Osha Regulations For Working In Attics

Confined spaces in residential construction.

Osha regulations for working in attics.

Osha will continue to publish new guidance products in the coming months and will post them here. While osha does not have specific regulations for indoor workplace temperatures the agency recommends a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees. Retraining is required when previous training becomes obsolete due to changes in work conditions or fall protection systems or equipment. Osha heat stress compliance guidelines.

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. Deal with it if you can t. 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. Attics crawlspaces have been covered by osha for 20 years.

Atmospheric hazards e g poor ventilation heat stress. 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. According to osha attics present hazards such as. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our employees.

Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any work. The recent osha action clarifies the standard. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness. 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.

Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work. 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. Eliminate the hazard if you can. Please check the website often for updates.