Safety Tips for When You’re Working In Your Home’s Attic
You may not go up inside your unfinished attic very often. When you do, it’s probably important. HVAC equipment is often located up above, or you may simply be installing recessed lighting, sealing air leaks or considering retrofitting the area to usable living space.
Whatever project calls you up into this inhospitable space, plan ahead, practice extreme caution and use these safety tips to help you along.
Planning, Clothing and Safety
Attics generally contain many hazards in the form of wiring, dangerous objects and incessant heat during much of the year in the Martin County area. Careful project planning and protection are essential for working safely, start to finish, and minimizing your time spent in this space.
- Clothing: Even though your attic may be extremely hot, wear long sleeves, pants and durable footwear. This will better protect your skin from bumps, abrasions, dust and insulation fibers.
- Eyes and lungs: Protective eye wear keeps particles out of your eyes that may obstruct your vision or cause damage. A respirator is important to prevent inhaling airborne contaminants, such as insulation fibers, dust and possibly dried up animal droppings.
- Hands: Wear well-fitting gloves with a tacky grip.
- Head gear: Wear a hard hat to protect your head protruding roofing nails and other objects.
Work Area
Many attics have exposed joists. This means if you step between joists, you’re going to fall through your ceiling. In addition to potentially causing serious harm, you will have quite an expensive mess to clean up. Lay out plywood sheets to provide a wide area which to walk. There are too many unforeseen accidents waiting to happen — wiring, extension cords and timber, to name a few — to not prepare to move around safely in your attic.
Good lighting is another issue you may need to plan for. If your attic doesn’t have wired lighting, you’ll need to take up a head lamp, enough flashlights, lanterns and/or directional spotlights to see and work safely.
Don’t underestimate the dangers in your attic. If you need help with your project, contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating today.
