The panel was in sight of every fan. He then could have used the breaker as a means of disconnect as long as the attic lights weren't on that circuit.
I think so if that is all true.
You must have a different kind of attic there if you can get all of the "space" requirements in front of a panelboard.
Pull down steps are fairly rare here and attics are "crawl on your belly" or at least "duck walk" affairs.
