Apply OSHA basics to in-home appliance service work

Steps

1. Apply safe lifting practices for heavy appliances (proper body mechanics, team-lift or dolly use for major appliances) to reduce strain-injury risk, a leading cause of injury in this trade
2. For electrical safety on cord-and-plug-connected appliances, know that OSHA's lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) generally does not apply when the hazard is fully controlled by unplugging the appliance and keeping the plug under the exclusive control of the technician performing the work
3. For appliances that are hardwired (not cord-connected) or where the plug cannot remain under the technician's exclusive control, apply full lockout/tagout procedures per 1910.147 rather than relying on the cord-and-plug exception
4. Manage customer-home liability exposure: document pre-existing damage before starting work, use floor/surface protection, and maintain general liability insurance appropriate for in-home service
5. Train technicians on basic hazard awareness for the home environment (tripping hazards, gas/electrical hazards, pets, confined spaces like under-cabinet installs) as part of onboarding