Confined Space Rule For Attic Access Hvac

There is sure to be some eye rolling from the folks affected by this new clarification.

Confined space rule for attic access hvac. Here are links to the two main pdfs. If an attic space in your building fits the definition of a confined space then attics are confined spaces. Confined space has many things to consider however when changing the filter on large hvac units or other small maintenance items the concept of this being a c confined space for large hvac units on monthly filter change outs codes and standards general discussion eng tips. If you have anything to do with confined spaces you should spend some time there and make sure you understand the new rules.

Osha confined space rule. Osha fact sheet on confined spaces in construction. Crawl spaces and attics. Although practicing safe habits and protocols on the job comes with the territory a recent occupational safety health administration osha ruling now includes attics and crawlspaces as confined spaces in many cases.

If he tried to get out he couldn t crawl to a space that s just a hole in the ceiling from the other end of the attic. But now that the ruling has come down folks working in attics and crawl spaces will. Slow and plodding sure. Communication is key to following the new confined space rule.

Techs in the hvacr industry are no stranger to working in cramped spaces with varying job site conditions that can often be deemed hazardous. But osha is a force of nature. Maybe it is the 140 degree heat or coming face to face with some animal or snake. For confined spaces requiring a permit the hvac company generates their own permit not a government agency.

Passageways must have a solid floor no less than 24 wide. There must be an attendant posted outside a permitted confined space any time a worker is in the space. Osha s new confined spaces rule the who what july 29 2015 by sls 2 comments if you have been in construction for any length of time you are bound to have one story about working in an attic or crawl space. The purpose of the permit is to clearly communicate the conditions under which the space may be entered and who may enter.

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. Confined spaces are inherently dangerous and osha s not unreasonable response is to require additional safety. Atmospheric temperature hazards. Osha has a page on confined spaces with links to other pages and pdf documents describing the new standard.

The confined space rules also need to apply. All hvac employees are provided cooling vests and a means to circulate air. The passage must not be smaller than 30 high x 22 wide and no longer than 20 unless it s at least 6 tall and then no more than 50.