Insulation Workers
Building insulators and mechanical insulators work in hot attics, crawl spaces and mechanical rooms with irritating fibers and spray foam chemicals, and sometimes run into old asbestos.
- Construction
- Industrial
Photo: spray foam installer in a full-face supplied-air respirator and coveralls
Top hazards
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF): isocyanates can cause asthma and sensitization, sometimes permanent
- Fiberglass and mineral wool irritation of skin, eyes and lungs
- Extreme heat in attics
- Falling through ceilings between joists; ladders and lifts
- Asbestos in old pipe and boiler insulation and vermiculite
- Electrical hazards from wiring in attics
Key practices
- For SPF: follow the manufacturer’s respirator requirements (often supplied air), full skin and eye protection, ventilation, and keep other people out of the area during spraying and re-entry time.
- For fiberglass: long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask or respirator.
- Walk only on joists or use boards; light the work area.
- Schedule attic work for cooler hours; take frequent breaks.
- Stop and test if you find suspect asbestos or vermiculite. See Asbestos.
Types of insulation
| Type | Main hazards |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass and mineral wool batts and blown-in | Skin, eye and throat irritation; dust |
| Cellulose (blown) | Dust; fire-retardant chemicals |
| Spray polyurethane foam | Isocyanates (asthma), solvents, flammable vapors, heat from curing foam |
| Rigid foam board | Cutting dust; flammable until covered |
| Mechanical (pipe and equipment) insulation | Old asbestos, hot surfaces, heights, confined spaces |
Spray foam in more detail
Isocyanates in spray foam can make you sensitized: after one or more exposures, even tiny amounts can trigger a severe asthma attack, for life. Symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and a runny nose. If you notice them, tell your supervisor and see a doctor right away. See Isocyanates.
- Follow the manufacturer’s re-entry time before people without respirators come back in.
- Keep the proportioner at the right temperature and ratio; off-ratio foam gives off more chemicals.
- Store drums away from heat and moisture.
Vermiculite
Loose, pebble-like gray-brown or silver-gold attic insulation may be vermiculite, much of which was contaminated with asbestos. Don’t disturb it. Have it tested or treat it as asbestos.
Attic checklist
- Walk boards in place over joists
- Work lights set up
- Wiring and recessed lights located; keep insulation clear as required
- Respirator, goggles, long sleeves and gloves on
- Water and cooling breaks planned
- No suspect vermiculite or asbestos disturbed
Standards & references
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