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.
For working with fiberglass insulation, it is recommended to use a mask specifically designed for particulate filtration, such as an N95 respirator or a similar type of respirator that is rated for fine particles.
Dust masks are rated by the level of protection they offer, ranking from FFP1 to FFP3. The higher the number, the greater the protection. We recommend a FFP3-rated disposable dust mask when working in the loft, especially when handling or cutting loft insulation. Look for ones with a valve for easier breathing.
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.
Yes, you should use a respirator when installing or removing fiberglass insulation. The small fibers can float in the air. If you inhale them, they can damage your lungs and even give you a type of pneumonia.
In addition to head coverings, protective goggles, a respirator, and gloves, a secondary disposable garment to protect your first layer of clothing is essential.
If this is you, it's always a good idea to have a set of fibreglass gloves at the ready in case you need to get something down. Fibreglass gloves should also be worn by people working construction who are laying loft insulation.
Take safety precautions – wear safety equipment, including gloves, dust mask, overalls, protective eye and footwear. Be careful when using ladders and stepladders. Make sure that someone is nearby and can help if you need it.
A good pair of jeans is arguably the most important staple item in your wardrobe, and it can serve a purpose even when it's past the point of being wearable. Broken down denim can be converted as insulation for your home to keep you warm on a cold winter's night.
Always wear protective clothing
It's good to always wear protective equipment when working in dusty roof spaces. In particular, wear gloves and a face mask when installing glasswool, mineral wool or cellulose fibre insulation. These materials can cause irritation to your skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract.
When worn correctly these respirators can reduce exposure to: Particulate matter, like smoke, wood dust, windblown dust, pollens, grass, asbestos, ash particles, etc. Thermally condensed particles like welding fumes (P2 only) Mists, or water droplets and aerosols (P2 only).
You can use respirators such as filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and elastomeric respirators (quarter-mask and half-mask types) at home and out in the community. Wearing a NIOSH Approved® respirator reduces your exposure to hazards in the air.
A. An N95 respirator is an air-purifying respirator (APR) certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors and cannot be used for asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.
This is what keeps the clouds of fiberglass particles from getting to me. I use a 3M 5P71 prefilter that blocks 95% of airborne particles. The prefilters are held in place by a retainer. This set-up is sold as a kit under the name 3M Pesticide & Paint Respirator.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) recommends loose, non-constricting clothing to minimize the risk for direct skin contact with fiberglass particles. Another key piece of PPE that shouldn't be overlooked when handling fiberglass insulation is a dust mask.
Gloves, eye protection, and respirators are the top three PPE items for insulation work. Gloves protect against skin irritation, eye protection shields the eyes from airborne fibers and debris, and respirators protect the lungs from inhaling hazardous fibers and particles.
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.
However, we do not recommend touching fiberglass insulation with bare hands. Because blown-in fiberglass is composed of tiny glass fibers, there is a high likelihood of these fibers becoming embedded in your skin. This doesn't necessarily make fiberglass insulation dangerous for your home.
Yes, mittens work well for skiing. They provide better warmth and insulation than gloves because the fingers are kept together, allowing for natural warmth generation. Mittens also tend to have more space inside, allowing for better circulation of air and sweat absorption.
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.
Wear a mask and goggles to prevent particles from coming in contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wear loose-fitted clothing with long sleeves and pants to prevent your skin from coming in contact with the particles. Loose-fitted clothing will help prevent skin rubbing and irritation6.