Insulation Installation Safety Precautions
You’ve decided you want to install some insulation in your home yourself, you have your insulation and you’re ready to go. If you haven’t got your insulation then you can check out our insulation range at Materials Market.
Have you considered the safety precautions before you start the project? If you haven’t, then we have you covered in this article and will be able to tell you step-by-step what you need to do to ensure that you can safely install insulation for your project.
The following steps should be taken whether you are installing insulation boards, insulation slabs or insulation rolls.
Step 1: Clothing
One of the most important safety precautions when installing insulation is to wear the correct clothing. This means you should avoid wearing any loose clothing and instead opt for close-fitting clothes. It is also important that you wear long sleeves and long trousers to protect your skin from itchy fibres.
If you have overalls or clothing you can throw away after the job, even better.
Step 2: Protective Equipment
The next step is to gather all the necessary protective equipment before you start the job. This includes safety glasses or goggles, a dust mask and gloves.
You will also need something to protect your ears such as earplugs or earmuffs. All of this equipment will help to stop fibres and dust from getting into your eyes, nose, mouth and ears.
Step 3: Keep Dust To a Minimal
One of the most important things to do when installing insulation is to avoid creating too much dust. Keep the insulation in its packaging for as long as possible, don’t leave it laying around if you’re not going to use it for a while. Other considerations are to use a damp cloth or sponge to wet the insulation before you start cutting it.
You should also avoid using power tools where possible and instead opt for hand-held tools. If you do need to use power tools, make sure you have a dust extractor to minimise the amount of dust created.
Step 4: Ventilation
Another important safety precaution is to make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated. This means you should open all the windows and doors in the room to allow fresh air to circulate.
If you are working in a confined space, such as a loft, you may need to use an extractor fan to help with ventilation and removal of dust.
Step 5: Clean Up
Once you have finished installing the insulation, it is important to clean up all the debris and dust. This means vacuuming the floor and any surfaces where dust has settled. If you need to vacuum the area, it’s best to use a HEPA or ULPA hoover.
You should also wash any clothing you were wearing while working and take a shower to remove any dust from your skin and hair. You can use tape or a lint roller to pick up fibres from your skin.
It’s also important that you clean your eyes using water or an eye cleaning solution, don’t rub your eyes before you clean as it will irritate them.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you safely install insulation in your home. If you’re ever uncertain, consult a professional installer.
