Attic Confined Space

Spaces that contain any other health or safety hazard recognized by osha.

Attic confined space.

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether an atmosphere qualifies as hazardous. Some spaces in a residential home may be considered confined spaces or permit required confined spaces. Slow and plodding sure. But osha is a force of nature.

The vast majority of the standard s requirements only apply to permit required confined spaces and attics basements and crawl spaces in a residential home three common spaces will not necessarily trigger these requirements. However attic spaces that are determined to be confined spaces should generally fall into the category of non permit confined spaces because they have either natural or mechanical ventilation which would prevent accumulation of hazardous atmosphere and because other hazards would not normally be present. If an attic space in your building fits the definition of a confined space then attics are confined spaces. Spaces in a residential home may be considered confined spaces or permit required confined spaces during the construction or remodeling process.

This course is bpi recognized for 4 ceu credits nate approved for 8 ceh credits. How subpart aa of 29 cfr 1926 affects contractors who work in attics crawlspaces. But attic spaces that are determined to be confined spaces should generally fall into the category of non permit confined spaces because they have either natural or mechanical ventilation that would prevent accumulation of hazardous atmosphere and. The confined spaces in general industry standards 29 cfr 1910 146 address attics in this osha letter of interpretation stating that if the attic space in your building fits the definition of a confined space then attics are confined spaces.

Confined spaces can be dangerous due to potential hazards in such a small space. Those hazards may be the presence of water electrical wires toxic. Examples of confined spaces include some attics boiler rooms sewers crawl spaces and more. We all know this will affect the small businesses and contractors the most.

If confined spaces exist and their workers will go into them they may need to do testing with a calibrated direct reading instrument for oxygen content for flammable gases and vapors and for potential toxic air contaminants in that order permits will be required but the contractor writes them up and posts them. An attic for example will not be considered a confined space because there is not limited or restricted means for entry and exit. Large attics that have more than one point of access and enough room to be used as additional living space are not classified as a confined space. 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.

Osha s standard for construction work in confined spaces subpart aa of 29 cfr 1926 defines specific procedures designed to protect workers while they are working in and around confined spaces on construction sites. But now that the ruling has come down folks working in attics and crawl spaces will either suit up with an appropriate confined space gas monitor or run the risk of osha fines. Not all attics are defined as a confined space. While it is rare for a confined space such as an attic basement or crawlspace to require a permit extenuating factors such as extreme heat in an attic could render it permit required.

What are the risks associated with a confined space.