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

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

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)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

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

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Insulators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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