blog




  • Essay / Safety: Handling material by hand - 886

    SafetyHandling material by handInsulated panels, although not very heavy, can be difficult to handle and transport, and the wind can catch them. Use good lifting techniques and body position when lifting or moving panels. Installation often requires working at unusual angles when accessing duct systems. Eye Protection Making minor modifications to the panel system or routing insulation can create dust and airborne particles. Wear safety glasses with side shields (Z87-1). On windy days you may need to wear mono goggles for added protection. Beware of sunlight reflecting off aluminum surfaces: wearing tinted safety glasses is a good idea. Hand Safety The aluminum foil edges of the panels are sharp (yes, that foil can cut you), and sharp corners and edges are common on ductwork. At a minimum, wear sturdy leather gloves when handling the material. Better yet, wear cut-resistant gloves, such as Kevlar® or equivalent. Tool Safety Make sure knife blades are sharp, electrical cords are not damaged, and tools are generally in good condition. Do not use damaged tools. Use the right tool for the job.Electrical SafetyWhenever necessary, participate in the lockout, tagout, test and trial process for energized equipment. Check the lock locations and make sure your personal control lock is installed in the correct locations. Most installations are carried out outdoors, in possibly humid conditions. When working in these areas with power tools, use ground fault circuit interrupters. Environmental conditions Plan for the unexpected. Be paranoid! Thoroughly inspect your work area for hazards. Look for pinch points, tripping hazards, live sources and other suspicious conditions. Find them in advance and dispose of them before you begin your work. Flat storage Store the sheet flat, preferably on a shelf near the work surface so that you can slide the sheet onto the work surface without bending it. You can store the insulating sheets either flat or on edge. In both cases, be careful not to damage the edges and corners. Develop a system for storing and tracking supplies and equipment. Keep enough on hand so you don't run out.StorageRaw materials and finished Techna-Duc® should be stored indoors, protected from moisture condensation, pending manufacturing and processing. field installation. Keep aluminum sheets dry. Moisture trapped between the leaves creates ugly black spots that cannot be removed. Stains do not weaken the product, but they are undesirable. If possible, arrange your workshop so that you can slide the sheets one at a time directly onto the work surface..