The Basics of Insulation Safety

Although it serves its primary purpose well, fiberglass insulation can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, which is why it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions when handling it. In order to be safe and educated, keep in mind these basics of insulation safety.

Installation Safety

Insulation is usually installed by professionals, however there are cases where an experienced homeowner chooses to install it themselves. In either case, those handling the fiberglass should be cautious. Cover your skin as much as possible. Wearing loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and pants protects most of your body, but also remember to have on a hat and protective eye goggles, as well as gloves. 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.

When you are finished handling fiberglass insulation, remove your clothes and set them aside to wash in a separate load. It’s not uncommon for some of the fiberglass particles to linger on shirts and pants for days after they are worn. Thankfully, these particles are easily rinsed away by washing them.

Additional Fiberglass Safety Tips

• Keep fiberglass insulation in its original packaging for as long as possible.
• Use caution to avoid stirring up fiberglass particles into the air.
• Only use power tools with a built-in dust catcher on fiberglass insulation.
• Avoid rubbing your skin, eyes or mouth.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated before entering.

Our employees at Koala Insulation of Baltimore train in-house on how to properly handle, install and inspect various types of insulation.  Our local crew offers free evaluations so your household has a better understanding of your home’s needs. We also break down the current condition of your insulation so you can target pain points and future updates while taking into account your schedule and budget. Contact Koala Insulation of Baltimore to learn more about how our free evaluations can impact your comfort, safety, and savings.