Insulation Removal

Confined Space Considerations:

Attics and crawlspaces often qualify as confined spaces due to their limited entry and exit points, poor ventilation, and potential hazards.

Prior to entry, assess potential hazards like electrical wiring, sharp objects, and potential structural weaknesses. 

Attics or crawlspaces that have any sort of contamination are considered permit required confined spaces.

This just means that a plan must be prepared for working in the environment. 

Be aware of the heat risks within attics, extreme caution should be taken during the summer seasons.

Removal Techniques:

For loose-fill insulation (fiberglass, cellulose), use an insulation vacuum with a long hose to remove the material into a filter bag outside.

• • • Wet insulation can be vacuumed with most insulation vacuum units, just not as quickly as dry material.

    • These bags should be placed in their final resting location prior to getting started. They can not be moved once full.

    • A tarp should be stretched across the filter bags to keep ripped bags from making a mess in the event a bag ruptures.

For batt insulation, carefully pull it from walls or ceilings, fold the material and place it in a heavy duty bag.

• • • For space saving, it's advisable to force the air out of the bag, then twist & tie it off. 

    • Ceiling insulation may have metal pins used to hold the insulation in place.

Safety Precautions:

Respiratory Protection: Respirators are essential, especially when dealing with fiberglass, cellulose, or potentially contaminated insulation.  

Skin Protection: Wear protective clothing & gloves to prevent skin irritation.  

Eye Protection: Wear googles ideally with protection against floating fibers in the air. 

• A full face respirator takes care of both the respiratory as well as eye protection issues.

Head Protection: Wear protective headgear to avoid nails & screws as well as to avoid hitting your head on objects.

Asbestos Awareness:

Older buildings may contain asbestos in many insulation materials.  

If asbestos is suspected, do not disturb the insulation.  

• • • Contact a qualified asbestos testing company for testing and removal potential removal.

Electrical Hazards: Always exercise caution while working in attics & crawlspaces around electrical wiring.

• Loose wiring may be discovered in the insulation as you're removing it.

Falling Hazards: Take special care when working in attics, working at height can be dangerous.

• Working at heights where the fall would be greater than 6' requires fall protection equipment. 

• Only walk on nailed/screwed down walk boards/planks, or directly on the framing members in the attic.

• Stepping onto drywall or plaster will lead to damage & potential serious injury.

Lighting: Confined spaces will most likely have poor lighting. Be sure to have adequate portable lighting.  

Working in the dark will likely lead to unnecessary, potentially serious injuries. 

Containments: Barriers may be required to isolate the work area from the unaffected areas of the house.

Air Filtration: In addition to respirators, the use of HEPA filtration is recommended to control dust generated.

Bagging and Disposal:

Heavy-Duty Bags: Use heavy-duty bags to bag up removed insulation.

Disposal:

Due to the large volume created by insulation, plan for many bags & a large container.

Preparation and Safety (Walls and Ceiling insulation removal):

Containments were likely setup prior to drywall removal

Furniture & drying equipment was already removed from the area prior to removal of drywall.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Same as when Drywall was removed

• • Full-face or half-face respirators with appropriate filters.

  • Heavy-duty gloves.

  • Coveralls or disposable clothing.

  • Footwear with good traction.

Insulation Removal:

Wall Insulation:

If drywall was removed at the 2' line as for a flood cut, cut the insulation with a razor knife, do not pull down on the insulation to remove it.

• • • Stuff excess insulation back up into the wall cavity.

    • Pulling insulation down prior to cutting it can create gaps in the insulation, which can lead to hot or cold spots.

Inspection:

After removing the insulation, inspect the wall cavities for mold, rot or termite infestations.

Ceiling Insulation Removal (Working at Height):

Ladder Safety:

• Use a sturdy, stable ladder that is appropriate for the height of the ceiling.

• Ensure the ladder is placed on a level surface.

• Never over reach while on the ladder

  • Come down, and move the ladder each time.

• Use a ladder that is rated for the weight of the user, and the weight of the materials being worked with.

• Toss removed insulation onto the ground for bagging.

  • Wet insulation should be dropped directly into a bag where ever possible.

Bagging and Disposal:

Heavy-Duty Bags:

• • Use thick, puncture-resistant bags to bag up the loose batted insulation.

  • Contractor grade bags are recommended.

Compression:

• • Compress the insulation in the bags as much as possible to maximize bag capacity.

    • Be cautious about metallic insulation pins, as they can poke & cut employees.

  • This reduces the number of bags needed and minimizes disposal requirements.

Sealing:

• • Seal bags tightly with tape to prevent bags from releasing particulate during transport.

  • Bags can also be tied off in situations where the insulation isn't contaminated.

Disposal:

• • Due to the nature of insulation, it's advisable to use a large container to haul away removed insulation.

  • Although it doesn't weigh much, it's volume can be substantial. 

Cleanup:

• • Vacuum the work area with a HEPA vacuum after sweeping.

Documentation:

• Photographs:

  • Take photos of the work area before work started (before drywall removal), during drywall & insulation removal, and finally after demo is complete in work area.

  • Document any related or unrelated damage or contamination found.