Occupation

Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Human Advantage 69%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.3 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Apply insulating materials to pipes or ductwork, or other mechanical systems in order to help control and maintain temperature.

Also Known As: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer), Blanket Maker, Boiler Coverer, Commercial Insulator, Duct Insulator, Firestopper Installer, Firestopper Technician (Firestopper Tech), Heat and Frost Insulator +18 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
  2. Apply, remove, and repair insulation on industrial equipment, pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems such as heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels, to help control noise and maintain temperatures.
  3. Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.
  4. Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
  5. Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
  6. Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
  7. Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
  8. Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
  9. Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
72%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
21%
Less than a High School Diploma
8%

Technology & Tools

Software (5)

  • CMSN FieldPAK
  • Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
  • IBM Maximo Asset Management
  • North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
  • Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

Tools & Equipment (43)

  • Acetylene torches
  • Adjustable widemouth pliers
  • Air compressors
  • Air filtering devices
  • Aviation snips
  • Batt knives
  • Beader crimpers
  • Caulking guns
  • Chalk lines
  • Conduit benders
  • Copper benders
  • Copper cutters
  • Desktop computers
  • Drop cloths
  • Filtered vacuum cleaners
  • Hacksaws
  • Hammer staplers
  • Hole saws
  • Hooded protective suits
  • Industrial sewing machines
  • Knives
  • Ladders
  • Notebook computers
  • Painters whites
  • Pneumatic staplers
  • Power drills
  • Power saws
  • Protective suits
  • R-value rulers
  • Reciprocating saws
  • Respirators
  • Safety glasses
  • Saws
  • Scaffolding
  • Scissors
  • Screwdrivers
  • Sheet metal cutters
  • Sheet metal templates
  • Staple guns
  • Stilts
  • Stud scrubbers
  • Tape measures
  • Trowels

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Skilled Trades Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Insulation Workers, Mechanical You are here

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