Business Ethics and Law for HVAC/R Operations (Outcome 1.3)

Regulatory Compliance

Following the laws, rules, codes, permits, and standards that apply to your work.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, responsible for enforcing safety and health rules.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency, concerned with environmental regulations such as refrigerant handling.

Business Licensing

The process of obtaining permits, contractor licenses, and inspections for operation.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause injury or illness.

Cost Control

Managing expenses to avoid fines, rework, callbacks, and injuries.

Compliance Quality System

A framework that integrates compliance into quality assurance processes.

SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

Documented procedures that outline how to perform tasks in compliance with regulations.

Housekeeping

Maintaining cleanliness and order to prevent accidents and injuries.

Ethics in the Workplace

Values and behaviors that build trust with customers and coworkers.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

U.S. legislation related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Legislation requiring reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.

Consumer Protection Laws

Laws designed to prevent unfair or deceptive business practices.

Deceptive Practices

Business behaviors that intentionally mislead customers, causing long-term harm.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where personal interests could influence professional decisions.

Continuous Improvement

An ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes over time.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document that provides information on the hazards of materials and how to handle them safely.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A way of preventing errors or defects in manufactured products and avoiding problems when delivering solutions.

Harassment

Unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics that affects work environment.

Transparency

Ensuring openness in communication, especially regarding ethical practices.

Bait and Switch

A deceptive marketing tactic where a customer is lured with a low-priced service or product that is then substituted with a more expensive one.

Intellectual Property (IP) Compliance

Ensuring that computer software and content are used legally and responsibly.

Vendor Relationships

Interactions with suppliers that can influence purchasing decisions and must be managed ethically.

Disclosure

The act of revealing potential conflicts of interest to maintain trust and transparency.

Documentation

The process of keeping accurate records to support transparency and ethical behavior.

Training and Documentation

Ensuring that employees receive necessary training for compliance and that all actions are properly documented.

Hazard Control

Implementing measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.