However, under OSHA’s new confined spaces in construction standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA), attics can be considered confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces. According to this OSHA fact Sheet, attics present hazards such as:
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Atmospheric hazards (e.g., poor ventilation)
Heat stress
Mechanical hazards (e.g., attic ventilators, whole house fans)
Electrical hazards (e.g., damaged or frayed wires, open electrical boxes)
Slip, trip, and fall hazards
Asbestos insulation
The standards go into effect August 3, 2015.
States without OSHA-approved state-plans are covered by the federal standards. State-plan states must adopt standards comparable to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA within 6 months of publication of the final rule in the Federal Register (May 4, 2015). Read more.
If you check this FAQ link directly from OSHA, specifically Question #9, it does not align with the answer you provide here re: “poor ventilation” and specifically “asbestos insulation.”
Thanks.
Here’s the link: https://www.osha.gov/html/faq-confinedspaces.html