# Job Hazard Analysis: Attic equipment service URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/jha/hvac/attic-work Last updated: 2026-10-23 Service of a furnace, air handler, or evaporator coil installed in a residential or light-commercial attic. Work includes accessing the attic by pull-down or portable ladder, moving across joists and insulation, locking out power, servicing components (filters, condensate drain, blower, burner, controls, refrigerant checks), and cleanup. Attics can exceed 130°F in warm weather. Expect blown-in fiberglass or cellulose, exposed nails, low clearance, and possible gas piping and 120/240V circuits. > A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts. ## Steps, hazards and controls ### 1. Plan the job and set up access to the attic - **Heat stress in a hot attic** (High): Schedule attic work for early morning when possible.; Set a portable fan at the attic hatch blowing fresh air in, and bring a work light.; Set work/rest cycles: limit attic time to 15–20 minutes, then cool down below. Drink 1 cup of water every 15–20 minutes.; Use a buddy system and check on the worker in the attic every 10 minutes. New or returning workers start with shorter shifts. - **Falls from the attic pull-down ladder or portable ladder** (Medium): Inspect the pull-down ladder hinges, bolts, and rungs before use. If it is loose or damaged, use your own fiberglass extension or stepladder instead.; Extend a portable ladder 3 ft above the hatch landing or secure a grab point, and set it on firm, level floor.; Keep 3 points of contact. Hoist tools and parts in a bag or hand them up; do not carry them while climbing. ### 2. Move across the attic to the unit - **Stepping off joists and falling through the drywall ceiling** (High): Use the existing catwalk. If there is none, lay 2x10 boards or plywood across at least 3 joists to make a walkway.; Light the path with a work light; locate joists before each step.; Never step on insulation between joists. - **Head and scalp cuts from roofing nails and rafters** (Medium): Move slowly and stay low under sloped rafters.; Wear a bump cap and long sleeves. - **Fiberglass or cellulose dust in eyes, skin, and lungs** (Medium): Disturb insulation as little as possible; keep the fan blowing so dust does not drift into your face.; Wear safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, and an N95 respirator (voluntary use, read the info sheet). ### 3. Shut off and lock out power and gas - **Electric shock from the 120V or 240V unit circuit** (High): Turn off the service switch at the unit and the breaker at the panel. Apply your personal lock and tag.; Test for zero voltage with a meter at the unit terminals; check the meter on a live source first.; Watch for a second circuit feeding the condenser or accessories. - **Gas leak at the furnace gas valve or flex connector** (Medium): Close the appliance gas shutoff before opening the burner compartment.; If you smell gas, stop, do not flip switches, get everyone out, and call the gas utility. ### 4. Service the unit (filter, blower, drain, burner, controls) - **Cuts from sheet metal panel edges and coil fins** (Medium): Set removed panels flat on the platform with edges away from you.; Wear cut-resistant gloves when handling panels and coils. - **Mold and biological growth in the drain pan and condensate line** (Low): Use a wet/dry vac to clear the drain instead of blowing by mouth.; Wear nitrile gloves and wash hands before eating or drinking. - **Skin and eye contact with coil cleaner or chemicals** (Medium): Use a non-acid, low-odor coil cleaner when possible.; Read the label and SDS before use; keep ventilation running.; Wear chemical splash goggles and nitrile gloves. - **Hot burner, heat exchanger, and flue surfaces** (Low): Let the furnace cool at least 10 minutes after shutdown before touching burner parts.; Wear leather gloves when handling flue pipe. ### 5. Check refrigerant pressures and test run - **Refrigerant frostbite or eye injury from hose connections** (Medium): Use low-loss fittings on gauge hoses; point the port away from your face.; Wear safety glasses and gloves when connecting or removing gauges. - **Contact with moving blower or live terminals during test run** (High): Reinstall all panels and guards before restoring power.; Only the worker who placed the lock removes it, after telling everyone.; Take live readings only with insulated meter leads, one hand, and no jewelry. ### 6. Clean up, remove tools, and exit the attic - **Falls when climbing down with tools or old filters** (Medium): Lower tools and trash in a bag or hand them to your buddy.; Face the ladder and keep 3 points of contact. - **Tripping on tools and debris left in the work area** (Low): Bag old filters and debris; do a final tool count before leaving the attic.; Close the attic hatch and fold the ladder up when done. ## Required PPE - Safety glasses — ANSI Z87.1 at all times in the attic; chemical goggles when using coil cleaner. - Bump cap — Worn in the attic to protect from nails and rafters. - Gloves — Cut-resistant for sheet metal; nitrile for chemicals and drains; leather for hot parts. - N95 filtering facepiece — For insulation dust; voluntary use unless the competent person requires it. - Long-sleeve lightweight shirt — Protects skin from fiberglass; choose breathable fabric for heat. - Work boots — Slip-resistant soles for ladders and joists. - Knee pads — When kneeling on joists or platforms. ## Training - Ladder safety training by a competent person. - Lockout/tagout procedure for HVAC disconnects and breakers. - Heat illness recognition, prevention, and first aid. - Hazard communication: reading SDS and labels for coil cleaners and refrigerants. - EPA Section 608 certification for anyone handling refrigerant. - Respirator voluntary-use information for N95 users. ## Emergency If a worker shows heat stroke signs (confusion, collapse, hot skin): stop work, call 911 and give the site address, get the worker out of the attic to a cool area, and cool them fast with water and fans until help arrives. For a fall or shock, call 911 and do not move an injured worker unless they are in danger. ## Official sources - [OSHA](https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure) — Heat — hazard recognition and prevention - [29 CFR 1926.1053](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.1053) — Ladders - [29 CFR 1926.417](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.417) — Lockout and tagging of circuits - [29 CFR 1926.416](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.416) — Electrical — general requirements - [29 CFR 1926.21](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.21) — Safety training and education - [29 CFR 1926.95](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.95) — Criteria for personal protective equipment - [29 CFR 1910.1200](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.1200) — Hazard communication (GHS) - [29 CFR 1910.134](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1910.134) — Respiratory protection program --- Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.