How To Safely Handle Fiberglass Insulation

How To Safely Handle Fiberglass Insulation

Insulation made from fiberglass is a popular choice for homes. It’s safe to work with as long as you follow proper safety guidelines. Fiberglass insulation consists of tightly packed long rolls or single batts (single unrolled pieces) of spun fiberglass fibers. It provides a great thermal barrier, but it can also attract moisture and grow mold. When working with it, try to keep it dry and use a vapor barrier to keep moisture out.

The Right Equipment

When you work with fiberglass, it’s important to wear the right clothes. This includes long pants, socks and boots, a hat and a long-sleeved shirt. While this may seem like a lot of clothing, it’s essential to help protect you from skin irritation that could result from touching the material. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves. Fiberglass insulation is made from thin glass fibers that can get into your skin or eyes if you don’t wear proper protection. It can also cause respiratory problems and aggravate underlying conditions such as asthma. It’s also possible for small pieces of fiberglass to break away while you’re handling it and land in your lungs. You should wear a respirator or paper mask to prevent these particles from getting into your breathing system.

Keep The Area Clean

Whether you’re working with fiberglass insulation in the office or the home, it’s important to keep the area clean. The material can release tiny particles that look like dust but can irritate the skin and eyes. Inhalation of these particles can aggravate respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis. If you’re working with fiberglass insulation in the home, make sure you have an adequate amount of ventilation and a shop vacuum to help get rid of the dust. If you don’t have access to a shop vacuum, it’s a good idea to open up windows and doors to let the air circulate around the insulation and get rid of the dust. And when it’s time to dispose of fiberglass, find a local landfill that accepts building supplies or a recycling facility. Use sealable heavy-duty trash bags to prevent the insulation from blowing through the house and causing annoying drywall repairs.

Don’t Rub

When you work with fiberglass insulation, it’s important to avoid rubbing your skin. This can make it itch and lead to rashes. Keeping your hands clean with a damp cloth is also an important step in safely handling fiberglass insulation. If you’re irritated or have itchy skin, try scrubbing off any of the strands that are stuck to your body with a cold shower to clear away all the particles. If you do notice itching and burning on your skin, stop rubbing immediately. You can try laying a strip of duct tape over the area, pressing it down gently until the shards come off. The American Lung Association recommends keeping children out of areas that are prone to accumulating fiberglass shards. This includes attics, playrooms, laundry rooms and other frequently occupied areas.

Categorised in: Fiberglass insulation