Osha Regulations For Working In Attics

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.

Osha regulations for working in attics.

The recent osha action clarifies the standard. 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. While osha does not have specific regulations for indoor workplace temperatures the agency recommends a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness.

According to osha attics present hazards such as. Deal with it if you can t. Eliminate the hazard if you can. Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work.

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

Mechanical hazards e g attic ventilators whole house fans. 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. Attics crawlspaces have been covered by osha for 20 years. Osha will continue to publish new guidance products in the coming months and will post them here.

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. Osha heat stress compliance guidelines. Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any work. 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.