Osha Regulations For Working In Attics

Eliminate the hazard if you can.

Osha regulations for working in attics.

Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any work. 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. 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.

Retraining is required when previous training becomes obsolete due to changes in work conditions or fall protection systems or equipment. 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. 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. Please check the website often for updates.

While osha does not have specific regulations for indoor workplace temperatures the agency recommends a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees. Deal with it if you can t. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness. Osha heat stress compliance guidelines.

Confined spaces in residential construction. Osha will continue to publish new guidance products in the coming months and will post them here. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our employees. 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.

Atmospheric hazards e g poor ventilation heat stress. The recent osha action clarifies the standard. Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work. 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.