommends no more than 20% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day one, and no more than a 20% increase on each additional day. For workers with previous experience, the schedule should be: no more than 50% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day one; no more than 60% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day two; no more than 80% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day three; no more than 100% of the usual duration of work in the heat on day four.