Common insulation hazards and controls

1. WHS common insulation
hazards, risks and controls

2. Introduction
• Common hazards for insulation
installers
• How to identify these
• How are the risks controlled
• Safe work practices
WHS common
insulation hazards,
risks and controls

3. Common insulation hazards
• Electrical hazards and risks (covered in a separate
section)
• Working at heights and falls from heights
(covered in a separate section)
• Asbestos containing materials (ACM)
• Confined spaces / restricted access areas
• Synthetic mineral fibres, dust, vermin / pests
• Hot and cold working environments and UV
• Safe work practices WHS common
insulation hazards,
risks and controls

4. Asbestos containing materials (ACM)
Asbestos can be found in many areas of buildings, especially those
built or renovated prior to 1990 including bonded form (around
eaves, ceilings, wet areas etc), and friable form (around hot water
pipes etc)
Never try to remove asbestos – law states that people who assess
and remove asbestos must be licensed
You must immediately report the presence (or suspected presence)
of asbestos to your supervisor.

5. Identification of ACM
The main construction materials used are made from
timber, brick, steel and cement sheet. If cement sheet is
present and was installed up until 1990, it is likely to
contain asbestos bonded to the cement particles. For
example, a roof made from corrugated cement sheeting is
likely to contain asbestos.
Areas of buildings that are prone to wet conditions may
contain asbestos in the walls and floors, and ceilings. For
example, bathrooms, toilets and laundries may have
asbestos sheeting or vinyl tiles.
Likewise, pipes throughout the building that carry water
and sewage may also contain asbestos.
Insert diagrams (links) Asbestos containing
materials

6. Asbestos and ceiling insulation
Exposure to asbestos (https://alertforce.com.au/new-campaign-to-
improve-ceiling-safety/)
Insulation installed prior to 2003 may contain bonded or friable asbestos
fibres. This potential exposure to asbestos is a significant risk to individual’s
long-term health.
When insulation or other materials are disturbed within a confined space, the
fibres can become airborne and densely fill the breathing space of a worker.
When an individual inhales airborne asbestos fibres, they risk developing
serious lung diseases, such as the fatal cancer mesothelioma.
Avoiding exposure to asbestos is a vitally important step to protecting the
health and wellbeing of any individual working in a ceiling space. This can
include wearing approved breathing masks and obtaining asbestos awareness
training to ensure they can easily identify and avoid potential asbestos fibres.
Personal protective equipment, such as P2 graded masks and disposable
coveralls, should always be worn when dealing with asbestos. This mitigates
the risk of inhaling fibres or spreading them to other items of clothing when
attempting to launder the work outfit.
Asbestos containing
materials

7. Identification of ACM (con’t)
• A thorough inspection of all areas of the workplace
must be conducted, including all areas of the
building that will be accessed by workers during the
installation including; ceiling spaces, cellars, shafts,
storage areas and wall cavities.
• An asbestos register may be available
• A risk assessment should be undertaken if the
likelihood of ACM being present is high
• Knowledge of materials used in the construction of
the building or experience and findings from
inspections of similar sections of the building (or
similar buildings) may also assist Asbestos containing
materials

8. Controlling risks associated with ACMs
Asbestos cop
• Asbestos register
• Asbestos management plan (risk management)
• Consultation with workers
• SWMS, signs and labels, PPE and safe work
procedures;
– A safe work procedure for collecting samples to be tested
would include actions such as: − isolating the area where
the sample is to be collected − assessing if the area is safe
to enter − minimising dust − wearing suitable PPE − sealing
the samples, and storing and transporting them in a safe,
secure manner Asbestos containing
materials

9. Tools and equipment - ACM
The Code of Practice: How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace,
specifies tools and equipment that must not be used on asbestos or ACM unless
the use of the equipment is controlled. This highlights safe work practices for use
in areas that may contain asbestos as well as other contaminates such as
accumulated dust in celling spaces, vermin droppings, fibre glass.
The use of high-pressure water and compressed air is prohibited under the WHS
Regulations as they can cause asbestos to become friable.
Power tools, brooms and any other equipment or tool that may release airborne
asbestos in the workplace must not be used. Use manually operated (non-
powered) hand tools, or if unsuitable, battery powered tools, fitted with a Local
Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) dust control hood, in conjunction with wet methods for
dust control.
Where power tools with dust suppression/extraction are used, exposure
monitoring should be carried out. If more than half the exposure standard is
exceeded, (0.1 fibres/ml) work should be stopped and improvements made to the
controls being used.
Asbestos containing
materials

