Are there special handling guidelines for working with fiber glass insulation products?

As an industry, fiber glass manufacturers reference health and safety information and safe handling recommendations in their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and place health and safety warning labels on their packages.

Fiber glass manufacturers have put together "work smart" recommendations that provide practical safety measures designed to minimize any potential irritation. In all cases, however, manufacturers' specific recommendations as outlined in their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) should be consulted. They include recommendations such as:

• Use respirators when appropriate -- The use of respiratory protective devices may be appropriate under the following work conditions: (1) primary and secondary production of very fine glass wool products (products with nominal diameters less than 1??m); (2) installation of loose fill insulation; (3) work in any confined or poorly ventilated space; and (4) fabrication activities involving power tools. Consult individual manufacturers' MSDSs and product packaging for specific recommendations on the type and use of respirators.
• Wear loose clothing -- Loose clothing helps prevent these fibers from rubbing against skin. Depending upon the job conditions, gloves may also be necessary.
• Wear goggles or safety glasses -- Eye protection is recommended during fiber glass insulation tear-out, blowing operations, or overhead application of products containing fiber glass insulation.
• Do not rub or scratch your skin -- Remove any fiber glass particles from the skin by washing thoroughly but gently with warm water and mild soap.
• Wash your work clothing separately -- Wash clothing that has been worn while handling or using fiber glass insulation separately from other household laundry. This will prevent glass fibers from being transferred to other clothes. Rinse your washing machine thoroughly before using it again. If there are a lot of glass fibers on clothes, it is best to pre-soak and rinse the garments prior to washing.
• Keep your work area clean -- Avoid unnecessary handling of scrap fiber glass materials by keeping waste-disposal equipment as close to the working area as possible. Don't let scrap material or debris pile up on the floor or other areas. Follow an organized housekeeping program at all times.
• Prevent airborne dust -- Local exhaust ventilation, adequately designed and maintained, is the preferred method for the effective control of fiber glass dust. In particular, workers engaged in operations such as sawing, machining and/or blowing fiber glass have a greater potential for exposure.