How to Safely Install Insulation
- Personal Protective Equipment Put on personal protective equipment before handling or installing any type of insulation in your home. ...
- Lighting When installing insulation in a dark space such as a crawl space, basement or attic, make sure the area is well lit. ...
- Cutting the Insulation When installing batt insulation, you will need to cut the insulation to size. ...
- Blowing Insulation ...
What should you wear when installing insulation?
Employees should choose pants and long-sleeve shirts when working with fiberglass, as the fabric helps prevent fiberglass dust from irritating the skin and it helps reduce the risk of fibers becoming embedded in the skin. Disposable protective clothing may be provided by employers.
Do you need a mask when installing insulation?
Installers blowing insulation wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator (N95 or greater). Other exposed workers, who are in the immediate area during application, wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator.
What PPE do you need for insulation?
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How do you protect your skin from fiberglass insulation?
Cover your skin with loose-fitting, full-coverage clothing. Always wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, eye goggles, and masks when working near fiberglass materials. Keep doors and windows open for better airflow and to lessen exposure to large amounts of fiberglass dust.
What happens if you breathe in insulation dust?
Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass. Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.
Does N95 protect against fiberglass dust?
The disposable 8511 N95 particulate respirator features the proprietary 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve and helps provide comfortable, reliable worker respiratory protection. Our Fiberglass-Sanding Respirator helps protect against dust, mist, sanding, and fiberglass insulation.
Do I need gloves to install insulation?
Nitrile covered work gloves are the best to have when handling fiberglass; they block the particles from getting in and the material of the glove is breathable, so they don't fill with sweat. However, using any kind of rubber work glove instead of cloth will reduce the risk of the fibers getting through the material.
Can fiberglass insulation cut you?
Hazard #3: Breathing Problems Fiberglass particles are easy to inhale. Once the tiny glass fibers enter your body, they can actually cut and penetrate your organs and tissues.
Can you handle insulation with bare hands?
If you've ever touched fiberglass insulation with your bare hands, you're probably well aware of its effect on the skin. In most situations, touching the material without proper protection will result in a sharp stinging, burning and itching sensation.
What happens if insulation touches skin?
The most common health risk of fiberglass insulation is skin irritation. This occurs when your skin gets in contact with fiberglass particles, resulting in itchiness and skin rashes. Particles may come in contact with your skin and trigger allergies, especially if you have sensitive skin.
What happens if fiberglass gets in your pores?
Fiberglass in your skin can result in a painful and itchy irritation. If your skin is exposed to fiberglass, don't rub or scratch your skin. Wash the area with running water and mild soap. You can also use a washcloth to help remove the fibers.
What happens if fiberglass stays in your skin?
Skin exposure can result in a rash or fiberglass dermatitis. This occurs when fiberglass fragments or dust become embedded in the skin's outer layer. A fiberglass rash typically looks like a patch of small blisters with dry, flaky skin. On pale skin, the inflammation will be red.
Should you wear a mask when installing fiberglass?
Installing fiberglass insulation can cause temporary, mechanical skin irritation. Products made with Knauf Insulation's patented ECOSE technology with bio-based binder are known to greatly reduce that irritation. However, protective clothing, masks, and gloves are always recommended when handling glass fibers.
Should I wear a mask in attic insulation?
It's important for you to wear a face mask at all times in your attic to avoid breathing in anything that could potentially harm you. Once you've cleaned your attic, you can go into it without wearing a mask all the time.
What kind of mask do I need for fiberglass insulation?
Full Face Masks A full face mask will come with a full range of gas and particulate filters. The use of full-face masks ensures that the wearer's face is completely protected from the damaging effects of the fiberglass particles.
Do you need to wear a mask with Rockwool insulation?
Rockwool won't irritate your skin or throat like fiberglass insulation. However, don't inhale it. You'll need to wear a mask and goggles.
Before Installing Insulation
When installing home insulation, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Here are some things you need to do before you begin:
Working With Insulation
Wear an old long-sleeved shirt and long pants or disposable coveralls. Check the insulation instructions for recommended safety gear such as eye protection, gloves and dust masks. If you're working in a crawlspace or attic, you may want to wear knee pads for comfort.
