Topic > Safety: Handling Materials by Hand - 886

SafetyHandling Materials by Hand Insulation panels, while not particularly heavy, can be awkward to handle and transport, and wind can catch them. Use good lifting techniques and body position when lifting or moving panels. Installation often requires working at unusual angles when accessing duct systems. Eye Protection Making small changes to the panel system or routing for insulation can create airborne dust and particulates. Wear safety glasses with side shields (Z87-1). In windy conditions, you may need to wear a mask for additional protection. Be careful of sunlight reflecting off aluminum surfaces - wearing tinted safety glasses is a good idea. Hand Safety The edges of the aluminum foil on the panels are sharp (yes, that foil can cut you), and sharp corners and edges are common on ductwork. At a minimum, wear sturdy leather gloves when handling the material. Even better, wear cut-resistant gloves, such as Kevlar® or equivalent. Tool Safety Make sure knife blades are sharp, electrical cords are not damaged, and tools are in good overall condition. Do not use damaged tools. Use the right tool for the job. Electrical Safety Where necessary, participates in the lockout, tagging, testing and trial process for energized equipment. Check block locations and make sure your personal control block is installed in the correct places. Most installations are performed outdoors in possibly humid conditions. When working in these areas with power tools, use RCDs. Environmental Conditions Plan for the unexpected. Be paranoid! Carefully inspect your work area for any hazards. Look for pinch points, tripping hazards, power sources and other suspicious conditions. Identify them early and eliminate them before starting work. Stock flat Store sheet metal flat, preferably on a shelf near your countertop so you can slide the sheet across the countertop without bending it. You can store the insulation sheets either flat or on the edge. In either case, be careful not to dent the edges and corners. Develop a system to store and track supplies and equipment. Keep enough on hand so you don't run out. Storage Raw materials and finished Techna-Duc® should be stored indoors, away from condensing moisture, pending fabrication and field installation. Keep aluminum foil dry. Moisture trapped between sheets creates unsightly black stains that cannot be removed. Stains do not weaken the product, but are undesirable. If possible, organize your shop so you can slide the sheets one at a time directly onto the work surface.