If you’ve ever touched fiberglass insulation, you know it irritates skin. But the effects of exposure go well beyond red, itchy hands.
Insulation materials release fine particles and fibres that can be inhaled, causing irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Wearing a mask helps to prevent this.
In addition to wearing a mask, other important safety measures include ensuring proper ventilation and disposing of waste properly. Prioritizing safety in insulation installation significantly reduces the risk of health issues and complications.
Insulation Installation
Insulation is an effective and inexpensive way to regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency in a home. It also prevents environmental toxins from migrating into a home and reduces the risk of fire by eliminating spaces that allow gases to move from one space to another. However, improper installation can lead to moisture problems or compromised insulation performance.
It is important for workers who routinely install insulation to take the necessary safety precautions to protect themselves from the health risks of working with this material. This includes wearing a mask that is specifically rated for particulate matter, such as an N95 respirator. Inhaling small particles and fibres from insulation can cause irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties in those who are not adequately protected.
In addition, some insulation materials can be irritants to the skin and eyes, such as fiberglass or cellulose. Additionally, spray polyurethane foam can contain harmful chemicals like isocyanates, which are the leading attributable chemical cause of work-related asthma.
Other essential safety measures include using a damp cloth to wet the surface before installing insulation and avoiding direct contact with the material. It is also vital to wear appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, to minimize skin irritation. Additionally, it is recommended that workers wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect their ears from irritants.
Insulation Removal
If you have old, moldy insulation in your attic or basement, getting it replaced can significantly reduce the amount of allergens and mildew in your home. Older homes tend to have more mildew and mold than newer ones, which can be caused by leaking roofs, faulty furnaces, improper airflow, or leaky ducts. These spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and other health issues.
During insulation installation, some products generate dust and debris that can settle on surfaces and be accidentally ingested if proper safety measures aren’t taken. These particles can also release formaldehyde, asbestos, and other toxic substances into the air, posing a significant risk to workers and building occupants.
Workers should wear masks and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean up the work area after each task to prevent these substances from being released into the air. Additionally, it’s important to contain the workspace to keep insulation from spreading throughout the rest of the building and to facilitate easier cleanup. It’s also crucial to follow proper handling and disposal protocols when working with specialized materials like asbestos. Only certified professionals should handle and dispose of these materials in accordance with regulations and guidelines. Disturbing asbestos-containing insulation can cause microscopic fibers to be inhaled, causing long-term health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In some cases, encapsulating the material and leaving it undisturbed may be the safest option.
Insulation Repair
Insulation is critical for many industrial facilities, extending asset lifetimes and improving productivity. MISTRAS’ thermal insulation services protect tanks, vessels, spheres, and piping from the environment, keeping them operating at peak performance by conserving energy, reducing condensation, and preventing cladding corrosion. This prevents unscheduled downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.
Unfortunately, insulation materials may contain dangerous chemicals or materials that pose health risks to workers who handle them. While recent insulation materials have been a step forward from asbestos, fiberglass, for example, can still cause skin rashes and eye irritation. And spray polyurethane foam, which is often used for insulation, contains Isocyanates that can lead to respiratory issues, such as asthma.
When working with insulation, it’s essential to wear a face mask. It’s also recommended to combine a face mask with a pair of protective goggles or safety glasses, as some insulation materials can produce airborne particles that can irritate the eyes. Wearing a mask will not only help reduce immediate health concerns, but will also lower long-term risks, like respiratory illnesses.
Accidental falls are the most common work-related injury among insulation installers. And since they are required to work at heights, these workers must be properly trained in confined space and fall arrest systems. Moreover, they must be able to identify and avoid potential hazards in the workplace, such as confined spaces, combustible gases, flammable objects, or toxic or hazardous substances.
Choosing an Insulation Contractor
The right insulation can help lower energy bills by reducing the amount of heat lost from a home or commercial structure. It can also protect the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. When choosing an insulation contractor, it is important to research their reputation and credentials. Homeowners can start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. They should also ask the contractor for references and examples of past projects. These will give the homeowner a good idea of the quality of the work they can expect to receive.
Homeowners should also check the contractors’ licensing requirements and evaluate their level of experience and expertise. They should also request estimates from multiple contractors and compare pricing. They should also understand the job specifics, including types of insulation to be used and warranties offered. They should also discuss any potential disruptions to their daily routine and schedules.
Once homeowners have chosen an insulation contractor, they should ask the contractor to provide a detailed proposal. The quote should include all project details, including cost breakdowns and expected timelines. Homeowners should also consider whether or not the insulation contractor offers an insurance back guarantee and deposit protection. These can be very helpful in protecting their investment and ensuring that the job is completed properly. Homeowners can find these types of guarantees and deposits through companies such as Qualitymark.