Attics aren’t the safest place to do repair work, which is why many homeowners choose to hire professionals for the job. Still, some people decide to save money and do the work themselves. If you’ve decided to work in your attic on your own, here are a few things you should do to keep yourself safe.
Check Your Attic’s Stability
Attic ladders or stairs are known to become unreliable over time, so test your weight on them before climbing into the attic. Once you’re up the stairs, stick to main trusses and visible walkways to avoid standing or walking on a structure that breaks under you. Stay off of insulation beds since they can’t hold your weight, and always be ready to step back if a structure isn’t as secure as you thought. Never put your full weight on something without testing it first, and always be ready to call for help if something goes wrong.
Avoid Wires
When it comes to wires, attics are pretty unpredictable. Your wires might be neatly tucked away and perfectly safe, but they could also be scattered around the attic in random places. Always watch your step and make sure you aren’t going to step or trip on any wires. Before hammering or drilling anything down, check the area to make sure you aren’t damaging or splitting any wires.
Wear Protection
Attics are full of dust particles, wood shavings, and moisture that can attack your senses. Avoid coughing and sneezing by wearing protective gear over your mouth and nose. You can use a bandana, face mask, or anything else as long as it keeps you safe and healthy. Wear goggles to keep particles out of your eyes, and put elbow and knee pads on for any crawling you might have to do. We recommend wearing pants and a long-sleeved shirt made of thick material so you can stay safe from splinters, rogue nails, and skin irritants.
Take Breaks from the Heat
It’s very easy to get heat exhaustion when working in an attic, so take extra precautions to keep yourself healthy. Start early in the morning when it isn’t as hot outside, take lots of breaks, stay hydrated all day, and get help from friends to make the process go by faster. If you do start to feel heat exhaustion, lay down with an ice pack on your face and continue to drink water. Call it a day and finish the job later if you start to feel sick.
Poor Air Quality? Call Superior AC & Heat
Working in your attic can easily worsen the air quality in the rest of your home as dust and moisture slowly escape. Get your air quality up when you hire Superior AC & Heat for the job. We’ve been serving Crowley, Arlington, Fort Worth, Burleson and surrounding areas since 1980, and we offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial HVAC systems. If you need repairs and can’t wait, we also offer 24/7 emergency repairs. Call or visit our website to get in touch with a licensed HVAC professional today!
