Job description Firestopping Insulator in the Thompson–Okanagan Region

Find out what work is like for a firestopping insulator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Insulators (NOC 72321).

Insulators

Description

Insulators apply insulation materials to plumbing, air-handling, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, piping equipment and pressure vessels, and walls, floors and ceilings of buildings and other structures, to prevent or reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound or fire. They are employed by construction companies and insulation contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Work week duration

Insulators usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Insulators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine insulation requirements and select type of insulation required
  • Measure and cut insulating material to required dimensions using hand and power tools
  • Apply and secure insulation using spraying, blowing, pasting, strapping, taping and other application and installation methods
  • Fit insulation around obstructions and between studs and joists
  • Install vapour barriers
  • Apply waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces
  • Remove asbestos or urea-formaldehyde insulation from buildings when required.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Standing
  • Keeping or regaining balance

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Insulators are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Construction companies
  • Insulation contractors
  • Self-employed

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • High places
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Indoors, not environmentally controlled
  • Sound and noise
  • Skin injury
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Specialized safety equipment

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72321), and a list of similar occupations:

  • boiler and pipe insulator
  • building insulator
  • firestopping insulator
  • heat and frost insulator
  • insulation applicator
  • insulation mechanic
  • insulator
  • insulator apprentice
  • sound insulator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Date modified: