Truth be told, you are probably not thrilled about working in your unfinished attic. It’s dark, dusty, cramped and a literal obstacle course teeming with pitfalls. Take one wrong step and you burst through the ceiling and fall to the floor below. Also, you risk injuries caused by heat exhaustion. However, if you are still determined to work in this most-unfriendly space in your home, use these tips to stay safe.
Attic Safety
From your head to your toes, proper clothing and safety gear is essential when working in your attic. Breathing may be difficult due to air that is contaminated with harmful dust, VOCs and insulation particles. Dried out animal waste from birds, vermin or other creatures may be disturbed and go airborne. So, pick up a pack of respirators from your hardware store.
Additionally, put the following items on your safety list:
- Hard hat: If you bump your head on a rafter, cross beam or pipe, it’s going to hurt at best. If you hit your head on a nail protruding through the roof deck, it could be much worse. Make sure you wear a hard hat.
- Eyes: Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from accidents and airborne debris.
- Clothing: The same dust and insulation fibers that can damage your lungs can also irritate your skin. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
- Gloves: Work gloves will protect your hands and help you keep a fixed grip on your tools and materials.
- Shoes: Wear comfortable and durable shoes that will help you move around better. There’s enough hazards in your attic without tripping over your own feet.
- Walking: Unfinished attics often don’t have proper walkways installed. Fasten wide boards or plywood down the middle of the joists and any areas you are working.
- Lighting: Use multiple directional spotlights, lanterns and flashlights so that you can see exactly what you are doing and where you are walking.
- Comfort: Attics can be extremely hot. Don’t overexert yourself and take plenty of breaks.
If you have concerns about attic safety, please contact the professionals Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company for assistance.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about attic safety and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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