5 Safety Tips to Consider When Installing Insulation

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If you are installing insulation in your home, you need to take a few safety precautions. To keep yourself safe during this project, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Be Careful If Using Old Insulation

Using insulation that you've salvaged from an old property can be a useful way to save money, but you need to be careful if you select this option. In particular, if you are using very old insulation, it may have asbestos and that shouldn't be used at all.

If you're using insulation from a property that has water damage, that insulation may have mould which can be dangerous to inhale. When using recycled insulation, look it over to make sure there are no issues.

2. Wear Safety Gear If Working with Glasswool Insulation

Glass wool insulation has some particular dangers that you need to think about. In particular, the fibers can be inhaled and may irritate your lungs. The insulation can also scratch you. To avoid those risks, you should wear gloves and a respirator.

You don't need to worry about these safety tips if you're working with rigid insulation.

3. Make Sure You Have Safe Footing in the Attic

If you are installing insulation in an attic, you need to make sure that you have something firm to stand on. When working in an unfinished attic, there won't be a floor to stand on. You need to ensure that you stay on the beams and joists that can hold your weight.

4. Work With a Partner In Confined Spaces

Both attics and crawlspaces under the home are popular spots for insulation, but both of these areas are confined spaces. For a professional to work in a confined space, they need special training. As an individual homeowner doing a DIY project, you don't need that training, but you should be aware of the reason why it's required.

Basically, these areas don't have ample ventilation or headroom, and someone working in them may lose oxygen. To protect yourself, you should have someone on the outside of the work space making sure that you are okay. If you feel light headed or pass out, the other person can pull you out.

5. Consider Hiring a Professional

The safest thing you can do when it comes to installing insulation is to hire a professional. These experts can let you know what type of insulation you need, and they can install it for you.


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