Insulation Workers, Mechanical

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Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Careers / Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Summary Description


	Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Air Conditioning Insulation Installer

2.	Blanket Maker

3.	Boiler Coverer

4.	Commercial Insulator

5.	Firestopper Installer

6.	Firestopper Technician

7.	Heat and Frost Insulator

8.	Industrial Insulator

9.	Insulation Helper

10.	Insulation Installer

11.	Insulation Machine Operator

12.	Insulation Mechanic

13.	Insulation Power Unit Tender

14.	Insulation Worker

15.	Insulation Worker Apprentice

16.	Insulation Worker Furnace Installer

17.	Insulator

18.	Mechanic Insulator

19.	Mechanical Insulator

20.	Pipe Coverer

21.	Pipe Coverer and Insulator

22.	Pipe Insulator

23.	Refrigeration Insulator

24.	Scaffold Builder

25.	Sheet Metal Insulator

Job Tasks

	Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.

	Remove or seal off old asbestos insulation, following safety procedures.

	Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.

	Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.

	Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws in order to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.

	Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.

	Select appropriate insulation such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.

	Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.

	Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.

	Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.

	Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments or cement mortar.

	Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers, and to regulate flow of materials through nozzles.

	Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		read blueprints

		read tape measure

		read technical drawings

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings

		climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles

		cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials

		build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting

		erect scaffold

		move or fit heavy objects

		install insulating materials

		load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand construction specifications

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.


		select insulation materials

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use hand or power tools

		use measuring devices in construction or extraction work

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use hazardous materials information

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Insulation Workers
	Properly insulated buildings reduce energy consumption by keeping heat in during the winter and out in the summer. Vats, tanks, vessels, boilers, steam and hot-water pipes, and refrigerated storage rooms also are insulated to prevent the wasteful loss of heat or cold and to prevent burns. Insulation also helps to reduce the noise that passes through walls and ceilings. Insulation workers install the materials used to insulate buildings and mechanical equipment.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Insulation Workers
	Insulation workers generally work indoors in residential and industrial settings. They spend most of the workday on their feet, either standing, bending, or kneeling. They also work from ladders or in confined spaces. Their work usually requires more coordination than strength. In industrial settings, these workers often insulate pipes and vessels at temperatures that may cause burns. Minute particles from insulation materials, especially when blown, can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

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Before his music career, Elvis Costello worked as a computer programmer.

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