Attic Confined Space

Not all attics are defined.

Attic confined space.

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. This course reviews the requirements responsibilities and procedures under subpart aa of 29 cfr 1926 in an easy to learn multimedia presentation. If an attic space in your building fits the definition of a confined space then attics are confined spaces. Examples of confined spaces include some attics boiler rooms sewers crawl spaces and more.

Confined spaces or permit required confined spaces exist before beginning work on a residential homebuilding project each employer must ensure that a competent person identifies all confined spaces in which one or more employees it directs may work and identifies each space that is a permit required confined space. According to a publication by osha and the national association of home builders nahb attics. It does contain enough room for a construction crew member to enter the space but is not designed for continuous occupancy. Here are links to the two main pdfs.

But attic spaces that are determined to be confined spaces should generally fall into the category. 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. Osha fact sheet on confined spaces in construction. The standard helps to eliminate and isolate hazards in order to prevent construction workers from being hurt or killed in confined spaces.

Work site for the presence of confined spaces including permit required confined spaces. They define a confined space as a location that has limited access to entering or exiting the space. An attic for example will not be considered a confined space because there is not limited or restricted means for entry and exit. I agree with kate that a loft attic is not a confined space per se unpleasent though they are it really depends on the inherent hazards which may be unknown until visited.

There is sure to be some eye rolling from the folks affected by this new clarification. Once the space is classified as a permit required confined space identifying the means of entry and exit proper ventilation methods and elimination or control of all potential hazards in the space. But now that the ruling has come down folks working in attics and crawl spaces will. Some spaces in a residential home may be considered confined spaces or permit required confined spaces.

If you have anything to do with confined spaces you should spend some time there and make sure you understand the new rules. Go at your own pace start and stop when you want. In which case training operatives to be aware of the risks is essential and far better than giving the task a generic label in my opinion. Ensuring that the air in a confined space.

Slow and plodding sure.