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Insulation Workers, Mechanical - 47-2132.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Commercial Insulator
  • Heat and Frost Insulator
  • Industrial Insulator
  • Insulation Installer
  • Insulation Mechanic
  • Insulation Worker
  • Insulator
  • Insulator Journeyman
  • Mechanic Insulator
  • Mechanical Insulator

SOC Occupation Groups

47-0000 Construction and Extraction Occupations
47-2000 Construction Trades Workers
47-2130 Insulation Workers
47-2132.00 Insulation Workers, Mechanical

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement, or asphalt mastic.
  • Determine the amounts and types of insulation needed, and methods of installation, based on factors such as location, surface shape, and equipment use.
  • Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments or cement mortar.
  • Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.
  • Fit insulation around obstructions, and shape insulating materials and protective coverings as required.
  • Install sheet metal around insulated pipes with screws to protect the insulation from weather conditions or physical damage.
  • Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, knives, and scissors.
  • Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers, and to regulate flow of materials through nozzles.
  • Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.
  • Read blueprints and specifications to determine job requirements.
  • Remove or seal off old asbestos insulation, following safety procedures.
  • Select appropriate insulation, such as fiberglass, Styrofoam, or cork, based on the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.

Detailed Work Activities

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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Builder (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinery Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Machinist's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Naval Engineering Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Pipe Coverer & Insulator

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Insulation Worker
  • Insulation-Worker Apprentice
  • Pipe Coverer and Insulator