Working In Hot Attics

Deal with it if you can t.

Working in hot attics.

Recently we restarted our air sealing insulation articles again and in the most recent article on hot roofs we mentioned that now is a good time to work in your attic at least if you live in the south. We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our employees. Hang an outdoor thermometer in your attic making sure its range reaches at least 130 degrees fahrenheit. Alternatively install passive vents such as gable soffit and ridge vents which are openings in the roof that allow hot air to escape.

Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under. Attic fans push out the hot air and pull in the cool air from the vents installed on your roof. The recent osha action clarifies the standard. Hang pencil and paper next to the thermometer and record the outdoor and attic temperatures.

Think about how often dew forms on your grass. In warmer climates you don t need to worry about condensation. Evaluate every worksite prior to doing any work. In these climates hot attic spaces are eliminated by installing a thermal barrier along the roof line instead of the attic floor.

Take precautions to avoid a dangerous working environment in the attic. Working in a hot attic can lead to heat exhaustion dehydration and heat stroke if you do not take the necessary precautions to remain cool. During hot weather start working early as attics heat up as the day moves on. Air circulation alone will not keep you safe.

Also remember to watch your step. Install electric ventilators and attic fans which remove hot air from an attic. Protecting workers from falls while working in attics can be challenging for some employers. Be sure that the access door is well fitted and doesn t let air escape around the edges.

Attics crawlspaces have been covered by osha for 20 years. To ensure that the attic fan is working properly you need to make sure that your attic is sealed up tight where it touches the ceiling of the top floor. Eliminate the hazard if you can. One of the main reasons for this is how hot an attic can get not only during the summer months but also throughout the year.

Drink plenty of water and use an osha approved particulate respirator or double strap dust mask to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. They have thermostats that turn the fan on at a recommended preset temperature of 100 110 degrees.