Osha Regulations For Working In Attics

Atmospheric hazards e g poor ventilation heat stress.

Osha regulations for working in attics.

Construction workers often perform tasks in confined spaces work areas that 1 are large enough for an employee to enter 2 have limited means of entry or exit and 3 are not designed for. Mechanical hazards e g attic ventilators whole house fans. Osha has developed a standard for confined spaces in construction 29 cfr 1926 subpart aa that applies to spaces such as attics basements and crawl spaces. Osha heat stress compliance guidelines.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness. The recent osha action clarifies the standard. Please check the website often for updates. Retraining is required when previous training becomes obsolete due to changes in work conditions or fall protection systems or equipment.

Training must address how to inspect erect disassemble and maintain the fall protection equipment involved in the work 29 cfr 1926 503 a 2 ii. If the area around the plywood or planking is open and the work area is 6 feet or more above a lower level the employer generally must ensure that workers use fall protection meeting osha requirements 29 cfr 1926 501 b 13. Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any work. However under osha s new confined spaces in construction standards 29 cfr 1926 subpart aa attics can be considered confined spaces and permit required confined spaces.

We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our employees. Federal osha has a general duty clause section 5 a of the occupational safety and health act of 1970 that requires employers to provide a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Eliminate the hazard if you can. Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work.

According to osha attics present hazards such as. Confined spaces in residential construction. While osha does not have specific regulations for indoor workplace temperatures the agency recommends a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees. This fact sheet developed after consultation with the national association of home builders nahb and a detailed frequently asked questions faqs document clarify some of the standard s provisions and their application to residential construction work.