Loose-fitting, long-sleeved and long-legged clothing is recommended to prevent irritation1. A headcover is also recommended, especially when working with material overhead. Gloves are also recommended. Skin irritation cannot occur if there is no contact with the skin.
Long-sleeved clothing: Wear long sleeves and trousers to minimise skin exposure to insulation materials. Dust mask or respirator: Use a dust mask or a respirator rated for fibreglass particles to prevent inhalation of harmful fibres.
Safety Risks: Installing insulation involves handling materials that can be harmful to your health, such as fiberglass or spray foam chemicals. Without proper protective gear and knowledge of safety precautions, you may put yourself at risk.
The dust of cellulose can still be hazardous for your eyes and lungs. If you are near cellulose being installed and do not wear a mask, you will inhale dust and irritate your lungs.
Long-sleeved shirts and long-legged pants, gloves, and head coverings are generally recommended to protect against skin irritation when working with fiberglass insulation. In some cases, eye protection and respiratory protection may also be necessary.
Blown Fiberglass in Attics
Installers blowing insulation wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator (N95 or greater). No workers, unless they wear a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece dust respirator (N95 or greater), should be permitted in the attic during or immediately after the application.
Leaving Too Many Gaps
One of the biggest problems DIY homeowners face is leaving too many gaps in their insulation. Gaps or insulation that isn't secured correctly can leave the building structure open to air and moisture leaks. Spray foam insulation is best for reaching into small cracks and any areas left open.
While touching fiberglass doesn't usually lead to long-term effects on your health, exposure to it may cause intense itching, redness, or a rash. So, it's important to remove fiberglass from your skin as soon as possible so it doesn't come in contact with your eyes, nose, or throat.
You wouldn't want to hover over the crew during the installation, but you can absolutely still hang out in another part of your home where the work isn't happening. The spray foam products we use contain a very low concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so any odor you notice shouldn't be strong.
Before Installing Insulation
Check your local building code for R-value (insulation level) recommendations and any vapor barrier requirements that apply to your area. Seal gaps that allow unconditioned air into the space you're insulating. Pay attention to areas where plumbing, ductwork or wiring enter the space.
To avoid transferring fiberglass to other clothes, wash them separately. Run the clothes through a regular wash on the cold water setting. Add your preferred laundry detergent and fabric softener, and set the water temperature to cold. You may need to run the wash twice to ensure all of the fiberglass is removed.
Never place insulation close to water heaters, oil burners or anything hot. The backing is especially flammable and will be a major fire hazard for your home.
Wear a mask over the nose and mouth to prevent breathing in the fibers. Wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields to protect the eyes. Open a window or a door to increase ventilation and reduce dust levels. Use a shop vacuum after wetting the dust and fibers.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.
OSHA requires hand protection in cases where the skin is exposed to hazards. Not only can the mechanics of cutting insulation materials pose a potential danger, but the materials themselves may irritate the skin and cause dermatitis. Therefore, wearing gloves is crucial when handling insulation.
In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.
Despite protective clothing and a sprinkle of baby powder, fiberglass particles may still linger. As such, you might want to shower twice. First, take a cold shower to rinse off any particles. The cold keeps your pores closed, so you no longer have to worry about fiberglass seeping into your skin.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This includes protective goggles, long pants, socks, boots, long-sleeved shirt and a cap. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) recommends loose, non-constricting clothing to minimize the risk for direct skin contact with fiberglass particles.
Common symptoms may include irritated, itchy, watery, or burning sensation of the eyes, nose, or throat, or itchy skin or skin rashes. Occasionally, some people report breathing difficulties, especially if they are asthmatic or have other breathing disorders.
First, leave your work area to prevent the inhalation of fiberglass particles. Wash the area with mild soap and cold water immediately. The sooner you can wash the fiberglass off, the less irritation it causes.
N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors and cannot be used for asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.
Respirators and masks intended for particles reduce your exposure by filtering some particles out and blocking droplets when you inhale. They can help protect you from particles like smoke, air pollution, mold, and germs in the air you inhale.