Insulation Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, power saws, knives, or scissors.75
• Fit, wrap, staple, or glue insulating materials to structures or surfaces, using hand tools or wires.74
• Cover and line structures with blown or rolled forms of materials to insulate against cold, heat, or moisture, using saws, knives, rasps, trowels, blowers, or other tools and implements.74
• Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments, or cement mortars.72
• Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers and regulate flow of materials through nozzles.72
• Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.70
• Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.67
• Read blueprints, and select appropriate insulation, based on space characteristics and the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.65
• Remove old insulation, such as asbestos, following safety procedures.61
• Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.59

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Coordination47

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Monitoring47

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operations Monitoring47

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Complex Problem Solving44

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Social Perceptiveness44

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Time Management44

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Learning41

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Judgment and Decision Making41

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Building and Construction59

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Customer and Personal Service51

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Mechanical51

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• English Language48

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Administration and Management45

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Transportation40

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Mathematics38

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Public Safety and Security37

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Design32

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Education and Training32

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Production and Processing29

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Physics28

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Extent Flexibility72

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Manual Dexterity63

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Multilimb Coordination63

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Gross Body Equilibrium60

  The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

• Trunk Strength60

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Control Precision56

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Visualization53

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Depth Perception50

  The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

• Finger Dexterity50

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Near Vision50

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Expression50

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects81

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Performing General Physical Activities74

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials68

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment67

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Getting Information65

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems62

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Controlling Machines and Processes58

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment57

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards53

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability74

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail64

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness52

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Stress Tolerance32

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Integrity31

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance29

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation26

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Cooperation24

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Control18

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Self-Confidence15

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Initiative5

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Adaptability3

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic96

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional50

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative13

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic5

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social1

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually70%
  • More than half the time23%

• Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

  • Every day75%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually54%
  • More than half the time28%
  • Less than half the time11%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day75%
  • Never11%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day60%
  • Once a week or more but not every day19%
  • Never14%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day29%
  • Once a week or more but not every day46%
  • Once a month or more but not every week26%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day38%
  • Once a week or more but not every day40%
  • Once a month or more but not every week16%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day53%
  • Once a week or more but not every day26%
  • Once a year or more but not every month12%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom30%
  • Some freedom48%
  • Limited freedom13%

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

  • Every day46%
  • Once a week or more but not every day31%
  • Never17%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important47%
  • Very important20%
  • Important11%
  • Fairly important22%

• Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day43%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Once a month or more but not every week25%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Data base user interface and query software

  CMSN FieldPAK, Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Analytical or scientific software

  North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus

• Project management software

  Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
• Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association
• Insulation Contractors Association of America
• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
• National Insulation Association
• Structural Insulated Panel Association
• National Center for Construction Education and Research
• North America's Building Trades Union

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Roofers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Carpenters
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Construction Laborers
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Helpers, Construction Trades

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.
• Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
• Install insulation in equipment or structures.
• Load materials into construction equipment.
• Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Select construction materials.
• Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
• Apply adhesives to construction materials.
• Prepare surfaces for finishing.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Composite Plastic Fabricator (Existing Title: Insulation Worker)
• Cork Insulator, Refrigerator Plt
• Insulator (Thermal) (Existing Title: Insulation Worker)