Observing basic attic safety rules will probably never make a sojourn up in the attic something most people look forward to. Nevertheless, it can help prevent injury from hazards you’re not likely to encounter elsewhere in the house. In addition to offering virtually no creature comforts, unfinished attics typically lack most of the safety factors you’re accustomed to in the living spaces below. Reviewing these few attic safety rules can help reduce the special risks you’ll encounter when you climb up there.
Pick a cool time to do it.
If you must venture into the attic during summer or early fall, do so very early in the morning or even before sunrise when temperatures are lowest. Attic temperatures can rapidly soar above 125 degrees as solar heat radiates through the roof. In the under-ventilated attic environment you’re at risk of heat exhaustion or even fatal heat stroke. Drink lots of water and take frequent rest breaks by climbing down into the cooler rooms below.
Protect your lungs.
An enclosed attic often harbors a potentially toxic mixture of airborne particulates. Dust, fiberglass insulation fibers, bacteria from vermin droppings and toxic mold spores are typical risk factors. Wear safety goggles and a disposable breathing mask rated N-95, commonly available at big box home improvement stores, to filter particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Watch your step.
Stay on walkway boards that run down the center of the attic. If you venture off the boards, step onto sturdy attic joists only. Do not walk on beds of insulation which are supported only by the thin ceiling board underneath. The ceiling is not weight-bearing and will collapse into the room below, causing severe fall injuries.
Avoid sharp objects.
An attic presents many opportunities for cuts and abrasions including exposed nails, screws and gnarly wood splinters. Put on heavy gloves and watch where you place you hands. Wear a hat and keep your head low to avoid nails protruding through the roof.
Get more attic safety tips from the experts at Paitson Bros., the Wabash Valley’s preferred HVAC contractor since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922