10. Risk management for the presence
of friable asbestos
If an approved installer identifies friable asbestos while delivering an EEIS eligible activity,
they need to follow the risk treatment steps listed below:
(1) Stop work;
(2) Notify immediate supervisor;
(3) Notify the principle contractor;
(4) The principle contractor should notify the retailer;
(5) Notify Worksafe ACT and request a 5 day notification waiver, according to section 466 of the Work Health and
Safety Regulation 2011.
(6) Deleted as relates to the removal of asbestos procedure
(7) The principle contractor should inform the owner and tenant of the residential premises. Unless the following
actions are undertaken, then this residential premise is no longer eligible for any EEIS activities.
Once it is identified that friable asbestos may be present the following steps should be completed to ensure that
it is safe for work to continue. Note: The home owner is responsible for all costs of inspections and/or removal of
asbestos
(8) A licensed asbestos assessor is engaged by the home owner to verify whether asbestos is, or is not present
(9 )If verified, by a licensed asbestos assessor, that there is no asbestos, inform the principle contractor. The
principle contractor can now deliver these insulation activities and other EEIS activities at this residential
premises.
(10) If verified that there is asbestos by the licensed asbestos assessor they need to notify the home owner and
engage the services of a licensed asbestos removalist who requests a five day notification waiver to remove the
asbestos.
(11) The site must be made safe via appropriate removal of the asbestos by a licensed asbestos removalist, once
approval by Access Canberra is given, and clearance certificate issued by a licensed asbestos assessor.
Asbestos containing
materials

11. Confined Spaces / restricted access areas

12. Confined spaces
A confined space is a space of any size which:​
• Is not intended as a regular workplace (eg some roof spaces,
tanks, etc​
• Has restricted means for entry and exit​
• May have an atmosphere that is contaminated or lacking in
oxygen​
• Has special requirements such as a permit for work provisions
for rescue and first aid, communication and people acting as
`spotters`​
• Often covered by Australian Standards and require separate
training​
• Many roof spaces pose potential hazards as they are cramped,
dark, dusty and unsafe to move around in except on structural
members – they can also get very hot​

13. Spaces with restricted access
Ceiling spaces –a ceiling space, for the purposes of
installing insulation is not a confined space; see
Code of Practice Appendix B
(https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-08/model_code_of_practice_confined_spaces.pdf)

14. Controlling risks in restricted access areas
• Please watch the video Confined spaces
• Please watch the video Insulating ceilings
• Refer to ICANZ Handbook

15. Synthetic mineral fibres (SMFs)
• Synthetic mineral fibres (SMFs) (fibres made from
fibreglass/glassrock or other materials used for insulation or
reinforcement of cement and plaster building materials)
• Since 2001, all insulation products manufactured in
Australia have been based on mineral wool fibre which is
biosoluble FBS-1 Glasswool or Rockwool, regarded as non-
hazardous and non-dangerous goods
• Ceiling insulation in older homes may have rockwool
Rockwool has been used as insulation since the late 1800s, and
was popular as both blown-in and batts insulation during the
1950s, is not made with ACM however years of accumulated
dust and vermin droppings make it highly advisable to avoid
breathing in the dust and masks should be worn.

16. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety data Sheets are documents developed by product manufacturers that
provide critical information about hazardous materials and chemicals. For
example, they include information on:
• the product’s identity and ingredients
• health and physical hazards
• safe handling and storage procedures
• emergency procedures
• disposal considerations.
For more information on SDSs see the Safe work Australia website
See also the following links for access to manufactures’ SDSs
• Knauf insulation
• Bradfield insulation
Note: search the term SUIS (Safe use instruction sheets – denoting the non-
hazardous nature of the products and therefore the non requirement to produce
SDSs for them.

17. Dust in ceiling spaces and underfloor
As mentioned previously, dust build up in these areas in
older homes could contain ACM from pipe lagging, bonded
asbestos used as packing in floor joists, or waste off cuts from
wet areas – an initial inspection and sampling must be
undertaken must occur if the presence of ACMs is suspected.
Dust inhalation as an occupational hazard can also lead to
sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, lung tissue
swelling, asthma and throat infections.
Accumulated exposure in some workers could also lead to
occupational lung diseases

18. Vermin in ceiling spaces and underfloor
Vermin are pests or nuisance animals, such as
insects, birds, and rodents that may create safety
and health hazards for workers.
Workers at outdoor worksites, as well as in
enclosed spaces, have the potential for exposure to
vermin that can cause bites or stings.
Birds and rodents can also transmit disease directly,
as well as through their urine or faeces.

