Staying Safe While Working in Your Attic

An unconditioned attic is a dangerous place to work this time of year when temperatures can reach unsafe levels during the daytime. Besides the danger of overheating, this unfinished space poses other hazards as well, such as trip and fall accidents, electrical shocks, inhalation of insulation fibers and head impact injuries.

Here are some preventive measures you can take to make working in your attic less risky:

Build Secure Walking Paths

If you have items stored or there are HVAC components or other equipment located in the attic, it’s wise to create designated walking paths to reach them safely. First, plan the pathway route(s) with care to avoid low-lying and overhead hazards. Then, lay down two-three 1×4 boards side by side to form a stable walkway. Just make sure the ends are resting on floor joists and secure them with screws or nails so they can’t slip off.

Lessen the Risk of Electrical Issues

Examine the space thoroughly to locate any potential shock and fire hazards, such as worn or overloaded extension cords that need replacing, frayed/gnawed-on electrical wiring, open junction boxes, or loose wiring run under insulation on the floor. If you find any issues, call a licensed electrician and get them fixed promptly.

Add Extra Illumination

If your home’s attic is like most, it probably has one or two light fixtures that don’t really illuminate the space well enough to ensure safety. To brighten up the area for working, have your electrician install more basic fixtures to light the walkway(s), storage areas and equipment locations, and/or store a portable LED light and unplugged extension cord within easy reach of the access hatch.

Tackle Tasks Early in the Day

Plan to tackle chores and schedule appointments for equipment maintenance in the early morning before the temperature starts to climb and there’s a greater chance of overheating. Whenever you’re working up there, always wear a respirator mask, head protection and goggles to further reduce your risk of injuries.

For more advice about working safely in the attic of your Middletown home, contact us today at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York 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 845-367-4482.

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