Osha Regulations For Working In Attics

Attics crawlspaces have been covered by osha for 20 years.

Osha regulations for working in attics. Retraining is required when previous training becomes obsolete due to changes in work conditions or fall protection systems or equipment. The recent osha action clarifies the standard. Confined spaces in residential construction. Osha will continue to publish new guidance products in the coming months and will post them here.

Deal with it if you can t. 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. 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. Eliminate the hazard if you can.

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. While osha does not have specific regulations for indoor workplace temperatures the agency recommends a temperature range between 68 and 76 degrees. Please check the website often for updates. Osha heat stress compliance guidelines.

Employers also may choose to use scaffolds or ladders for attic work. Atmospheric hazards e g poor ventilation heat stress. Mechanical hazards e g attic ventilators whole house fans. Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any 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. 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. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a lawsuit if workers become injured as a result of heat illness. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our employees.