19. Controls for pests and vermin
• Before working in a ceiling space, individuals should
ensure any vermin or insect activity has been
eliminated or minimised through extermination or
other methods
• use crawl boards to walk across ceiling space
• ensure your entry and exit points are easily
accessible
• use appropriate personal protective equipment such
as gloves and masks
• Follow site sanitation procedures such as washing
hands, use designated eating areas and store food
and food waste appropriately.

20. Response to incidents
• If a bite or sting occurs, workers should seek
medical attention as soon as possible.
• Any exposure to an animal or their leavings
should be followed by adequate personal
hygiene solutions, such as disinfectant and full
body showers.
• If any illness or pain is detected, individuals
should visit their doctor or local hospital.

21. Hot and cold working environments and UV
• VIDEO - Working in hot weather
https://vimeo.com/224153683
• ICANZ Handbook Page 41.

22. Hot and cold working environments
Installing insulation can expose you to particular risks (eg radiant heat in the
roof space, or UV radiation, wind chill, thermal hazards on the roof
The effects of heat and cold on the body are affected by the environment
through:
air temperature (how hot or cold the surrounding air is)
humidity (the moisture content in the air)
air movement including wind speed and air circulation
radiant heat (from the sun, given out by plant, buildings, equipment
etc)
All workers must be trained in heat-risk
awareness and how to recognise heat
stress symptoms in themselves and their
workmates

23. Controlling the risk of hot and cold extremes
Installers must understand the difference between discomfort, and
hypothermia, heat stroke and heat exhaustion/ stress which can mean
serious medical conditions
• Avoid extreme heat – reschedule work to cooler times in
the day
• Share the work around – take turns at working in roof
spaces
• Take regular breaks from the extreme temperature
• Drink water - keep hydrated
• Keep a check on safety attitude
• If overheating; cramps, dizzy or feel like throwing up –
slow down move to the shade or airconditioned area,
loosen clothes and remove PPE is safe to do so, wet down
clothes, let others know, if gets worse seek medical
attention.

24. UV radiation
Comes from the sun as well as lasers, welding flashes and
high intensity lighting
Passes through the skin and harms living body cells (sunburn
and can cause potentially fatal melanomas) – eyes are also at
risk
Be sensible and protect your eyes and skin – wear correct PPE
ankle to wrist clothing and head and neck protection as well as
sunscreen and Uv rated safety glasses.

25. General site safe work practices
Safe working practices means working in a way
that minimises risk to yourself, other people,
equipment, materials, the environment, and
work processes.
In addition to applying the risk management
principles you have learnt the following
practices must be adhered to;

26. Safe work practices
• Do not take unnecessary risks
• Always look out for hazards
• Always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• If you must smoke, do so only in designated areas
• Keep your work area clean and tidy
• Enter and leave the workplace using proper
routes
• Never attend work under the influence of drugs
or alcohol

27.  Storage of materials and equipment:
 safe and organised manner so they can be retrieved again safely
 in accordance with SDS and legislation
 cannot fall on a person or cause injury (eg through projection of sharp edges)
 flammable and combustible materials – do not store more than is necessary!
 Removal of debris:
 should continually be removed to prevent build up
 build up could affect entry/exit to a site and pose a fire hazard
 disposal must not create a risk to the environment
 Litter:
 includes things such as food scraps and wrappings, paper etc
 must be disposed of in proper containers (eg garbage bins)
 disposal must not pose a risk to the environment
Working safely
Tips for keeping the worksite safe:

28.  Good housekeeping:
 essential to a safe work site
 every-day cleanliness, tidiness and good order in your work area
 machinery and equipment maintenance so they are in
safe and efficient working order
 Tools and machinery
 Knives, cutters, staple guns etc pose hazards, particularly in confined spaces
and when used around electricals
 Other equipment (eg machinery used to pump loosefill) pose risk and need
to keep clothing and hands well clear
 Use only tools and equipment that are serviced, checked and safe to use
 Cover knife blades when not in use, and lock in place when in use
Working safely
Tips for keeping the worksite safe:

29. Remember your duty of care
WHS Act section 28
Duties of workers
Workers have a duty to take reasonable care for
their own health and safety and to not adversely
affect the health and safety of other persons.
Workers must comply with reasonable instructions,
as far as they are reasonably able, and cooperate
with reasonable health and safety policies or
procedures that have been notified to worker.